A Hidden Haven in Ashby: Discovering the Timeless Charm of The Courtyard Café
Step off the bustling, historic Market Street in Ashby de la Zouch, with its familiar rhythm of shoppers and daily life, and you might just miss it. Tucked away down an unassuming passage, marked only by a subtle sign, lies an entrance that feels less like a café and more like a portal to another place entirely.
Pushing through, the sounds of the town centre don’t just fade; they vanish. Instantly, you are transported into a serene, sun-dappled courtyard, a place of quiet charm and the palpable promise of genuine, heartfelt hospitality.
This is The Courtyard Café, and from the moment I discovered it, by accident, I knew I had stumbled upon one of Leicestershire’s hidden gems.
Whenever we head into Ashby we always make a point now of allowing time for Courtyard Cafe.
It is a rare and wonderful thing to find a place that so completely captures the essence of what a local, independent café should be.
It’s not just about serving good coffee or a slice of cake; it’s about creating a sanctuary. The Courtyard Café achieves this with an effortless grace that is simply enchanting.
From the ancient stone walls that whisper tales of Ashby’s past to the warm, infectious smiles of the staff who treat you like a long-lost friend, every element combines to create an experience that nourishes the soul as much as the body.
It’s the kind of discovery that makes you want to explore more of the local area, perhaps venturing just a few miles down the road to the equally historic Staunton Harold Estate or Calke Abbey.
This is more than a review; it’s a heartfelt recommendation for a place that gets everything absolutely right.
A Passage Through Time: Ashby’s Castle in a Café Wall
To truly appreciate The Courtyard Café, one must first understand that a visit here is an encounter with history itself. This is not a modern building with a few vintage affectations; it is a place woven into the very fabric of Ashby de la Zouch’s long and storied past.
The big feature, one that sets it apart from any other café I have visited, is embedded in its very structure. Parts of the café’s walls are formed from the original stone of Ashby Castle, a formidable fortress whose origins stretch back to the 1400s.
As you sit with your coffee, you can reach out and touch the cool, weathered surface of stones that have stood for centuries, silent witnesses to the town’s evolution.
The owners have masterfully preserved this historical character, complementing the ancient brickwork with vintage signs for brands like Brooke Bond, which adorn the exterior and evoke a nostalgic charm from a more recent, yet equally cherished, era.
This historical foundation is not merely a decorative quirk; it is the very reason for the café’s uniquely tranquil atmosphere.
The thick, ancient walls that form the courtyard act as a natural sound barrier, creating the “little haven of tranquillity” that so many visitors, myself included, have marvelled at.
I must admit that when on shopping visits to Ashby it is nice just step away quite literally off the street to some lovely charm, away from the more modern bustle of the town’s main street.
The Indoor Embrace: Shabby Chic Meets Timeless Elegance
Should the English weather prove typically unpredictable, or if you simply prefer a cozier setting, stepping inside The Courtyard Café is an equally delightful experience.
The interior is a masterclass in creating a warm, inviting, and stylish atmosphere that feels both personal and polished. The theme is a beautiful fusion of old and new, where different styles coexist in perfect harmony to create a space that is utterly charming.
The decor is a carefully curated blend of vintage-style furniture and elegant wallpaper, which provides a classic backdrop, while elements of shabby chic and rustic wicker ornaments add a layer of relaxed, contemporary comfort.
You can even buy contemporary artwork from the cafe walls.
The space is bright and airy, having been transformed from its former darker incarnation with a palette of soft whites, greys and creams that reflect the light beautifully.
The finishing touches elevate the entire room; elegant chandeliers cast a warm glow, making it a perfect spot for everything from a casual brunch , with friends to a more celebratory afternoon tea.
What becomes clear as you settle in is that this is not the work of a corporate interior designer ticking boxes on a trend list.
The space feels deeply personal, reflecting the “homespun, family-run atmosphere” that is the café’s hallmark. This is no accident. Owner Helen Crawley has openly shared her philosophy of treating the café as if it were her own home, welcoming customers as she would guests.
This ethos is visibly manifested in the decor. A home is rarely styled in one rigid theme; it is an eclectic, evolving collection of pieces that tell a story and reflect the personality of its owner.
The blend of vintage, elegant, and shabby chic elements here feels authentic precisely because it mirrors that personal, curated approach.
The interior design, therefore, serves as a non-verbal promise of the experience to come. It primes you for the warm, personal, and genuinely caring service that is the beating heart of The Courtyard Café, demonstrating that the cozy decor and the warm welcome are two sides of the same thoughtful coin.
The Secret Garden: A True Courtyard Sanctuary
The café’s namesake, the courtyard itself, is for sure the star of the show. It is the physical embodiment of the “hidden gem” moniker that the café has rightfully earned.
The outdoor space is an immaculate and beautifully maintained sanctuary, a testament to the pride the owners take in every aspect of their establishment.
With intimate seating for around 20 guests, it never feels crowded, maintaining its peaceful, exclusive atmosphere even during busy periods.
Sitting at one of the outdoor tables, it is genuinely difficult to believe you are in the heart of a busy market town. The traffic and noise of Market Street, just a few yards away, are almost completely inaudible, replaced by a gentle, calming ambiance that feels more akin to a countryside garden.
It offers a genuine escape, a place to pause, breathe, and enjoy a moment of stillness in an otherwise hectic world. And shopping.
