Cranberry

Otley as a town doesn’t really get enough credit in my humble opine. A lot of people tend to focus their attentions within Leeds centre without exploring the outer edges, and I too am guilty of this for most of the year. But, when the opportunity does arise, I often accept with willing.
Otley is a community town, there’s always a tonne of local events going on, and there’s a community ethos that surrounds the place. Lots of independent places to be had, and Cranberry is one of them.
Charming. Heavy brown décor could detract from the content of Cranberry, but once inside, there is a different story. Clearly looking like I wasn’t around here, I didn’t have the same reactions you have when you go into some places and the whole place stops the conversation, the music pauses, and everyone stares at you. Nah not here, if it’s not too busy, and you’re looking all windswept, someone, and I think my someone was Rowena’s someone too, will come over and ask if you’re alright. She’ll show you where to find their food selections, and give you a brief run down of what they offer. Taking it all in and not really, she’ll come back in a few minutes, and tell you that if you need her to just wave over. You don’t as you feel rude doing that, but she comes back soon, takes your order and off she goes.
Your food and drink order arrives nicely and cleanly presented, and more reassurances that if you need anything you just have to ask, without being too over the top or irritating, you think awh how sweet. So the food and drink? Coffee was fine, can’t really get a black coffee wrong, although some people have, too bitter, old espresso, all that kinda trite, but this was nice, bold, good. Sarnie was good too, not great but good, and fair food for the price.
Charming spot for Otley, wonder if the Emmerdale crew come here mid trip to Hotton? haha.

This little café has to have the best customer service in maybe all of Otley. I’d had a long morning of shopping, which has to be said — it was tiring as much as it was pleasing, and I was in great need of sustenance. I wanted coffee and I wanted a sandwich so I decided to try my luck at Cranberry. I was greeted immediately by a lovely lady who smiled beautifully and took my order. I decided to go for a ham and cheese hot sandwich and coffee. I also had a can of dandelion and burdock, partly as I was thirsty but mostly because I’d not had it in yonks.
I went to sit down on the awkward high stools and the wonderful lady came over and asked me if I’d like to have a table put out next to the leather seats instead! I said that would be great, so long as it wasn’t in anyone’s way, and she assured me it would be fine. She took my things, placed them down for me and was totally lovely about the whole thing. Fantastic stuff! My sandwich was pretty good, although not exactly gourmet, and my coffee was delicious.
I think next time I will try the home made soup, as many customers were complimenting it as they left, but I will almost certainly be back here for a respite session when I’m next in Otley. It is one of the most friendly and welcoming places I’ve ever been and I couldn’t have been more delighted with the service! It’s a small shame my sandwich didn’t live up to the ladies’ service.
You must pop in for a visit!

Cranberry is a jovial and modern sandwich bar the opposite side of the road to the bakeries/​take-​away sandwich shops along Kirkgate in Otley. Smiling helpful staff are situated behind a glass display counter showing of and dazzling variety of cakes and other sweet things to wash down the slightly posh sandwiches that area available. This is a lovely comfortable to sit down and have a chatter being a busy yet laid back place to have your lunch.