path to world domination, and we are here for it STAN f you want him, he’ll be in a caf

CAFÉ SOCIETY STAN CULLIMORE

Gimme shelter

We’ve never needed the warmth and welcome of cafés more than we do right now, says Stan

Sometimes, with cafés, as with life, it’s not all about the destination. t’s also about the ourney that gets you there. This issue’s co ee shop of choice is a perfect example. Let me explain.

There have been days recently where skies have been grey, light has been low and rain has been our constant companion. n normal times, this wouldn’t be too much of an issue. Weather is generally more of a background

“The thrill of a cup and a cake, in peaceful surroundings, is enhanced by the memories of simpler times gone by and better times to come”

detail than the main event of life. However, times are far from normal. ike many of us, have mainly been stuck at home for most of the last few months.

Doesn’t take long for the sight of never-ending rain to lose its appeal, especially when it’s sluicing down the windows in ladlefuls. So when the chance came to nip across town on an errand recently, umped at it, like a dog at a gravy bone. Feeling the time was right for a bit of adventure, took the scooter and invited my other half to come along. After dressing head-totoe in waterproof wetskins, we hopped aboard, set o for Southville and in short order, completed our mission.

Once the work was done, it was time for fun. Now, as regular readers will know, en oy the world of cafés. Who can resist stepping out of time for some brief but beautiful co ee moments? Right now, the promise of café life is even bigger, brighter and bolder than ever before. The thrill of a cup and a cake, in peaceful and exotic surroundings, is enhanced by the memories of simpler times gone by and better times to come. eems ’m not the only one who thinks this way. We scooted up and down North Street and to our surprise, found every single co ee shop stu ed to the gunnels with smiling café connoisseurs. Mind you, with all the social distancing and so forth going on these days, it doesn’t take that many punters to fill a co ee shop.

Following our noses, we waggled and weaved our way round town, not finding anything which tickled our fancy, until we finally wound up at the horny bridge by the rnolfini, where we were lucky enough to find a window side seat for two at Society Cafe. hey do a nice line in fine co ee and an even nicer line in little amuse-bouche style raw vegan bites. After sorting out a couple of co ees, added the date and chocolate delight as a side, and we settled ourselves down in the window to watch the world go by. For several short, sweet minutes everything was right with the world. We sipped our drinks, made quiet comments about the passers-by and smiled softly as the cares of life fell from our shoulders.

Wherever you are, whatever you’re doing, can thoroughly recommend a visit to a café. Any caf . t is the perfect place to be right now. n

Former Housemartins guitarist Stan is now a journalist and travel writer www.stancullimore.com