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Dog friendly and fantastic views Beach Life reviews the Bluebird café at Ferring
Location, location! Situated right on the seafront at Ferring, the Bluebird Café is the perfect ‘watering hole’ for dog walkers, joggers and those out for a stroll on the beach. There has been a café here since the 1930s and during the second World War, the Canadian army used the building for a NAAFI canteen. It has had various name changes, including Martin’s Retreat and The Lemon Tree but has more recently reverted back to its original name. The Blue Bird is accessible by car at the Ferring end only, travelling west from Worthing where the road runs out. But the unspoilt stretch of beach from East Preston to Ferring, going east, makes for a very pleasant walk (although you need to wear stout shoes because of the shingle). This hugely popular café prides itself in the variety of breakfasts it offers between 8am and 11.45am every day of the week, with a traditional all-day breakfast as well. The Breakfast Specials Board displays a long list of options, from basic beans on toast at £2.95 to a Bluebird Special Breakfast at £6.95 consisting of bacon, sausages, beans, mushroom, chips & fried tomato. A vegetarian breakfast is also on offer. If you go at lunchtime, you will find home-made dishes (different every day) and fresh local fish on the menu with senior citizens specials and a kids menu. And they are fully licensed. Those who prefer afternoon tea will also find something to their liking with fresh, home-made scones, a delicious selection of cakes, and a choice of teas. I decided to go for morning coffee and discovered it was the place to go with your dog! I counted no less than 17 dogs with their owners, both inside and out – all very well behaved, I should add. A notice at the counter displayed Doggie Laws. Only one dog per party is allowed inside, although there is no restriction at the tables outside.
The Cafe itself is modern and clean and would certainly not enter the greasy spoon category exuding a bohemian atmosphere with its rough oak tables and old church chairs, the kind that have a slot at the back for books. I have to say my coffee was disappointing in that it wasn’t terribly hot, coming from one of those press-
button machines that delivers a standard cup of whatever you choose. I like my coffee ‘tailor-made’ - weak with plenty of milk so, realising that wouldn’t be possible here, I chose a latte. The Bluebird’s appeal is definitely in its picturesque location, its ‘doggie’ reputation and traditional English grub.
Free Car Park, Dog-friendly (inside & out), Wheelchair & pram access difficult due to steps and shingle, Toilets (no disabled)