Simon graduated 25 years ago and last night there was a reunion meal and pub crawl around St Albans to celebrate. Given the 'pub crawl' aspect of the evening we decided to stay in a hotel for the night, leave the children with his Mum and thus we had a child free 24 hours together! Wooo hooo!!!!
After breakfast this morning the sun was shining on this pretty little cathedral town and after strolling around for a bit I insisted on a coffee! After all he is my husband and I ought to share my favourite pastime with him on occasion!
Bellaccino's, French Row, St Albans
Sneaky Coffee-ers: Anna and Simon
Served by: a waitress!!! Unusual but lovely!
Bought: An americano and a de-caff cappuccino
Cost: The bill was $4.35 or somthing but we left a fiver as the service was prompt and friendly
Cafe: We sat outside as it was sunny and mild. The inside was buzzing - it's obviously a popular place (and I chose it because they spelled 'Espresso' correctly on their signage. I get frustrated with the inaccurate 'Expresso' seen regularly.)
Position: The cafe was on a narrow pedestrian street and our table on the opposite side of the street. It was fun to 'people watch' (or in Simon's case Dog watch as the couple sitting opposite had a beautiful black labarador - his favourite type of dog). The cafe played music of which we heard agreeable snatches. Then a bag pipe player walked by, then a small but very talented group of Christian singers began to sing fantastic worship songs! It was almost like being at church - but with nice coffee!
And? It was lovely all round. I had bought a paper which we both flicked through. We found lots of nice things to chat about. We enjoyed our temporary childless state and remarked how much childlessness is wasted on the childless! As we left the bill came with two very small bars of chocolate - the packaging on which proclaimed them to be 'Useless bit of chocolate'! This made us both smile!
I love my husband SO much. He drives me slightly demented from time to time but I know I am an extremely blessed lady.
Sunday 30 May 2010
29th May 2010
Viv, a dear friend, is a somewhat nervous driver. She has no need to be. She is perfectly competant. However, this nervousness means that on occasion she asks for help getting to bits of Birmingham she can't drive to. Today that place was Tyseley. Danni, newly free from days of busy-ness, was happy to join us on our little road trip. The business at hand took mere minutes leaving plenty of time for the more important things in life... coffee!
Pausa Coffee, Dunelm Mill, New Bond Street, Birmingham
Sneaky Coffee-ers: Anna, Danni, Viv and Susie
Served by: Phillip
Bought: We all had a drink and cake combo. Thus the order was three varying types of coffee, a carton of orange juice then one slice of farmhouse fruit cake, one (humongous!) slice of marmalade cake, a toasted fruit bun and a pink gingerbread bunny rabbit!
Cost: Danni paid but the coffee cake combo is advertised at £2.75
Sat: Around a table - soft chairs. Nice.
Busy: No
Food: Lovely fruit cake - light and a lovely sugar crust on the top
Complaints: Again coffee was spilt into the saucers. It is a small thing but has happened three times out of three visits to this place.
And: Lovely as ever! Susie was on form with her 'mock' adult conversation which isn't quite perfected! (Mainly as she is only four!)
Short mooch around Dunelm afterwards. Danni bought a duck egg blue towel for her newly decorated kitchen. I resisted navy blue bath mats for my newly decorated bathroom despite the fact they were in the sale!
Pausa Coffee, Dunelm Mill, New Bond Street, Birmingham
Sneaky Coffee-ers: Anna, Danni, Viv and Susie
Served by: Phillip
Bought: We all had a drink and cake combo. Thus the order was three varying types of coffee, a carton of orange juice then one slice of farmhouse fruit cake, one (humongous!) slice of marmalade cake, a toasted fruit bun and a pink gingerbread bunny rabbit!
Cost: Danni paid but the coffee cake combo is advertised at £2.75
Sat: Around a table - soft chairs. Nice.
Busy: No
Food: Lovely fruit cake - light and a lovely sugar crust on the top
Complaints: Again coffee was spilt into the saucers. It is a small thing but has happened three times out of three visits to this place.
And: Lovely as ever! Susie was on form with her 'mock' adult conversation which isn't quite perfected! (Mainly as she is only four!)
Short mooch around Dunelm afterwards. Danni bought a duck egg blue towel for her newly decorated kitchen. I resisted navy blue bath mats for my newly decorated bathroom despite the fact they were in the sale!
Wednesday 26 May 2010
Danni
Danni is my most regular sneaky coffee companion. There are many reasons for this. Firstly Danni is one of my longest standing and my closest friend. We have been friends for twelve years and live only minutes from each other. We have spent years going to the same playgroups, the same church, the same supermarket, the same parks... We each have four children and each of them would count one of the other's kids as their best, or among their best, friends. Aside from all this she is an amazing person - kind, gentle, fun, shockingly talented.
When it comes to coffee Danni likes it 'proper'. She is not one to drink instant coffee - even at home. She usually opts for tea when at home, or in other people's homes. Part of the reason for this is she is married to a man (also a great friend) who is a coffee enthusiast... bordering on a coffee snob! (What am I saying - he IS a coffee snob!) Thus her taste is somewhat more refined than that of those who indulge in the odd mug of Nescafe!
However - when going out for coffee Danni opts for the 'hot milkshake' types of coffee. She likes them milky, sweet and flavoured! In Starbucks she opts for Hazelnut latte every time - except for at Christmas when the Toffee Nut latte comes into stores and we trawl from outlet to outlet searching for one which has syrup AND sprinkles! In Costa she has had to abandon hazelnut latte as their syrup has changed to 'roasted hazelnut' which she doesn't like. She now opts for caramel latte.
Danni will experiment though and finds that she prefers cappuccino in some places and latter in others. In places which don't have flavoured syrups on offer she adds brown sugar in a very artistic manner - sprinkling it in circular patterns on the froth of the coffee!
Danni will, I hope, continue to feature heavily on this blog. As a sneaky coffee companion she is un-surpassed!
When it comes to coffee Danni likes it 'proper'. She is not one to drink instant coffee - even at home. She usually opts for tea when at home, or in other people's homes. Part of the reason for this is she is married to a man (also a great friend) who is a coffee enthusiast... bordering on a coffee snob! (What am I saying - he IS a coffee snob!) Thus her taste is somewhat more refined than that of those who indulge in the odd mug of Nescafe!
However - when going out for coffee Danni opts for the 'hot milkshake' types of coffee. She likes them milky, sweet and flavoured! In Starbucks she opts for Hazelnut latte every time - except for at Christmas when the Toffee Nut latte comes into stores and we trawl from outlet to outlet searching for one which has syrup AND sprinkles! In Costa she has had to abandon hazelnut latte as their syrup has changed to 'roasted hazelnut' which she doesn't like. She now opts for caramel latte.
Danni will experiment though and finds that she prefers cappuccino in some places and latter in others. In places which don't have flavoured syrups on offer she adds brown sugar in a very artistic manner - sprinkling it in circular patterns on the froth of the coffee!
Danni will, I hope, continue to feature heavily on this blog. As a sneaky coffee companion she is un-surpassed!
Tuesday 25 May 2010
25th May 2010 - part three of three
Sunny afternoon? Post school trip to the park!
