Henry's Cafe

There is no accounting for taste but there are many people out there who have a soft spot for Henry's, the snack bar and takeaway that once occupied No 36 North Street but now closed and the premises occupied by Firkin Ale since 2006.

Mik Haynes has opened a group on the Facebook web site, the Internet social utility that connects people with friends and others who work, study and live around them, where those who remember it may pay homage to the food provided and the two very friendly people, Hetty and Harry, who ran it.

He has called his page "Henry's was Great" and he says in the introduction: "It had a chip shop menu but was pub food-esque and it was a great place to go for a good English meal at a good price. I bet everyone has a particular memory about Henry's whether it be their steakwich or just their ketchup which seemed to be better than everyone else's. If you loved Henry's join the group and let everyone know your usual order."

Most people knew the cafe as Greasy Henry's, a description coined by youngsters who ate many meals there straight from the frying pan but unbelievably, there are others who remember the food with real affection because the replies flooded in and here are a few examples:

(1) Their pizzas were top notch, always friendly whatever the time of day, bring it back! (2) Oohh! Cheeseburger and chips! Always had that on a Friday lunch time when we popped into town for half a woodpecker in the Nags! There was something about the relish they used. Never had a burger as good anywhere else! (3) Full English breakfast was tops for me, yum yum. (4) Sausage and mash with onion gravy was two quid back in 1996. (5) The double steakwich was the Number 1 top draw of all time in Bourne's culinary history. It was about the only thing I would buy other than the Saturday morning hangover breakfast which was as much of an event amongst the boys as the night on the town previous but well worth it. (6) These lovely people supplied my school dinners, large chips swimming in vinegar. Happy days. (7) The best ever quarter-pounder with cheese! I have never ever had a better burger since. (8) Half-pounder and chips washed down with a dandelion and burdock.

These are testimonials from the heart and living proof that although we all know the benefits of healthy eating, fresh fruit, vegetables, muesli and suchlike, you cannot beat a good fry up. If you remember Henry’s with the same affection and subscribe to Facebook, then Mik would be pleased to record your memories of his favourite eatery for posterity.

WRITTEN SEPTEMBER 2008