The Ginger Cat

Last updated: 8 February 2006

The Ginger Cat is a small eating-house in the cottage on the lane past Forest View, toward the trees. It was opened in the 1990s. They call it a bistro. It is not a public house and it is not the inn. It is not Sunday tea. Visitors ask for it, and it is a place that is open.

The Ginger Cat, from the lane. Photograph supplied by the house; the cat in the window is the present one.

The rooms were fitted when the house opened and have been left as they were. The lighting is low. There are posters of the sort that were common in the towns in those years, and plants in the window. A cat is usually present, from which the house takes its name. Seating is at small tables.

They serve a pizza, prepared without meat and without milk or eggs. That is the usual offering. There is soup in winter, when they have it. There is a chart of the body on the wall, marked with centres which they call chakras. We do not keep a copy at the desk.

Next door, toward the trees, is Armstrong's, the photograph shop. It is not signed from the green. There is no parking at the house; leave the car at the hall. This office does not take bookings for it, and we do not list a telephone. Letters to the house should go there, not here. A flask remains a kindness on the trail. Falstone is still the practical supper, and Sunday tea, when it is served, is at the hall.