Handsworth Park
Sneaky coffee-ers: Anna and Danni
Served by: Anna
Bought: A mocha and a minestrone soup
Cost: £1
Sat: On the middle bench!
And: A nice way to round off the day!
Handsworth Park
Sneaky coffee-ers: Anna and Danni
Served by: Anna
Bought: A mocha and a minestrone soup
Cost: £1
Sat: On the middle bench!
And: A nice way to round off the day!
25th May 2010 - part two of three
So a sunny child-free afternoon was in prospect. We all had some bits and pieces to do but concluded that all doing said bits and pieces in the same place (thus enabling further coffee, chat and company) was good sense and so we headed to Walsall.
I had to find sandals for my twelve year old boy. In the fourteenth shop I looked in I found some! It seems that little children (shoe size up to 13) need sandals, as to adults, but middle sized kids are woefully ill-provided for (or have such a heavy duty cycle that sandals need much more regular replacement thus selling out quicker - which sort of fits in as the reason Ethan needed sandals is because the previous pair were chewed by a dog having been left outside overnight). I considered buying pink ones as they were freely available and I thought he may learn a lesson, then I found some Man Utd themed ones which would have, from his perspective, been far worse!
Viv was looking for dictionaries for her 15 year old son and Amanda was after shorts for her ten year old son.... anyone spotting a theme?!
Costa Coffee, The Art Gallery, Walsall
Sneaky coffee-ers: Anna, Amanda, Viv, Ellen and little James
Served by: a young man and Barbara. Helpful and very happy to give me a glass of iced water.
Bought: A small black coffee
Cost: £1.80
Sat: Outside - warmish and sunnyish
And: I was just happy the hunt for sandals was over! If champagne had been on offer I would have bought it! (Not really!)
I had to find sandals for my twelve year old boy. In the fourteenth shop I looked in I found some! It seems that little children (shoe size up to 13) need sandals, as to adults, but middle sized kids are woefully ill-provided for (or have such a heavy duty cycle that sandals need much more regular replacement thus selling out quicker - which sort of fits in as the reason Ethan needed sandals is because the previous pair were chewed by a dog having been left outside overnight). I considered buying pink ones as they were freely available and I thought he may learn a lesson, then I found some Man Utd themed ones which would have, from his perspective, been far worse!
Viv was looking for dictionaries for her 15 year old son and Amanda was after shorts for her ten year old son.... anyone spotting a theme?!
Costa Coffee, The Art Gallery, Walsall
Sneaky coffee-ers: Anna, Amanda, Viv, Ellen and little James
Served by: a young man and Barbara. Helpful and very happy to give me a glass of iced water.
Bought: A small black coffee
Cost: £1.80
Sat: Outside - warmish and sunnyish
And: I was just happy the hunt for sandals was over! If champagne had been on offer I would have bought it! (Not really!)
25th May 2010 - part one of three
Well - it does seem that Tuesdays net the most sneaky coffee! Tuesday - or as I like to call them - Childfree Tuesdays - is the day when I have 9am - 3.20pm with not children in my care. I take full advantage of this. It was particularly welcome today. Last night I went to a ladies meeting with my church and we all committed to trying to make one scripture leap from page to life. I hadn't exactly decided which scripture but was erring in the direction of being patient with my children. However - by 8.30am I had failed - utterly and miserably. Thus I was utterly miserable by the time I arrived for the first sneaky coffee. My friends - all of Christian persuasion in this instance - are the gift of God to me at all times but especially today. We've all been there and we are all dependent of God to make up for our inadequacy.
The Arthur Robertson
Sneaky Coffee-ers: Anna, Danni, Ellen (Viv's grown up daughter), Viv, Jane, Amanda and little James
Served by: Laura - my new favourite member of staff. She was friendly and polite. She offered me a 'real' teaspoon if I didn't want to use a wooden stirrer, gave me lots of ice (and offered lemon) in the glass of water I requested and later on she brought a colouring sheet and packet of crayons over for James.
Bought: A large black coffee and a glass of water....
Cost: But it was all free as I had a fully stamped loyalty card (i.e. I have bought five coffees)
We sat: At our sofa table
Food: I had a pack of oatcakes to eat... and Danni brought in a pack of Thorntons Caramel Flapjacks - which I cannot eat due to the milk content.
Complaints: None at all!
And? My friends are the best - really really the absolute and very best! Our conversation was such fun, so uplifting and peppered with laughter. I love them.
The Arthur Robertson
Sneaky Coffee-ers: Anna, Danni, Ellen (Viv's grown up daughter), Viv, Jane, Amanda and little James
Served by: Laura - my new favourite member of staff. She was friendly and polite. She offered me a 'real' teaspoon if I didn't want to use a wooden stirrer, gave me lots of ice (and offered lemon) in the glass of water I requested and later on she brought a colouring sheet and packet of crayons over for James.
Bought: A large black coffee and a glass of water....
Cost: But it was all free as I had a fully stamped loyalty card (i.e. I have bought five coffees)
We sat: At our sofa table
Food: I had a pack of oatcakes to eat... and Danni brought in a pack of Thorntons Caramel Flapjacks - which I cannot eat due to the milk content.
Complaints: None at all!
And? My friends are the best - really really the absolute and very best! Our conversation was such fun, so uplifting and peppered with laughter. I love them.
Monday 24 May 2010
23rd May 2010
My Mum turned 60 on the sunniest weekend of the year so far (and possibly the sunniest weekend of the year in its totality judging by recent years) and the whole family were at Center Parcs. We were so busy enjoying the facilities, weather and necessary icecream that it took us until Sunday morning to make use of one of the many Starbucks outlets on site.
Starbucks, Sherwood Forest Center Parcs
Sneaky coffee-ers: Anna, Simon, Ethan, Naomi, Edward and Susie; Mum and Dad; Grannie; James, Heidi, Luca, Theo and Ellis; Paul and Angela
Served by: A slightly inpolite young lady - I expected that my Starbucks card (which is empty of credit but usually qualifies me for a free shot of syrup) would not be accepted but other similar outlets allow me the free syrup even if they don't accept the card as payment. She wasn't exactly impolite... but not apologetic either.
Bought: Our family had two flavoured spring water drinks (to share between the four children) a decaff coffee for Simon and a black coffee with a shot of almond syrup for me.
Cost: £7.20 - prices noticeably higher
Cafe: It was a nice place - spacious and well equipped with soft comfy chairs. However - we took advantage of the terrace area - mainly because the weather was stunning but also because we had seven children in our party and spilled drinks and noise matter less in the great outdoors!
Position: In the Center Parc 'village' which feels like an upmarket pedestrianised market town street.
Food: The others bought cakes etc. They were the standard menu items.
Complaints: No - all was well.
And? It was a nice time. However - such a big party does limit the feeling of 'having coffee together' as you can realistically only chat to a few people.
Starbucks, Sherwood Forest Center Parcs
Sneaky coffee-ers: Anna, Simon, Ethan, Naomi, Edward and Susie; Mum and Dad; Grannie; James, Heidi, Luca, Theo and Ellis; Paul and Angela
Served by: A slightly inpolite young lady - I expected that my Starbucks card (which is empty of credit but usually qualifies me for a free shot of syrup) would not be accepted but other similar outlets allow me the free syrup even if they don't accept the card as payment. She wasn't exactly impolite... but not apologetic either.
