Le Hangar - Ploërmel

Waited long until the waiter comes. And then a few came and was immediately asked for their choice. When I left and asked why they gave it so, this seemed to be a mistake, no excuse....

If that were in Paris, Rennes or Nantes, you'd say it wasn't out of place. But here in Ploërmel (I live a 2 minutes drive away) it is an oasis. A great place to shop, milkshakes, hot chocolate and a bite to eat. It doesn't matter to them that I'm using it as my home office, and I often look past the world. Also relatively well appreciated food, workshops, all kinds of things go here. I have an exhibition of my work in December. Friendly staff, always busy, especially for the ladies lunch, and a little room of rest a day to feel special.

First things first: there is plenty of parking, either directly at Le Hangar, or next door in the old railway station car park, where there is more shade. Next is the cornucopia that greets you as you go through the door. Lots of their own...biscuits, of course, but also other local produce, a very good selection of wine and beer, and when we were there, a spotlight on Spanish products such as fish and oil. Ahead is the glass window, through which you can see the people busy making the biscuits. Beyond is the cafe, with a high ceiling, sofas, tables and chairs and the most amazing selection of home made cakes. We had elevenses there twice during our week and on both occasions the baked goods were amazing. We also had lunch after doing the walk that starts from the old railway station and works its way round to the Hortensia Trail beside the Lac du Duc (highly recommended too, and not strenuous). The dish of the day that we fancied had run out by the time we got there but if you can get the lunch menu, it's a real snip at €12. Instead, we chose from the salad menu and were not disappointed. There are a few outside tables with umbrellas for the sunny days. Only downside was the service, which seemed a bit overwhelmed although the place was not full.

Good for lunches and for afternoon teas and coffee and superb hot chocolate. Also shop selling home made biscuits, meringues etc, Worth a visit as unique for the area.

I see it's been three years since I was last in Le Hangar and I found it little changed. We were welcomed and served coffee, even if it was by noon. The very nice waitress brought us a couple of Macaroons, too, when I... breathed. And they were delicious. Rather than perhaps less in the kind of gifts than I remember, but still a pretty selection and still many jams, oils, cookies etc. Many parking spaces.