TRURO, N.S.
A taste of Britain can now be enjoyed in Truro almost every day of the week.
As well as serving at the Truro Farmers’ Market on Saturdays, Jane and Chris Elgee have opened the Great British Grub café at 535 Prince St., in the former Fair Trade Café location.
“We used to have a catering business in Britain, and I’m a trained chef so when the opportunity to take over this place came along we decided we’d try it,” said Jane.
The Elgee family, including their two children, came to Canada, from Lancashire, eight years ago. Their food became a hit when they began serving at the Truro Farmers’ Market. They began offering food at the café in mid-April.
The breakfast menu includes full English, Celtic and Canadian breakfasts, as well as butties, pancakes and porridge.
“We have things like home-cooked shepherd’s pie, and bangers and mash, and Thursday is corned beef and cabbage day,” said Jane. “We try to post on our Facebook page to let people know what’s being served.”
Favourites like Cornish pasties, steak and ale pies, steak and kidney pies, Lancashire Hotpot, roast beef dinner, Eccles cakes and sticky toffee pudding can often be found, and Just Us Fair Trade coffee is served.
The Elgee’s offer local foods, such as sweet treats from Vanderpoel’s pastry.
The café has been repainted, with some new art added, including many flags; the exterior includes several eye-catching Union Jacks.
“Now that people are noticing, we’re getting lots of remarks,” said Jane. “We’re getting a positive response.”
She said they hope to continue offering their food at the farmers’ markets in both Truro and New Glasgow, as well as at the café.
Great British Grub café is open Tuesday to Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (kitchen closes at 2:30 p.m.); Friday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., with live music in the evening; and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