Bought: Our family had two flavoured spring water drinks (to share between the four children) a decaff coffee for Simon and a black coffee with a shot of almond syrup for me.
Cost: £7.20 - prices noticeably higher
Cafe: It was a nice place - spacious and well equipped with soft comfy chairs. However - we took advantage of the terrace area - mainly because the weather was stunning but also because we had seven children in our party and spilled drinks and noise matter less in the great outdoors!
Position: In the Center Parc 'village' which feels like an upmarket pedestrianised market town street.
Food: The others bought cakes etc. They were the standard menu items.
Complaints: No - all was well.
And? It was a nice time. However - such a big party does limit the feeling of 'having coffee together' as you can realistically only chat to a few people.
Friday 21 May 2010
21st May 2010
I think the Friday morning breakfast with Danni is going to become a fixture. We both enjoy it so much and it costs relatively little in terms of time or money. Today is, as far as I am concerned, the first 'proper' spring day we have had. The sun has shone before now, the air has been warm... but today to two coincided and I deemed it not only a sandals day, but also a shorts day!!!!
Danni was in a hurry this morning and almost cancelled.... but she didn't. We just ate, drank and left without the usual following hour of chat! (Mental note - make sure that I allow twice as long next week!)
The Arthur Robertson
Sneaky coffee-ers: Anna and Danni
Bought: A cappuccino and pain au chocolat for Danni, an Americano and bacon sandwich for Anna
Cost: Danni paid!
We sat: NOT at our usual table but at table 55 which was near the open front entrance of the pub (over looking the bus stops!) but far enough from the actual 'patio' area which was full of smokers. We got to see and feel the sunshine - a bit.
Food: They put butter in my bacon sandwich (after expressly requesting that they didn't) which added calories. I don't understand why bacon sandwiches need butter. Mayonnaise maybe but not butter!
And? Lovely as ever. I also took along my 'effervescent energy boost vitamin supplement' tablet with me which I fizzed into a glass of (free) water. Somehow this added to my enjoyment!
Danni was in a hurry this morning and almost cancelled.... but she didn't. We just ate, drank and left without the usual following hour of chat! (Mental note - make sure that I allow twice as long next week!)
The Arthur Robertson
Sneaky coffee-ers: Anna and Danni
Bought: A cappuccino and pain au chocolat for Danni, an Americano and bacon sandwich for Anna
Cost: Danni paid!
We sat: NOT at our usual table but at table 55 which was near the open front entrance of the pub (over looking the bus stops!) but far enough from the actual 'patio' area which was full of smokers. We got to see and feel the sunshine - a bit.
Food: They put butter in my bacon sandwich (after expressly requesting that they didn't) which added calories. I don't understand why bacon sandwiches need butter. Mayonnaise maybe but not butter!
And? Lovely as ever. I also took along my 'effervescent energy boost vitamin supplement' tablet with me which I fizzed into a glass of (free) water. Somehow this added to my enjoyment!
Wednesday 19 May 2010
19th May 2010
My trip out this afternoon originally was to 'do banking' but I managed to 'do banking' online (more of a surprise than you might expect given our temperamental computer) so I had no excuse other than the sun was shining and Viv needed companionship!
Costa, Walsall Art Gallery
Sneaky coffee-ers: Anna, Viv and Susie
Served by: Barbara
Bought: A small americano and a babycino for Susie
Cost: £2.30
Cafe: This is a nice Costa, it is on corner of the ground floor of the art gallery, has glass walls on two sides and a nice selection of sofa type seats as well as cafe tables. We sat in the small outside bit which had cafe tables and was obviously mainly used by smokers as all the ashtrays were overflowing. It wasn't quite sunny enough for this to be lovely but it was warm and dry enough for us to opt for it as we never know when the next opportunity to drink al fresco may arise.
Position: The windows look out on to a canal wharf and a 'piazza' (ha ha) leading into the main shopping street. Sadly it is in Walsall which is not quite the prettiest place in the world so this all sounds better than it actually is! However - Walsall does have all the amenities and shops one might need and parking is cheaper than Birmingham by about 60%.
Busy: It was quite busy but we didn't have to queue at the counter
Food: Well - a babycino comes with marshmallows usually and today it only came with one. There seems to be inconsistencies between Costa outlets with this regard. Sometimes you get as many as three!
Complaints: The marshmallows were only given sparingly and Costa seem to have lost all my loyalty card points which upsets and annoys me a little. My next free drink has been delayed a little.
And: I am not sure if I prefer Costa coffee or Starbucks. I plan to buy two take out cups and try them side by side - all in the name of research you understand! The coffee was nice enough today. The conversation continually interrupted by a very talkative Susie!
Costa, Walsall Art Gallery
Sneaky coffee-ers: Anna, Viv and Susie
Served by: Barbara
Bought: A small americano and a babycino for Susie
Cost: £2.30
Cafe: This is a nice Costa, it is on corner of the ground floor of the art gallery, has glass walls on two sides and a nice selection of sofa type seats as well as cafe tables. We sat in the small outside bit which had cafe tables and was obviously mainly used by smokers as all the ashtrays were overflowing. It wasn't quite sunny enough for this to be lovely but it was warm and dry enough for us to opt for it as we never know when the next opportunity to drink al fresco may arise.
Position: The windows look out on to a canal wharf and a 'piazza' (ha ha) leading into the main shopping street. Sadly it is in Walsall which is not quite the prettiest place in the world so this all sounds better than it actually is! However - Walsall does have all the amenities and shops one might need and parking is cheaper than Birmingham by about 60%.
Busy: It was quite busy but we didn't have to queue at the counter
Food: Well - a babycino comes with marshmallows usually and today it only came with one. There seems to be inconsistencies between Costa outlets with this regard. Sometimes you get as many as three!
Complaints: The marshmallows were only given sparingly and Costa seem to have lost all my loyalty card points which upsets and annoys me a little. My next free drink has been delayed a little.
And: I am not sure if I prefer Costa coffee or Starbucks. I plan to buy two take out cups and try them side by side - all in the name of research you understand! The coffee was nice enough today. The conversation continually interrupted by a very talkative Susie!
Tuesday 18 May 2010
18th May 2010 - part four of four
And so the kids were out of school. The sun was shining.
We all met at the local play park which has been refurbished in the last few years and provides a great range of play apparatus and - crucially - access to the coffee machine in Handsworth Leisure Centre. I took squash and brioche rolls along for the children (seven in all) and a few small coins to provide for our needs!
Handsworth Play Park, 4pm
Sneaky coffee-ers: Anna and Danni
Served by: Anna!
Bought: A mocha for Danni, Minestrone soup for me
Cost: £1 - but only because I paid for Danni's too. 50p each.
We sat: On the bench to the far right!
Busy: The park was VERY busy because it's one of the first sunny afternoons we've had for weeks.
And: Danni and I have children (four each) who LOVE to spend as much time together as possible. They have such a special friendship which is great because so do we!
