Xavier’s Café & Wine Bar
Katie Hale
Xavier’s is Penrith’s answer to Paris’ wine-infused café culture. Set back from the street on the edge of the town centre, the outside tables are a nod towards those wide French pavements and those balmy Parisian summer evenings.
A café by day, and a fashionable wine bar by night, it’s easy to see why Xavier’s is such a popular choice. The elegant décor creates a relaxed and classy ambience, with seating options ranging from leather armchairs at the front, to high-backed wooden booths at the back – each with its own light set into the wooden panelling, creating the feeling of gentlemen’s-club-turned-trendy.
The Xavier’s day starts with an array of cooked breakfasts, ranging from a traditional full English, to cooked vegan options, to American-style pancakes. By lunchtime, Xavier’s is serving up a range of hot and cold sandwiches and artisan burgers, or, for those looking for something a little more loaded, big portions of chilli nachos.
Xavier’s also welcomes those looking for something lighter, serving teas, coffees, and an ever-changing selection of homemade cakes. This makes it an ideal place to meet with friends or even a date during the day – and, if the conversation keeps on going, there’s always the option of switching to wine as the evening progresses.
Because of course, the wine is central, here. Literally. In the middle of the café is a glass-floored opening, looking down into the wine cellar below. Don’t worry though – there’s also an incredible range of wines at a more reachable level, available to drink in the bar or to buy by the bottle (or crate) and take away. It’s easy to be spoilt for choice, but the knowledgeable staff can talk you through the different options, and help you choose a wine (or wines) for you.
