With crisp, autumnal days well on their way, we decided to take a trip down to our Guildford hangout, Kalm Kitchen Café to meet manager Martyna Cawdron and see what the new season has in store….

// Martyna, describe Kalm Kitchen Café to anyone who hasn’t been here before

We’re a small, creative café serving up favourites from breakfast though to barista coffee, lunch, cakes and loads of freshly baked treats. Because we’re independent we’re completely individual and we offer a great range of wholesome, healthy food, including vegan and gluten-free options. All our food is freshly made every day at Kalm Kitchen HQ, or provided by carefully chosen suppliers. We’re also spoilt when it comes to location too – right next to the new Tunsgate Centre and literally in the shadows of the castle.

// You’re known for heavenly cakes! Tell us a few highlights we can expect to find on the counter

Our cakes and bakes are always a real hit with our customers. The selection is plentiful and changes regularly, but you’ll always find a Banana Loaf, Gluten-Free Brownies, hand-rolled KK Energy Balls and – our bestseller – Cookie Dough Brownies. They are something else!

// And what can we look forward to on the breakfast and lunch menus?

Breakfast is a big event at Kalm Kitchen Café! We open our doors at 8am with a fab selection of healthy starts such as freshly pressed smoothies, House Granola and Porridge. Then there are classics such as Eggs on Toast, and a full Kalm Kitchen Café breakfast, plus a vegetarian option. We like to think our Avocado on Toast is a cut above too – freshly made Guacamole with a subtle, spicy kick served up on sourdough. Lunch is a visual treat; we do things differently by laying out all our mains and salads on the counter. Customers love to browse and choose what they fancy. Today, we have for example, Roasted Aubergine, Harissa Roasted Chicken and – my favourite – Falafel with Lemon & Tahini dressing in the mix. And every day there’s a choice of tasty salads too.

// What can we expect to see new on the menu this autumn?

One really exciting addition is our new range of Hotpots. Each week we’ll have two different dishes to choose from, one meat and one vegetarian. We’re kicking off with a really hearty and wholesome Nashville Smoked Pork and Tomato Ragu alongside Apricot & Chickpea Smoked Tomato Stew. But, look out for Malay Chicken Curry, Roasted Root Vegetable & Squash Stew, and Curried Cauliflower, amongst others, in the coming weeks. They’ll all be served up with a choice of two salads on the side. The perfect, filling lunch for the colder weather!

// Anything else special coming up this season?

At Kalm Kitchen Café we have lovely outside spaces at the front and back, so to encourage people to use them all year round we’re providing blankets and hot water bottles to keep customers warm if they choose to eat or enjoy a coffee al fresco. We’re dog friendly – inside and out – but it’s nice if people want to choose to sit outside and watch the world go by, whatever the weather. What could be more cosy on a cold day than drinking a hot chocolate outside wrapped in a blanket? We’ll even ‘pimp’ your hot chocolate with some sweet and tasty additions (and Bailey’s if you’re feeling a bit naughty).

// What are some of the more unusual items on the menu?

Our Lattes are definitely talked about. There’s Charcoal Latte – with activated charcoal powder and date syrup. It’s said to boost your gut health. Or try a Turmeric Latte – also known as Golden Milk, this is a good one for kick-starting your immune system and is believed to be anti-inflammatory. Then there’s Matcha Latte – vibrant green in colour, like a super strong green tea and stacked with antioxidants.

// Any plans to open Kalm Kitchen Café in the evening?

Look out for a weekly Supper Club, coming soon. We’re also available for private hire, so our two levels are a great place to celebrate a special anniversary or host a quirky, intimate function. We’ve had everything from birthdays to baby showers, and school social evenings at Kalm Kitchen Café.

// It’s clearly a busy place to work Martyna. What’s your secret to keeping things ticking along?

My drink is Americano with oat milk, which I try to limit to two a day. And the occasional Cookie Dough Brownie!

 

Kalm Kitchen Cafe, 6 Tunsgate Guildford GU1 3QT | 01483 813360

Opening hours: 8am – 5pm Monday – Friday | 8am – 5.30pm Saturday | 9.30am – 5pm Sunday

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For corporate or private hire enquiries contact café@kalmkitchen.co.uk