We all met at the local play park which has been refurbished in the last few years and provides a great range of play apparatus and - crucially - access to the coffee machine in Handsworth Leisure Centre. I took squash and brioche rolls along for the children (seven in all) and a few small coins to provide for our needs!
Handsworth Play Park, 4pm
Sneaky coffee-ers: Anna and Danni
Served by: Anna!
Bought: A mocha for Danni, Minestrone soup for me
Cost: £1 - but only because I paid for Danni's too. 50p each.
We sat: On the bench to the far right!
Busy: The park was VERY busy because it's one of the first sunny afternoons we've had for weeks.
And: Danni and I have children (four each) who LOVE to spend as much time together as possible. They have such a special friendship which is great because so do we!
18th May 2010 - part three of four
Ok - I had bought a new tyre, I had shopped, I had put the stuff away, I had realised that I had forgotten breakfast cereal so I went back to Tesco. Then I went to pick Danni up. We both had a couple of errands we could combine so headed off to north Birmingham with lists.
We intended to do the stuff then go to The Fort for coffee but ran out of time. We tried to have coffee at the cafe at B&Q (Where we were) but their credit / debit card machine was out of order. Between us we had about £3 in cash - not quite enough.
Then we ran out of time. Our coffee-ing intentions had failed.
We intended to do the stuff then go to The Fort for coffee but ran out of time. We tried to have coffee at the cafe at B&Q (Where we were) but their credit / debit card machine was out of order. Between us we had about £3 in cash - not quite enough.
Then we ran out of time. Our coffee-ing intentions had failed.
18th May 2010 - part two of four
Ok - we were a bit late meeting Viv (who opted not to shop at Tesco this morning - clearly less enamoured of clubcard deals than I am!) but she was late too so all was well!
The Arthur Robertson, 10.45am
Sneaky coffee-ers: Anna, Danni and Viv (apologies from Amanda and James - little James was ill so she could neither shop, nor drink coffee sneakily!)
Served by: Emma - helpful, polite
Bought: A diet Pepsi (with ice) as I had caffeine shakes
Cost: £1.55
Cafe: We sat at our table - of course!
Complaints: My one complaint about the Arthur Robertson is the sheer volume of 'stuff' on the tables. There were about four magazines (all their corporate magazine), three standing up menus, two standing up drinks menus, and two sheets advertising their Tuesday evening 'Steak Club'. I remove the lot to the floor otherwise I can't see my mates to chat to them over the table.
And: Lovely as ever. Viv had even dressed up!
The Arthur Robertson, 10.45am
Sneaky coffee-ers: Anna, Danni and Viv (apologies from Amanda and James - little James was ill so she could neither shop, nor drink coffee sneakily!)
Served by: Emma - helpful, polite
Bought: A diet Pepsi (with ice) as I had caffeine shakes
Cost: £1.55
Cafe: We sat at our table - of course!
Complaints: My one complaint about the Arthur Robertson is the sheer volume of 'stuff' on the tables. There were about four magazines (all their corporate magazine), three standing up menus, two standing up drinks menus, and two sheets advertising their Tuesday evening 'Steak Club'. I remove the lot to the floor otherwise I can't see my mates to chat to them over the table.
And: Lovely as ever. Viv had even dressed up!
18th May 2010 - part one of four
Ok - today has featured way too much coffee! And a lot of Danni (though there can never be too much Danni so that is not a complaint!), a fair amount of driving, a little bit too much spending... but as I have committed to faithfully record my sneaky coffee-ing them I must be truthful.
Tesco Cafe, 9.30am
I was late to Tesco this morning as I had to stop at a garage en route to have the rear nearside tyre changed on my husband's car... confused? I was when I phoned him up and found I had gone to the 'wrong' place! His reaction was more appropriate to the preceeding phrase 'All four children have been swept away by a freak tsunami' than 'I'm at Abbey - which brand of tyre do you want?'. A loud and heartfelt 'NOooooo' must have been audible to the man who had jacked up the car, removed the old (bald) tyre and done all manner of stuff which I don't understand. Hubby soon calmed down (I had, apparently, phoned at a bad time) and an appropriate brand was selected and paid for. (Incidentally the garage gave me a £10 discount for being a good customer - go Abbey Tyres on Witton Road.) Anyway - this episode made me 30 minutes late for Tesco but I found Danni still in fruit and veg (i.e. not very far around) - dithering over bananas or something. She confessed to being somewhat unfocused and we opted to go for a quick 'pre-shopping' drink in order to help the focusing process take shape.
Sneaky coffee-ers: Anna and Danni
Served by: Robert
Bought: A 'mild black coffee'
Cost: 95p
Cafe: We sat in the red bucket seats next to the coffee height tables. We were later joined by a mutual friend - Kerry.
And: The coffee tasted better today. I must replenish the supply of 'the milk which isn't milk' jiggers though as black coffee does tire one after a while. We left the cafe focused.... which was just as well as we were due to meet Viv at 10.30am and needed to do all our shopping and drive to The Arthur Roberston in 30 minutes!
Tesco Cafe, 9.30am
I was late to Tesco this morning as I had to stop at a garage en route to have the rear nearside tyre changed on my husband's car... confused? I was when I phoned him up and found I had gone to the 'wrong' place! His reaction was more appropriate to the preceeding phrase 'All four children have been swept away by a freak tsunami' than 'I'm at Abbey - which brand of tyre do you want?'. A loud and heartfelt 'NOooooo' must have been audible to the man who had jacked up the car, removed the old (bald) tyre and done all manner of stuff which I don't understand. Hubby soon calmed down (I had, apparently, phoned at a bad time) and an appropriate brand was selected and paid for. (Incidentally the garage gave me a £10 discount for being a good customer - go Abbey Tyres on Witton Road.) Anyway - this episode made me 30 minutes late for Tesco but I found Danni still in fruit and veg (i.e. not very far around) - dithering over bananas or something. She confessed to being somewhat unfocused and we opted to go for a quick 'pre-shopping' drink in order to help the focusing process take shape.
Sneaky coffee-ers: Anna and Danni
Served by: Robert
Bought: A 'mild black coffee'
Cost: 95p
Cafe: We sat in the red bucket seats next to the coffee height tables. We were later joined by a mutual friend - Kerry.
And: The coffee tasted better today. I must replenish the supply of 'the milk which isn't milk' jiggers though as black coffee does tire one after a while. We left the cafe focused.... which was just as well as we were due to meet Viv at 10.30am and needed to do all our shopping and drive to The Arthur Roberston in 30 minutes!
Monday 17 May 2010
17th May 2010
Tesco Cafe, Aston Lane, Birmingham
This really was super impromptu. My car had gone into the garage for its MOT, Danni picked Susie and I up to take us home but needed to nip into Tesco for a bunch of flowers and to get some cash... and upstairs is a cafe....
Sneaky Coffee-ers: Anna, Danni and Susie
Served by: Robert the very friendly and helpful manager there
Bought: A 'mild black coffee' and a fruit shoot for Susie
Cost: £1.60 in total
Cafe: Mainly canteen style tables and chairs, bright (harsh?) lighting, huge mural style photos of food which doesn't closely resemble that on offer in the hot food cabinet! There are, thankfully, two coffee tables with red (hurrah!) leather bucket seats around. We sat there.