This physical seclusion has created a fascinating and powerful dynamic for the café. Logically, being “tucked away” and difficult to find—so much so that even long-term Ashby residents confess to never knowing it was there—should be a commercial disadvantage.
Yet, The Courtyard Café has flourished, achieving the number one spot for cafés in Leicestershire on Tripadvisor and winning a host of prestigious awards.
This seeming paradox is, in fact, one of its greatest strengths. In an age of digital discovery, the act of physically finding this hidden place creates a powerful psychological reward for the visitor.
You feel like an insider, someone who has unearthed something special. This initial thrill of discovery is then immediately and powerfully validated by the café’s objective excellence—the superb food, the flawless service, and the stellar online reputation.
The internal monologue becomes, “I found this secret spot, and it turns out it’s the best one!” This creates an incredibly loyal and vocal customer base, eager to share their “discovery” with others, which in turn reinforces the café’s “hidden gem” status while simultaneously amplifying its public acclaim.
A Feast for the Senses: The Courtyard’s Culinary Craft
The exceptional atmosphere and setting are matched, step for step, by the quality of the food.
The menu at The Courtyard Café is a celebration of quality, homemade cooking, where every dish is prepared with evident care and attention to detail.
The ethos of treating the café like a home extends directly to the kitchen, resulting in food that feels both comforting and refined. Oh, and some incredible cakes! More on that shortly.
From Hearty Starts to Luscious Lunches
The extensive menu offers something for every appetite and occasion, covering breakfast, brunch, and lunch with a wonderful array of choices.
Whether you are starting your day with one of their famously tasty breakfasts or settling in for a leisurely lunch, the focus is always on fresh, high-quality ingredients and beautiful presentation.
Having been here a few times now I always try to get something new but there is something about their all day English Breakfast. Full of flavour, my usual go-to for sure.
The kitchen demonstrates a thoughtful inclusivity, catering with ease to various dietary requirements, with plentiful vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options available, ensuring everyone feels welcome and well-catered for.
If you are a fan of burgers then take a look at this what Zoe had on this occasion. Hungry?
The Crown Jewels: A Symphony of Cakes and Scones
While the entire menu is excellent, the true crown jewels of The Courtyard’s culinary offerings are, without a doubt, the cakes and scones.
The display of homemade cakes is a thing of beauty, a tempting array of sweet treats that are impossible to resist. These are not mass-produced, generic desserts; they are crafted with a baker’s love, and you can taste it in every bite.
A key part of the magic is that the selection is “ever-changing,” which adds a delightful element of surprise to each visit and speaks volumes about the kitchen’s creativity and passion.
This approach is characteristic of a small, dedicated team that bakes what is fresh, seasonal, and inspiring, rather than a large commercial operation with a static menu. It reinforces the authenticity of the entire experience.
The ultimate expression of this craft is the Afternoon Tea, which has garnered a reputation as one of the best in the area.
It is a beautifully presented, multi-tiered feast of savoury and sweet delights, praised by customers as a “fantastic combination” and a truly memorable experience. For those who love to seek out unique afternoon tea experiences, it stands proudly alongside other memorable treats, like the high-fashion inspired Pret a Portea.
The food served at The Courtyard is not a separate entity from its welcoming atmosphere; it is a direct and delicious extension of it.
The quality and style of the cooking are a direct result of the “family-run,” “welcome to my home” model, and it is this genuine care that makes every meal, and especially every slice of cake, feel so special.
The Heart of the Haven: Service That Feels Like Family
If the historic setting is the café’s foundation and the food its craft, then the service is its soul. The human element at The Courtyard Café is perhaps its most remarkable and consistently praised attribute.
The staff have cultivated an environment of such genuine warmth and friendliness that it transforms a simple café visit into a truly heartwarming experience.
The praise in reviews is universal and unequivocal: “warm and welcoming,” “absolutely fantastic staff,” “exceptional customer service”.
This is not the forced, scripted politeness one might find elsewhere; it is an authentic, natural friendliness that makes you feel instantly at ease. One of the big reasons we go back so often too.
The Verdict: Why The Courtyard is an Unmissable Ashby Experience
In a world of chain coffee shops and cookie-cutter establishments, The Courtyard Café stands as a shining example of what independent hospitality can and should be.
It is a place with a deep sense of identity, where every element of the experience feels cohesive, authentic, and born from a genuine passion for making people feel good. It is far more than the sum of its already impressive parts.
The café offers a unique and powerful combination of experiences: a journey into local history through its ancient castle walls, a peaceful escape in its secluded courtyard sanctuary, a culinary delight with its lovingly homemade food, and a heartwarming connection through its truly exceptional family-run service.
All these facets are seamlessly interconnected, flowing from a single, heartfelt philosophy of welcoming every visitor as a guest in one’s own home.
A visit to The Courtyard Café is not just recommended; it is an essential part of experiencing the true heart and soul of Ashby de la Zouch.
A visit to The Courtyard Café is not just recommended; it is an essential part of experiencing the true heart and soul of Ashby de la Zouch. It is a destination in its own right, a place that captures the very best of what a local café can be. For anyone seeking a moment of peace, a delicious meal, and a reminder of the power of a warm welcome—perhaps as the perfect reward after tackling the Leicestershire 3 Peaks Guided Walk—this hidden haven is, without a doubt, the perfect place to find it.
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