2 minute read
CAFE SOCIETY: STAN CULLIMORE
CAFÉ SOCIETY STAN CULLIMORE
A jolt of joy
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Now; where were we, before we were so comprehensively interrupted.
Oh, yes, I remember. Drinking coffee, eating cake and enjoying the whole experience of being alive.
Well, the good news is that even though dark clouds have been the order of the day for some time, they hold within them a few small strands of silver. Lining our dreams, lighting up our hopes and pointing the way to a brighter tomorrow.
While lockdown was looming low and heavy, I spent many hours, out and about, exploring the green and pleasant bits of Bristol. Along the way I found some small rays of light among the gloom. If you are sitting comfortably, preferably with a cup of something hot and tasty to hand, I shall explain.
One of my more winding journeys led up to the Observatory and its camera obscura overlooking the Suspension Bridge. Sadly, back in those dark days, the café inside was closed and forlorn. Shut and shuttered. In an attempt to keep the day from being a complete café washout, I went and stared over the abyss at the wonders of Brunel’s handiwork. And that was when I saw something lovely. Very lovely, in fact.
People were crossing the bridge, even at the height of early lockdown, heading towards Clifton with takeaway cups in hand; which was unexpected. From the way they were sipping, smiling and steaming, it seemed like those cups might just contain piping hot consolation in the form of coffee. Which is when I suddenly remembered the tuktuk at the end of the bridge.
Not going to lie, my heart leapt like a startled badger. It’s amazing how small things can lift your soul when darkness seems to be all around.
In normal times, when life was easy and cafés common as colds, I never bothered to cross the Suspension Bridge in search of refreshment. Why bother, when there were so many excellent places in Clifton to choose from? But at times like these, when the world is tumbled upside down, you have to do what you have to do, to get by.
Long story short, I scooted across the bridge and discovered I had been missing a trick. The tuktuk cafe, otherwise known as Chapter & Holmes Coffee Company, is the perfect spot for these imperfect times. It’s outside, there are tables nearby where you can sit and relax, and if that isn’t enough, they make a mean cup of coffee.
They also do cakes and chocolate, as well as grocery items. Eggs and esoteric peanut butter by the jar, should you wish for extra treats. All in all, it’s the cutest and kookiest little coffee shop you could ever wish for. A real ‘pick me up, roll me around and make me smile’ type of place.
So, if you are in need of a jolt of joy, along with a cup of coffee comfort, I thoroughly recommend this tiny taste of the exotic. The views aren’t half bad, either. n
Former Housemartins guitarist Stan is now a journalist and travel writer www.stancullimore.com