Position: On a mezzanine floor above our usual Tesco. View over the store and the automated sound of the customer service queue are key features!
Food: No - not ever but the deals aren't bad. I wonder if the food is?
Complaints: The coffee isn't that good and the cafe isn't that nice - it's a shame as Robert is lovely and I feel we betray him weekly by decamping to the pub for our post shopping coffee.
And: Coffee with Danni is always a pleasure... the coffee is adequate but the atmosphere and decor of the place make it... only adequate for sneaky coffee-ing.
This really was super impromptu. My car had gone into the garage for its MOT, Danni picked Susie and I up to take us home but needed to nip into Tesco for a bunch of flowers and to get some cash... and upstairs is a cafe....
Sneaky Coffee-ers: Anna, Danni and Susie
Served by: Robert the very friendly and helpful manager there
Bought: A 'mild black coffee' and a fruit shoot for Susie
Cost: £1.60 in total
Cafe: Mainly canteen style tables and chairs, bright (harsh?) lighting, huge mural style photos of food which doesn't closely resemble that on offer in the hot food cabinet! There are, thankfully, two coffee tables with red (hurrah!) leather bucket seats around. We sat there.
Position: On a mezzanine floor above our usual Tesco. View over the store and the automated sound of the customer service queue are key features!
Food: No - not ever but the deals aren't bad. I wonder if the food is?
Complaints: The coffee isn't that good and the cafe isn't that nice - it's a shame as Robert is lovely and I feel we betray him weekly by decamping to the pub for our post shopping coffee.
And: Coffee with Danni is always a pleasure... the coffee is adequate but the atmosphere and decor of the place make it... only adequate for sneaky coffee-ing.
Friday 14 May 2010
14th May 2010
The Arthur Robertson
After such a succesful Friday Breakfast last week Danni and I were tempted beyond that which normal people can withstand. We are NOT normal people.... but we still couldn't withstand such temptation so once more we disposed of our children at their various schools and nurseries and met for coffee and breakfast, chat and chilling.
Sneaky coffee-ers: Anna and Danni
Bought: A cappuccino, a black coffee and two pain au chocolat
Cost: £1.79 each (we had a large coffee - woo hoo!)
Served: By Stephen... and was able to answer his question as to how to properly pronounce 'Pain au Chocolat'. Always glad to be of service!
Seated: On our very own sofas (apparently table 28!)
Busy: Not very
Food: The pain au chocolat were warm, crisp, delectable
And? Oh I don't know what I would do without Danni. Todays conversation included cake making, decorating, children tantruming, creationism, being a junior church leader....
After such a succesful Friday Breakfast last week Danni and I were tempted beyond that which normal people can withstand. We are NOT normal people.... but we still couldn't withstand such temptation so once more we disposed of our children at their various schools and nurseries and met for coffee and breakfast, chat and chilling.
Sneaky coffee-ers: Anna and Danni
Bought: A cappuccino, a black coffee and two pain au chocolat
Cost: £1.79 each (we had a large coffee - woo hoo!)
Served: By Stephen... and was able to answer his question as to how to properly pronounce 'Pain au Chocolat'. Always glad to be of service!
Seated: On our very own sofas (apparently table 28!)
Busy: Not very
Food: The pain au chocolat were warm, crisp, delectable
And? Oh I don't know what I would do without Danni. Todays conversation included cake making, decorating, children tantruming, creationism, being a junior church leader....
Thursday 13 May 2010
13th May 2010
The Arthur Robertson
I feel I should now include a 'what I should have been doing' section... in this case it was painting the bathroom which is a work in progress. However - hearing my mobile beep at 7.30 I fervently hoped it would be exactly what it was - and invitation from Danni to meet her for coffee!
Sneaky Coffee-ers: Anna and Danni
Served by: Stephen
Bought: A large black coffee
Cost: £1.29 (but I also bought a paper on the way in which was £1)
Cafe: We sat on our sofas
Busy: No - not at breakfast time today
And? A very satisfying way to start the day. Nice coffee, nice chat. And when I got home I got straight on with the painting and made good progress! Honest!
I feel I should now include a 'what I should have been doing' section... in this case it was painting the bathroom which is a work in progress. However - hearing my mobile beep at 7.30 I fervently hoped it would be exactly what it was - and invitation from Danni to meet her for coffee!
Sneaky Coffee-ers: Anna and Danni
Served by: Stephen
Bought: A large black coffee
Cost: £1.29 (but I also bought a paper on the way in which was £1)
Cafe: We sat on our sofas
Busy: No - not at breakfast time today
And? A very satisfying way to start the day. Nice coffee, nice chat. And when I got home I got straight on with the painting and made good progress! Honest!
Tuesday 11 May 2010
11th May 2010 - part two
Pausa Coffee, Dunelm Mill
Sneaky coffee-ers: Anna, Viv, Danni, Amanda and James
Served by: The same man who we may have startled with out enthusiasm last week. Spotted today that his name badge read Phillip. There was also a girl there helping.
Bought: Well - today was not so much coffee as lunch! We'd spotted their meal deals and determined to sample them! I had a panini meal which consisted of a panini (funnily!) which had been warmed and served with salad, a drink (I had Pepsi - the coffee jitters from the two coffees consumed an hour before were still jittering) and a slice of cake (to the value of £1.85!). I chose black cherry and almond slice. The others had sandwiches or baked potatoes.
Cost: My meal deal was £5.49. It meant the cake cost me just 20p.
Busy?: Well it was quite, or at least the tables were not full but the queue was longish. The two staff were working hard but things were not super speedy. My panini sat by the toaster for a few minutes before being 'done' for example.
Food: Well my Tex Mex Chicken panini was lovely - spicy and tasty. The cake was perfectly pleasant. The others reported their food was good too.
Complaints: I had to ask twice for my cake even though it should have been given to me on order. However - this is a minor gripe.
And? Very nice. Good value and a nice place for a post lunch browse. Did a bit of shopping too.
Sneaky coffee-ers: Anna, Viv, Danni, Amanda and James
Served by: The same man who we may have startled with out enthusiasm last week. Spotted today that his name badge read Phillip. There was also a girl there helping.
Bought: Well - today was not so much coffee as lunch! We'd spotted their meal deals and determined to sample them! I had a panini meal which consisted of a panini (funnily!) which had been warmed and served with salad, a drink (I had Pepsi - the coffee jitters from the two coffees consumed an hour before were still jittering) and a slice of cake (to the value of £1.85!). I chose black cherry and almond slice. The others had sandwiches or baked potatoes.
Cost: My meal deal was £5.49. It meant the cake cost me just 20p.
Busy?: Well it was quite, or at least the tables were not full but the queue was longish. The two staff were working hard but things were not super speedy. My panini sat by the toaster for a few minutes before being 'done' for example.
Food: Well my Tex Mex Chicken panini was lovely - spicy and tasty. The cake was perfectly pleasant. The others reported their food was good too.
Complaints: I had to ask twice for my cake even though it should have been given to me on order. However - this is a minor gripe.
And? Very nice. Good value and a nice place for a post lunch browse. Did a bit of shopping too.
