Caffs & Greasy spoons

[tapestry]

[quotenick="Si"][quotenick="iansmithofotley"] Si wrote: Dunny's by the river in Otley always seems very popular. Apparently Sir Jimmy is often seen in there. "Hi Si,Dunny's (or is it's posh name 'The River/Wharfe View Cafe'?) is a popular place for cyclists and motorcyclists, besides everyone else. Sir Jimmy is occasionally seen there along with his old mate Dennis Peace. When Sir Jimmy managed the Old Mecca, Dennis was his assistant manager and then became manager after Sir Jimmy left. Dennis is in, or outside, Dunny's nearly every day talking to the cyclists. Anybody who used to go to the Old Mecca would still recognise him.In the 50's and 60's, the main cafe in Otley for cyclists and motorcyclists was Tommy's Cafe on Boroughgate near to the Maypole. All of the cycling clubs, particularly from Leeds, visited there and many of the cyclists married Otley girls. Many of us ended up in Tommy's after training or racing, nearly every night of the week. Tommy's closed down years ago and is now a Pizza Take Away place called Cuccina."Can you remember Leeds Albion Cycling Club? It's on the Tapestry and I don't know anything of its historyCheersLeeds Tapestry    

[Richard A Thackeray]

I'll be in 'Dunnies' on Sunday afternoon after the 'Ilkley Trail Race'http://www.ilkleyharriers.org.uk/index. ... e=trailSat there in a cycling jersey (run under Club name; 'Featherstone Road Club') & running shorts, tucking into Meat & Potatoe Pie, then Rhubarb Crumble Wonderful prices & quantityThe above mentioned pie (with chips/peas), pot of tea, & the Crumble/custard was (I think??) £3.80 on my last visit!!

[jim]

As a roving "fitter without portfolio" from the late 50s on I was a patron of many of the transport caffs mentioned on this thread.Anyone remember the "Cosy Cafe" on Hunslet Road between the Crown Point Road and the larger Fletcher's establishment? It was run by the late Jim Tomasso,who was related to a family of tingalary hirers, some of who were quite well known musicians---Freddie and Ernie were nationally known. Ernie's son Enrico is a fine trumpeter and carries on the family's musical reputation.Another caff I occasionally used was on Whitehall Road between Royds Lane and the Ring Road. I believe the proprietor was a well known boxing referee.There was another one on Domestic Street, just past the now closed supermarket. As my forgettory is working overtime I can't remember the name.The predecessor of the David Street Cafe was another place much visited by staff of my department. It was a wooden hut at the end of Water Lane, and had a fish-shop attached. The owners had the misfortune to be charged with breaching health regulations after a mouse went for a swim in the batter tray and ended up in someones fish and chips. The establishment-----and it's successor in David Street----- was forever after known as "The Mousehole".The railway had at one time a considerable number of canteens serving food at very reasonable prices. Some served great food, some were only fit for Ralph, Hughie, and York. Most were only open to railway staff as they were not accessible to the general public, but the one on Wellington Street just past Central Station opposite Crowe and Co was used by everyone and his dog as it opened on to the street. GPO staff and bus drivers used it frequently.I'm sure others in Leeds will occur to me later, but must close by remembering the finest bacon and mushroom sandwiches I knew. They were produced by a tiny caff just outside the main road entrance to Bradford Valley goods yard, and were the most "moreish" food I ever tasted! I know, Bradford is "off subject" but all this talk of caffs past makes me hungry.

[iansmithofotley]

tapestry wrote: Can you remember Leeds Albion Cycling Club? It's on the Tapestry and I don't know anything of its historyCheersLeeds Tapestry     Hi Tapestry, I am sorry but I have no knowledge of that club, albeit I have heard of it before.Ian

[BLAKEY]

Three more that I remember and liked well (forgive me if I've mentioned them before in this huge topic). One was on a strange "sunken" road which ran alongside South Accommoadation Road - it might have been called another "Tomato Dip" but I can't be sure - their bacon sandwiches were legendary. Then there was the excellent Britton's Cafe - a small place with a corner entrance at the junction iof Wellington Street and Queen Street - it was operated by a large inposing lady, grey bun and tied back hair, who could serve half of Leeds in double quick time without and fuss or bother at all. The there was the "Royal Oak" above the puib of the same name in Kirkgate/York Street. They did great breakfasts but one thing that many of us found offensive - there was a pitiful youth there who really did obviously have a gender issue and behaved just like a timid lass, and wore a lady's floral pinafore overall for his waiting duties - I always felt that it made an exhibition of him and others agreed while naturally treating him with total respect.Another top class place, not exactly a transport cafe, was the Roxby - it was upstairs over the alleyway that led from Kirkgate to the rear of Wallace Arnold's coach station. They served fabulous breaKfasts and really great "home cooked" three course lunches.

[tapestry]

iansmithofotley wrote: tapestry wrote: Can you remember Leeds Albion Cycling Club? It's on the Tapestry and I don't know anything of its historyCheersLeeds Tapestry     Hi Tapestry, I am sorry but I have no knowledge of that club, albeit I have heard of it before.Ian Thanks for that, I got the quotes wrong there. Will have to see if the Library has any information. Meanwhile, continuing the the theme, I've added the phenomenal Beryl Burton to the Tapestry blog - plenty of information out there about her but not a household name

[electricaldave]

Beryl Burton, now there's a great name.I reckon just about every cyclist in West Yorkshire over the last 30 years or more would stake some claim to knowing her, or have a few tales to tell.Greatest female cyclist in the world, ever, no exceptions but talk to her, and she was as normal and level headed as the next person, definately not the prima donna type.Such a talent, and for such an incredible length of time, and yet still approachable.

[tapestry]

electricaldave wrote: Beryl Burton, now there's a great name.I reckon just about every cyclist in West Yorkshire over the last 30 years or more would stake some claim to knowing her, or have a few tales to tell.Greatest female cyclist in the world, ever, no exceptions but talk to her, and she was as normal and level headed as the next person, definately not the prima donna type.Such a talent, and for such an incredible length of time, and yet still approachable. Could I borrow this for the Tapestry blog please? Its just the sort of personal comment we want.

[raveydavey]

jim wrote: Another caff I occasionally used was on Whitehall Road between Royds Lane and the Ring Road. I believe the proprietor was a well known boxing referee. If it's the same one, it was still going strong into the mid 90's. We used to get our Saturday morning butties there when I worked nearby and they still had various boxing posters and photos displayed on the walls.It's a long while since I've been down there though.

[jim]

Passed it today with Si and his brother on our way to Cockersdale. Looks to be still open, and is called the "Ringside", so the boxing connection remains. I think the proprietor was Mickey Vann, but am open to correction.