A visit to The Courtyard in Ashby is like taking a step back in time.

Parts of the cafe walls are made up of the stone that formed part of the original Ashby Castle which was built in the 1400s and extended into what we now know as Market Street.

But The Courtyard is anything but old-fashioned, as their sizeable list of regular customers will tell you.

The owners' only problem is telling people who have never visited, exactly where it is.

But its position behind the familiar street frontages - 'tucked away' as it is described - means it is a true hidden gem.

At this time of year, its outdoor area provides a little haven of tranquillity, even when the town centre is at its busiest.

Sitting at an open air table, it is barely possible to hear the traffic just yards away and it is hard to believe you are not out in the countryside.

For all of these reasons, along with a warm welcome from owner Helen Crawley and her team, The Courtyard has taken the No1 spot in Leicestershire when it comes to Tripadvisor reviews.

Visitors can choose from an extensive menu while having breakfast or lunch, and the high quality food means people come back for more.

Helen is assisted at The Courtyard by her daughter Rebecca who gave Ashby Nub News an insight into why the eatery has proved so popular.

"We're really pleased to have reached the number one spot for cafes in Leicestershire, it's a fantastic achievement and I'm really proud of my mum because it's all down to a lot of hard work and determination from her, my dad and the Courtyard team to get it to where it is today," she said.

"She opened it eight years ago, in May 2013, before that, she had a restaurant in Rugby, and had that for about eight years. Then she had break before coming to Ashby.

"We shut for two weeks to get the place renovated for re-opening, we redecorated and prepared a new menu.

"Now we have a lot of regular customers who come back time and again, as well as tourists to the town, people who are just passing through.

"But we also get a lot of people who've lived in Ashby for years and never knew we were here. We have to tell people we are opposite the NatWest or behind the Loros shop."

The Courtyard, like many businesses, had to close when the Covid lockdown was imposed last year.

But now, as with much of the town, it has responded well and custom has returned.

"We have so many customers who are friends now," added Rebecca. "They come back to see us, they like to talk to mum and the girls, and bring their families and friends in to see us too.

"Mum's like one of the locals now even though she's not from Ashby. But, in the cafe, she likes everything to be clean and perfect and that's part of the appeal.

"She treats the place as if it were her own home, greeting customers as they arrive. People put that in their reviews. It's her little haven."

Helen added: "I think the most important thing is for customers to feel welcome and I treat it like welcoming them into my home.

"Whilst they are with us, we want them to really enjoy their experience and I've got a great team who really support me with this and lots of lovely loyal customers who, without them, the café just wouldn't be the same."

The Courtyard opens from 9.30am until 4pm, Monday to Saturday. It has around 50 seats inside with room for about 20 outside.

We tried the Eggs Benedict during our breakfast time interview - and it is thoroughly recommended!

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