11th May 2010 - part one
The Arthur Robertson
Sneaky Coffee-ers: Anna, Viv, Danni, Jane, Amanda, James (Amanda's 18 month old son)
Served by: Nice chap - asked his name as we visit so regularly. He is called Paul.
Bought: Various coffees - we had two each! I had two black coffees, one large and one small. (Or regular as the menu would have it!)
Cost: Well - the first coffee was free!!! This was thanks to the loyalty card which gives you every 6th drink for free! The second was bought by Jane (thanks!)
Cafe: We got our sofas
Busy: We regularly go immediately after shopping on a Tuesday morning. The earlier we arrive the quieter it tends to be. Today we arrived about 10.45am and it was filling up a bit. Thankfully it is getting busier generally as we would hate it to close due to poor business.
And? I came away with mega caffeine jitters! Two coffees in close succession is not good for a girl who only has de-caff at home (that's probably another post!). Also (and excitingly) I was able to have 'milk' today as I had spotted, on the lowest shelves of Tesco's coffee aisle, a box of ten 'jiggers' of milk which isn't milk if you see what I mean. I bought a box and siphoned two jiggers into my handbag at the checkout only to find, when my precious and kind friend Danni arrived, that she had also spotted the product and bought a box for me! I now can have eighteen more coffee's out without it having to be black! Maybe even a fortnights worth!
As always, with this fine group of friends, conversation was abundant, entertaining and uplifting!
Sneaky Coffee-ers: Anna, Viv, Danni, Jane, Amanda, James (Amanda's 18 month old son)
Served by: Nice chap - asked his name as we visit so regularly. He is called Paul.
Bought: Various coffees - we had two each! I had two black coffees, one large and one small. (Or regular as the menu would have it!)
Cost: Well - the first coffee was free!!! This was thanks to the loyalty card which gives you every 6th drink for free! The second was bought by Jane (thanks!)
Cafe: We got our sofas
Busy: We regularly go immediately after shopping on a Tuesday morning. The earlier we arrive the quieter it tends to be. Today we arrived about 10.45am and it was filling up a bit. Thankfully it is getting busier generally as we would hate it to close due to poor business.
And? I came away with mega caffeine jitters! Two coffees in close succession is not good for a girl who only has de-caff at home (that's probably another post!). Also (and excitingly) I was able to have 'milk' today as I had spotted, on the lowest shelves of Tesco's coffee aisle, a box of ten 'jiggers' of milk which isn't milk if you see what I mean. I bought a box and siphoned two jiggers into my handbag at the checkout only to find, when my precious and kind friend Danni arrived, that she had also spotted the product and bought a box for me! I now can have eighteen more coffee's out without it having to be black! Maybe even a fortnights worth!
As always, with this fine group of friends, conversation was abundant, entertaining and uplifting!
Monday 10 May 2010
Mac Banana, April 2010
I am a blessed lady! One of the recent blessings in my life was the chance to go to South Africa on holiday (and for my brother's wedding!) in April 2010. Sneaky coffee-ing over in South Africa was so cheap that even Simon couldn't object! Thus we did it a fair amount!
Thus - the next entry is not intended to provide information (unless you plan to go all the way to South Africa for your sneaky coffee), but rather a nostalgia fest for me!
Mac Banana, Kaw-Zulu Natal, South Africa
Sneaky coffee-ers: Anna, Simon, Mum, Dad, Ethan, Naomi, Edward and Susie
Served by: Smiling, polite, helpful staff - they all earned their generous tips many times over. Especially the lady who replaced Susie's spilled milkshake (no use crying!) and didn't charge extra.
Bought: Coffee (black) and Cappuccino. Banana Milkshakes. Beer. Pineapple milkshakes.
Cost: Can't remember exactly but eight drinks were less than the equivalent of £12
Cafe: GORGEOUS! We sat outside in a colonial dream of a garden. Peacocks strutted past, weaving between banana trees. The sun shone and we sheltered under a parasol next to the fountain.
Position: There was an indoor cafe but who would want to sit there?! The gently sloping terrace was perfection!
Food: We bought pancakes on one visit - banana and cinnamon! Hmmmmmm - though a dollop of cream would have improved it further that is no longer permitted due to the lactose intolerance. The bananas grown there (and available for silly money) taste amazing. Juicy, intense.... It's because they are ripened on the tree.... I can no longer eat bananas from Tesco. My eyes have been opened.
Complaints: Why don't they open a branch in Birmingham?
And? Everything about this place was lovely (though it probably benefits from the holiday mood factor) and I was delighted to have had it recommended. It also had a large shop selling fresh produce, homemade goodies and knick knacks. We got a lot of stuff there! The banana milkshakes (and I must confess I sneaked a sip - naughty girl) were to die for. I wouldn't normally be so enthused about a milkshake (or any other drink) but these really were. Freshly picked and ripe bananas, blended with honey and soft ice cream.... delicious.
Thus - the next entry is not intended to provide information (unless you plan to go all the way to South Africa for your sneaky coffee), but rather a nostalgia fest for me!
Mac Banana, Kaw-Zulu Natal, South Africa
Sneaky coffee-ers: Anna, Simon, Mum, Dad, Ethan, Naomi, Edward and Susie
Served by: Smiling, polite, helpful staff - they all earned their generous tips many times over. Especially the lady who replaced Susie's spilled milkshake (no use crying!) and didn't charge extra.
Bought: Coffee (black) and Cappuccino. Banana Milkshakes. Beer. Pineapple milkshakes.
Cost: Can't remember exactly but eight drinks were less than the equivalent of £12
Cafe: GORGEOUS! We sat outside in a colonial dream of a garden. Peacocks strutted past, weaving between banana trees. The sun shone and we sheltered under a parasol next to the fountain.
Position: There was an indoor cafe but who would want to sit there?! The gently sloping terrace was perfection!
Food: We bought pancakes on one visit - banana and cinnamon! Hmmmmmm - though a dollop of cream would have improved it further that is no longer permitted due to the lactose intolerance. The bananas grown there (and available for silly money) taste amazing. Juicy, intense.... It's because they are ripened on the tree.... I can no longer eat bananas from Tesco. My eyes have been opened.
Complaints: Why don't they open a branch in Birmingham?
And? Everything about this place was lovely (though it probably benefits from the holiday mood factor) and I was delighted to have had it recommended. It also had a large shop selling fresh produce, homemade goodies and knick knacks. We got a lot of stuff there! The banana milkshakes (and I must confess I sneaked a sip - naughty girl) were to die for. I wouldn't normally be so enthused about a milkshake (or any other drink) but these really were. Freshly picked and ripe bananas, blended with honey and soft ice cream.... delicious.
Sunday 9 May 2010
Lactose Intolerance
When my sneaky coffee habit began I consumed very milky coffee. Latte - absolutely. Cappuccino - regularly. Cafe Misto (a Starbucks concoction which tastes a lot like instant but nice if you want a milder drink) - very often. However - in the autumn of 2009 I realised how ill I felt. For some time I had suffered with bloating, nausea and lots of other issues a polite lady would never post on the internet! One morning in October I was leaning on my Tesco trolley in the breakfast cereal aisle and a thought occurred to me - maybe it is milk.
