Forum Topic

Bunny Park Cafe

Just heard that the contract for the Bunny Park cafe has gone to St Remo's. The family that have been running it for years have no idea why it's been taken away from them.

Alan Anderson ● 4502d19 Comments

Who/what is St Remo's?

Andy Horridge ● 4502d

Really pleased to hear this as although I haven't actually eaten their products I have noticed that the company sells and produces fresh and appetising looking food. They are an Italian company who own the cafes in Northalla, Black park and Langley.  It would be great if they could "take over" the place in Gunnersbury Park. My only other grumble is that there is no wine list but that's probably not everyone's first priority. All dog friendly as well and I think it will be a well used resource in such a popular park. In fact all the parks in Ealing have decidedly become more attractive save for the problems in Gunnersbury. What Ealing council need to do is address the size of the litter bins during the summer season when they get quickly filled and litter is strewn everywhere. So either more bins or better still morning and evening collections as on the Mediterranean.  Seems madness to spend so much dosh on prettying the parks but not to collect rubbish regularly especially when people eat and drink al fresco in the summer.  I digress....San Remo -- welcome!

Pamela Kay ● 4501d

Catering and refreshments in parks and public places on the Continent is done well and seriously - I'm thinking of Paris, Rome, Barcelona and the like. It'll be interesting to see how the new tea and snacks place in Walpole Park turns out. It could be a good little earner and a welcome amenity for park users.

Gerry Tan ● 4500d

Not all our parks seem to have lids on the bins. I've seen crows removing carrier bags of picnic remains from open-topped ones.  Mind you they could probably even achieve that from closed ones!

Philippa Bond ● 4500d

That is a shame. It will no doubt mean higher prices and less choice. I have enjoyed many a snack over the years and the friendly service. Small independents always provide the service people want. As a local I enjoy the cafes homely feel. I will miss that.

Peter Chadburn ● 4500d

I'm optimistic that you maybe pleasantly surprised to find the  choice of food and drinks offered and the prices very reasonable will make the changeover less painful.I agree with you about small and independent but clearly the former cafe was struggling.  I never found it open whenever I went there!

Pamela Kay ● 4499d

The Cafe was OK, but could have been a lot better.  The choice of cakes on offer was terrible, all cheap quality and bought. Honestly it doesn't take much to bake a lemon drizzle, victoria sponge and cup cakes. Last week I made 2 banana and choc chip loaves, an orange and sultana traybake, a lemon drizzle and 24 cupcakes - and I work too! And no they weren't all for me! You don't have to do posh but offering something different and home made would be much better and make more money too.  I agree with the hours, you never knew when they were open.

Diane Gill ● 4498d

I can vouch for Diane's lemon drizzle cake - scrummy!

Nigel Brooks ● 4497d

I love lemon drizzle cake. Carluccio's do a sort-of lemon drizzle cake which we love with our morning coffees. life can be very pleasant sometimes.

Gerry Tan ● 4497d

I believe the new Remo's is a chain/corporate thing. I felt it was sad that the family run business had the contract taken away with no explanation and that it's to be taken over by a big faceless organisation. I always liked the lady with the 1940s hairstyle who served the ice-cream.I was Googling San Remo's and got a bit excited when I found this..http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Remo_CafeI wouldn't mind if it became a 'hangout for Greenwich Village bohemians'.

Alan Anderson ● 4497d

Alan,Let me assure you San Remo isn't a vast corporate organisation like Starbucks!  I didn't have any joy in finding the link to enlighten me about the Beat poets.  Us oldies could arrange to meet there and discuss "On the Road" and such like which might help you overcome the  absence of the 1940's hairstyle lady.  Seeing that I never found the place open for the past few years I have no idea what this lady looked like! In any event San Remo  isn't a faceless organisation.  Shall I wear my duffle coat and attach my cnd badge!The English equivalent of the Greenwich village bohemians.

Pamela Kay ● 4497d

Duffle coat and CND badge - a blast from the past! Love it.

Gerry Tan ● 4497d

Thanks Nigel - I'm always perfecting the recipe :)

Diane Gill ● 4497d

Always willing to test :-)

Nigel Brooks ● 4497d

Usually it was open during the week between Easter and the October half term and throughout the year on weekends. However when the weather is bad they would often not open. On days off I have always found open. I will miss the friendliness of the staff who were friends with my late girlfriend.

Peter Chadburn ● 4496d

Peter,I realise now that your support and link with the staff is far more poignant than the average punter. So clearly this makes it more difficult for you to accept. However to move on sometimes means a new beginning and the change for others will be welcome in the shape of a cafe which will be available on a regular timetable come rain or shine.  If the staff are anything like those employed in the other parks already served by San Remo, I reckon you will be well received as well as anyone else.  By the way there is no relationship between me and San Remo.  Good luck Peter.

Pamela Kay ● 4495d

The new cafe seems to be up and running.  I was pleasantly surprised. One of the staff told me that they plan to stay open daily throughout the year, including winter. I think that's a tad optimistic. But I do wish them well.

Andy Horridge ● 4410d

Do the new propietors offer a full fry-up breakfast with black pudding and bubble'n squeak please? If so, I'll make my way to Bunny Park for the pleasure even in winter.

Gerry Tan ● 4410d

Gerry, I don't think a fry-up is on the cards.  More likely, a rum and raisin ice cream, and a latte.  I did notice they could offer a baked potato and salad . . . .  As I say, an ambition to open through winter seems a tad unrealistic. Especially as, in peak summer, I was the only person at the counter.

Andy Horridge ● 4410d