The Empty Pantry: Dickens Cafe is the new Ploughman's

There have been some big changes happening at the former Ploughman’s Lunch, most notably some fabulous window artwork and a new name!

I got all the exciting details from new owner Lynda Baldelli about her new venture: Dickens Café. She hopes to offer Kamloops a dining destination that is interesting but, most importantly, offers great food. The newest café in town will be steampunk themed, which Lynda described as “Mad Max meets Victorian."

What is staying the same?

Fans of the old Ploughman’s Lunch can rest assured that many of their favorites can still be found on the menu at Dickens Café. To my relief, my personal favorite, the hot turkey sandwich is still on the menu and still made with fluffy and delicious homemade bread. If you’re a turkey dinner fanatic — like I am — and haven’t tried this yet, what are you waiting for?

The pot pies, as always, will be made in house and, if the Caesar salad dressing was one of your favorites, the secret recipe has been passed down. Aesthetically, the iconic Victorian style bar will also stay in place and Lynda hopes to gradually add modern touches through small steampunk elements.

What’s new?

One of the most exciting additions to Dickens Café, is it is now a fully functioning coffee bar, providing the first spot on the 100 block where you can get your favorite kind of speciality coffee or tea. The menu is also expanding in a very big way.

New tasty additions include paninis, salad bowls and soups, with lots of different options for all dietary needs. Dickens Café will also be serving up sweet and savory crepes, and Lynda herself has developed a special recipe that they use in house to spin some tasty crepes for our gluten free and vegan folk.

Keeping true to its steampunk roots, Dickens Café will also be serving up Victorian high tea, which requires a reservation 24 hours in advance, so that Lynda and team can work to make from scratch English scones, finger sandwiches, and all the proper high tea fixings. You can expect to have your high tea served in lovely tea pots and on elegant three tiered platters.

About the owner

Lynda is originally from England and very familiar with the restaurant business, having been brought up in her family’s restaurants and cafés and having previously owned and run a successful creperie in Sun Peaks.

When asked who she would take out for dinner if she could pick anyone dead or alive, she said she would choose Lady Diana because “being from England, the Royal Family is important” to her, and she would “be interested to know Diana’s story.”

When asked which local spot she would take Lady Diana to she replied, “Brownstone’s restaurant, and it keeps business on First block!”

Next time you’re strolling along Victoria, pop into Dicken’s Café and stay a while to enjoy the patio, or take your favorite coffee and treat to go and let me know what you think!

• Address: 152 Victoria St.
• Website

Originally from the nation’s capital, Katherine Gummeson of The Infinite Pantry has been in love with the Kamloops local food scene since moving here three years ago. Her passion for food runs deep, and there is nothing she enjoys more than cooking for her loved ones, or hitting up her favourite local food joint. Her love of writing and photography, in true foodie fashion, revolves around food and drink. Keep up with all her adventures on Instagram.