Now I am convinced that the 'thought' was actually the voice of God - especially given what happened subsequently.
I gave up milk and milk products. No breakfast cereal (a particularly sad loss), no cheese, no cream or custard. I gave up latte and other coffees in the family and tried to learn to love my coffee black.
Within twelve hours I felt so much better. Within two days I genuinely felt like a new woman. Within six weeks I had lost a stone in weight (every cloud....) Since then I have visited various doctors who, having heard my history, feel no need to further investigate. Lactose intolerance it is. Lactose intolerant I am.
I really miss milk sometimes but on times I throw caution to the wind (ha ha - what a pun!) the effects are fast and nasty. It isn't worth it.
I really really miss latte, flavoured latte, cappuccino.... and I am gutted not to be able to try the new 'flat white' appearing everywhere. I am learning to enjoy black coffee... still learning.
The enjoyment of sneaky coffee has become much less to do with the actual coffee.
On the plus side I think I am developing a more discerning palate for coffee generally. A couple of times I have genuinely loved my black coffee, now I need to find out exactly why that was.
Now I am convinced that the 'thought' was actually the voice of God - especially given what happened subsequently.
I gave up milk and milk products. No breakfast cereal (a particularly sad loss), no cheese, no cream or custard. I gave up latte and other coffees in the family and tried to learn to love my coffee black.
Within twelve hours I felt so much better. Within two days I genuinely felt like a new woman. Within six weeks I had lost a stone in weight (every cloud....) Since then I have visited various doctors who, having heard my history, feel no need to further investigate. Lactose intolerance it is. Lactose intolerant I am.
I really miss milk sometimes but on times I throw caution to the wind (ha ha - what a pun!) the effects are fast and nasty. It isn't worth it.
I really really miss latte, flavoured latte, cappuccino.... and I am gutted not to be able to try the new 'flat white' appearing everywhere. I am learning to enjoy black coffee... still learning.
The enjoyment of sneaky coffee has become much less to do with the actual coffee.
On the plus side I think I am developing a more discerning palate for coffee generally. A couple of times I have genuinely loved my black coffee, now I need to find out exactly why that was.
Saturday 8 May 2010
8th May 2010
The Victorian Tea Rooms, Kings Heath Park, B14 7TQ
It was a rainy Saturday afternoon. My daughter was at a swimming party some distance from home. Too far away to bother with two return journeys so coffee was the obvious solution. The companionship of a friend (the mother of my daughter's friend) made the decision even more inevitable. We politely declined the opportunity to 'enjoy' our 'coffee' at the leisure centre and struck out in search of something nicer.
Kings Norton was very disappointing. Both coffee shops on the square closed just after lunch. However - their loss was the gain of the very nice establishment we stumbled upon in a desperate (and possibly erratic) coffee shop search driving tour.
Sneaky coffee-ers: Anna and Viv
Bought: A pot of coffee and a large cappucino
Cost: Well Viv paid (thanks!) but the total bill was £3.75
Served by: The staff were all very polite, friendly and helpful.
Cafe: In a Victorian building in the park. The cafe has many lilac covered tables complete with small vases of (silk) flowers. An adjoining conservatory is presumably used in busy (sunny?) periods.
Position: Lovely views of the park which still looked attractive in the rain!
Busy: Busy enough - no problem getting a table but no echoing conversation in an empty room either.
Food: We got FREE biscuits with our coffee! A digestive an a strawberry custard cream each!!! Viv (with admirable self discipline) didn't eat hers but I dunked and ate mine!
Complaints: The cappucino (of which I had persuaded Viv to have a large) was served in a small vase type receptacle. No handle! Very odd but I don't suppose it impacted on the flavour.
And? What a find! The coffee (served in a miniature cafetiere) was perfectly acceptable. Free biscuits felt like a lovely bonus. Viv and I had a nice chat. Then we had a nice (albeit short due to the weather) stroll in the park. We both commented that coming on a nicer day for a longer stroll (and possibly cake with the coffee to replenish the burnt calories) would be a good future plan.
It was a rainy Saturday afternoon. My daughter was at a swimming party some distance from home. Too far away to bother with two return journeys so coffee was the obvious solution. The companionship of a friend (the mother of my daughter's friend) made the decision even more inevitable. We politely declined the opportunity to 'enjoy' our 'coffee' at the leisure centre and struck out in search of something nicer.
Kings Norton was very disappointing. Both coffee shops on the square closed just after lunch. However - their loss was the gain of the very nice establishment we stumbled upon in a desperate (and possibly erratic) coffee shop search driving tour.
Sneaky coffee-ers: Anna and Viv
Bought: A pot of coffee and a large cappucino
Cost: Well Viv paid (thanks!) but the total bill was £3.75
Served by: The staff were all very polite, friendly and helpful.
Cafe: In a Victorian building in the park. The cafe has many lilac covered tables complete with small vases of (silk) flowers. An adjoining conservatory is presumably used in busy (sunny?) periods.
Position: Lovely views of the park which still looked attractive in the rain!
Busy: Busy enough - no problem getting a table but no echoing conversation in an empty room either.
Food: We got FREE biscuits with our coffee! A digestive an a strawberry custard cream each!!! Viv (with admirable self discipline) didn't eat hers but I dunked and ate mine!
Complaints: The cappucino (of which I had persuaded Viv to have a large) was served in a small vase type receptacle. No handle! Very odd but I don't suppose it impacted on the flavour.
And? What a find! The coffee (served in a miniature cafetiere) was perfectly acceptable. Free biscuits felt like a lovely bonus. Viv and I had a nice chat. Then we had a nice (albeit short due to the weather) stroll in the park. We both commented that coming on a nicer day for a longer stroll (and possibly cake with the coffee to replenish the burnt calories) would be a good future plan.
Friday 7 May 2010
7th May 2010
The Arthur Roberston - again!
I stayed up all night watching the general election results as they arose... I was very tired and coming down with a cold. A 7.30 text inviting me for a child-free breakfast time coffee under the excuse of essential shopping! What is a girl to do?!
Sneaky coffee-ers: Danni and Anna
Bought: A black coffee and bacon sandwich and a cappucino and pain au chocolat
Cost: £1.49 each
Served by: New guy? Didn't recognise him. Polite and helpful (and he accidentally gave me a large coffee instead of the small I ordered. I didn't point this out as I figured it would cost the pub more to pour away the large one and replace it with a regular).
Position: We got our (yes - our!) sofas
Food: Divine! And such good value. We may make it regular Friday thing.
And? The nicest sneaky coffee for so long. The coffee was ok, the food was great but Danni and I had such great conversation and felt so relaxed and ready to face the day when we left.
I stayed up all night watching the general election results as they arose... I was very tired and coming down with a cold. A 7.30 text inviting me for a child-free breakfast time coffee under the excuse of essential shopping! What is a girl to do?!
Sneaky coffee-ers: Danni and Anna
Bought: A black coffee and bacon sandwich and a cappucino and pain au chocolat
Cost: £1.49 each
Served by: New guy? Didn't recognise him. Polite and helpful (and he accidentally gave me a large coffee instead of the small I ordered. I didn't point this out as I figured it would cost the pub more to pour away the large one and replace it with a regular).
