You can always tell when a place has heart. You feel it the moment you step off the main thoroughfare and into a hidden little mews that feels like a discovery.
Lil Bo’s Deli, tucked away in Mill Lane Mews, is precisely this kind of place.
It’s more than just a deli or a coffee shop; it’s a story, and it might just be serving the best breakfast in Ashby de la Zouch.
I was in town and was hungry. I had heard great things and thought it would be a perfect time to try it out.
A Family Dream in a Historic Mews
The first piece of the story is the name. This isn’t a corporate brand; “Lil Bo’s” is affectionately named after the owners’ children.
It’s a family-run venture from the ground up, born from a long-held dream by local husband-and-wife team Steve and Deborah Evans.
Steve, a veteran of the restaurant industry, and Deborah, with a background in her family’s business, poured their shared passion for quality food into this venture, and it shows in every detail.
And what a place to realise a dream. The building itself is a piece of Ashby history, an 18th-century structure that has lived past lives as a tea room and even a candlemaker’s shop.
The restoration, which has lovingly preserved the original ceiling beams and exposed brickwork, is so good that it was awarded ‘Building of the Year 2024’ by the Ashby Civic Society.
The atmosphere is a perfect blend of rustic charm and modern-day welcome, with an informal cafe space downstairs by the deli and a more formal dining area up a couple of steps.
The staff were amazing! To say it is hidden away off the main Market Street the word has obviously got around. People were heading specifically for Lil Bo’s with lots of people coming and going.
And even so, the staff seemed to have the right amount of time for everyone. Service was prompt, always with a smile and sincere. Love it.
The Breakfast: From ‘The Pig’ to ‘The Bubbly’
Let’s talk about the breakfast. I was here for it and this is where Lil Bo’s truly makes its mark. They are rightly proud of it, with a menu that has something for everyone, all cooked fresh to order—no hot plates in sight.
For the traditionalist, there is “The Pig,” a perfectly executed plate of bacon, sausage, tomatoes, white pudding and black pudding. For the truly hungry, “The Big Pig” doubles the satisfaction.
This time I went for The Big Pig. It was exactly what I needed. It looked divine and tasted divine. The sourdough toast was a perfect side too.
It was a full English and then some!
And then, there is the star of the show—and the sign of a kitchen with confidence—it is “The Hash.” This is a bold, brilliant combination of black and white pudding, haggis, and crushed potatoes, all topped with a silky poached egg.
It’s a robust, flavour-packed dish that sets you up for a day of exploring the nearby castle.
I couldn’t eat both of course on this visit. And I will share some other menu offerings soon. I will be back for sure.
If your tastes run to the more refined, they offer flawless Eggs Benedict, Florentine, and Royale. And for a truly quirky and celebratory start to the day?
You can have a “Bubbly Breakfast,” which includes a glass of cava. Why not?
A Taste of Wales and Serious Coffee
This is a “deli,” and the coffee is as serious as the food.
The baristas serve up “Ashby’s Favourite Coffee,” sourced from The Coffee Central Roasting Co. , and the menu covers everything from a punchy espresso to a creamy latté or a refreshing iced coffee.
They cater to all, with a full range of alternative milks (soya, oat, coconut) and syrups.
This commitment to quality extends to the deli counter itself. Steve’s Welsh heritage inspired a pre-launch road trip across Wales, sourcing artisan cheeses, charcuterie, and goods from small independent suppliers that you simply won’t find anywhere else.
There are many unique cheeses from all over the country. The deli counter was popular too, just like the cafe/restaurant part.
It’s this passion that got them featured on BBC Radio Leicester’s “Taste the Place”, and it’s a passion you can taste in everything they sell.
The Verdict
Lil Bo’s is, as the former mayor rightly called it, a “bright new star” for Ashby.
It’s a place with a name, a history, and a whole lot of heart. It’s not just a must-visit; it’s a place to return to.
Source link
