Coffee Shop Review – Ottino’s in the Shambles

Published on: 19 Nov, 2013
Updated on: 16 Dec, 2013

Two coffees and very large iced buns

by Maria Rayner

Sitting in the “idyllic haven”[their words] that is Ottino’s, I shivered. In fact, during our visit, the female contingent of the party kept its coats on. Our editor had cycled to our rendezvous so was warm [I also have more natural insulation. Ed].

We visited the cafe early, around 9am, when deliveries caused the door to be open. However, Ottino’s is unusual for a cafe in central Guildford in that it has pavement space. And pavement heaters to ensure smoking patrons are kept warm. Sadly, the open door meant that not only were indoor non-smokers chilly, there was second-hand smoke too.

Ottino’s is an independent cafe selling basic cakes and made-to-order sandwiches and paninis. Americano coffees are £1.80 – £2 each, depending on size. We took advantage of the coffee and cake deal at £2.95 each. The Belgian buns we selected were very large but a little dry.

There’s a young vibe at this cafe: 20% discount is offered to students, loud pop music plays and the decor is homely with pictures and witty posters. In addition to the usual hot and soft drinks, as licensed premises, beer and wine is also sold. There are newspapers and free wi-fi.

Access is ok, with the option of sitting outside with heaters and awnings, or negotiating the small step up to jostle for a position at one of the cramped two-seater tables. There is an upstairs but this was blocked off when we visited.

I’ve had better visits here than this, albeit sunny days sitting outside, and perhaps this is the best time to visit Ottino’s. When the Ed’s coffee got cold, the service was fantastic. They didn’t merely warm it: they gave him a fresh one and they did not know we were reviewing.

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