Position: We got our (yes - our!) sofas
Food: Divine! And such good value. We may make it regular Friday thing.
And? The nicest sneaky coffee for so long. The coffee was ok, the food was great but Danni and I had such great conversation and felt so relaxed and ready to face the day when we left.
6th May 2010
The Arthur Robertson, One Stop Shopping Centre, Perry Barr, B42 1AA
Sneaky coffee-ers: Anna, Naomi (aged 10) and Edward (aged 6)
Bought: A small coffee and two J2O drinks
Cost: £4.19
Served by: A manager type figure, seen him before.
Cafe: It's a pub! But there are two leather sofas facing each other over a coffee table and next to a fire. It's a nice ambience.
Busy: Not really
Food: I read the menu because it was new!
And? Well - going for coffee with your children can be nice... or not. In this case they made mess with ice cubes, crawled under tables and didn't make nice conversation! They were only off school because it was general election day and their school was closed.
The Arthur Robertson is a regular haunt for us as a group. The coffee is ok (apparently the cappucino is good but I can't have that) and it is a nice local place.
Sneaky coffee-ers: Anna, Naomi (aged 10) and Edward (aged 6)
Bought: A small coffee and two J2O drinks
Cost: £4.19
Served by: A manager type figure, seen him before.
Cafe: It's a pub! But there are two leather sofas facing each other over a coffee table and next to a fire. It's a nice ambience.
Busy: Not really
Food: I read the menu because it was new!
And? Well - going for coffee with your children can be nice... or not. In this case they made mess with ice cubes, crawled under tables and didn't make nice conversation! They were only off school because it was general election day and their school was closed.
The Arthur Robertson is a regular haunt for us as a group. The coffee is ok (apparently the cappucino is good but I can't have that) and it is a nice local place.
Wednesday 5 May 2010
5th May 2010
in Dunelm Mill, B9 4HX
Sneaky coffee-ers: Anna, Danni and (honorary) Susie (honorary as she is only 4 years old and doesn't drink coffee!)
Bought: A hazelnut latte (for Danni), Americano with a shot of cinnamon syrup for Anna and a flavoured water for Susie.
Cost: £2.75 for the Americano and water. The shot of syrup was 40p.
Served by: Young man who was somewhat bemused by our excitement. Not chatty but quite smiley and efficient. He did splosh my coffee into the saucer a bit but that was mainly because the cup was properly full so it would be churlish to complain....
Cafe: Mainly high padded chairs or hard chairs and tables but two sets of arm chair and coffee table combinations. We had one of those.
Position: At the back of Dunelm Mill. No natural light or windows BUT a lovely view of ladybird dustpan sets and gorgeous stripy and spotty brooms....
Busy: No - we were the only customers. (Though a couple arrived as we left)
Food: OK looking cake and good 'afternoon tea' deal. Very tempting lunch deals - we're planning to go back for lunch next week.
Complaints: The coffee was REALLY hot. I couldn't even sip it for a couple of minutes. Thus I ended up spilling even more of it into the saucer whilst trying to hold the cup. Only a small thing though.
And? All in all a very nice time. The coffee was good (apparently the latte was very good) and the novelty made it a lot of fun. Might add it to our regular haunts! Dunelm is also a lovely 'moochable' shop with lots of lovely things to look at.
Sneaky coffee-ers: Anna, Danni and (honorary) Susie (honorary as she is only 4 years old and doesn't drink coffee!)
Bought: A hazelnut latte (for Danni), Americano with a shot of cinnamon syrup for Anna and a flavoured water for Susie.
Cost: £2.75 for the Americano and water. The shot of syrup was 40p.
Served by: Young man who was somewhat bemused by our excitement. Not chatty but quite smiley and efficient. He did splosh my coffee into the saucer a bit but that was mainly because the cup was properly full so it would be churlish to complain....
Cafe: Mainly high padded chairs or hard chairs and tables but two sets of arm chair and coffee table combinations. We had one of those.
Position: At the back of Dunelm Mill. No natural light or windows BUT a lovely view of ladybird dustpan sets and gorgeous stripy and spotty brooms....
Busy: No - we were the only customers. (Though a couple arrived as we left)
Food: OK looking cake and good 'afternoon tea' deal. Very tempting lunch deals - we're planning to go back for lunch next week.
Complaints: The coffee was REALLY hot. I couldn't even sip it for a couple of minutes. Thus I ended up spilling even more of it into the saucer whilst trying to hold the cup. Only a small thing though.
And? All in all a very nice time. The coffee was good (apparently the latte was very good) and the novelty made it a lot of fun. Might add it to our regular haunts! Dunelm is also a lovely 'moochable' shop with lots of lovely things to look at.
Why sneaky?
I coined the phrase 'sneaky coffee' - I really did!
I love to go out for coffee. I love not having to tidy up in order to sit down, I love not having to boil the kettle, I love having 101 options as to exactly how I want my coffee to be, I love the sofas, the music, the aroma.....
My husband (who, it must be said, is lovely) doesn't get it. His take is that 'you can make coffee at home, why pay for what can be had at home for free'. A reasonable question? Maybe. However - because I love the whole 'having a coffee out' experience I continue to indulge anyway. Whilst I don't keep my coffee drinking and buying habits a secret... I don't exactly advertise them either!
I love to go out for coffee. I love not having to tidy up in order to sit down, I love not having to boil the kettle, I love having 101 options as to exactly how I want my coffee to be, I love the sofas, the music, the aroma.....
My husband (who, it must be said, is lovely) doesn't get it. His take is that 'you can make coffee at home, why pay for what can be had at home for free'. A reasonable question? Maybe. However - because I love the whole 'having a coffee out' experience I continue to indulge anyway. Whilst I don't keep my coffee drinking and buying habits a secret... I don't exactly advertise them either!
Starting out
An interesting thought....
I have devoted many hours in recent years to developing what I believe to be a pretty comprehensive knowledge of the best places to enjoy coffee with friends in and around Birmingham, UK.
I can't claim this is a solo effort and many other dedicated 'sneaky coffee-ers' have been instrumental in this endeavour. We have, without thought of personal gain or pleasure, sacrificed considerable resources - time and money - to being able to absolutely reliably rate the Birmingham coffee experience.
Today one of my coffee-ing companions enjoyed coffee in a new place which is always novel and exciting and liable (if good) to ensure that voices become high pitched and occasional bouncing and clapping be exhibited! When said coffee shop is also in a shop with lots of lovely lovely things the effect is doubled! We were so excited I commented that I should blog our experience and knowledge and thus bless humanity (or at least coffee lovers in Birmingham!).
So here I am, here it is!
I have devoted many hours in recent years to developing what I believe to be a pretty comprehensive knowledge of the best places to enjoy coffee with friends in and around Birmingham, UK.
I can't claim this is a solo effort and many other dedicated 'sneaky coffee-ers' have been instrumental in this endeavour. We have, without thought of personal gain or pleasure, sacrificed considerable resources - time and money - to being able to absolutely reliably rate the Birmingham coffee experience.
Today one of my coffee-ing companions enjoyed coffee in a new place which is always novel and exciting and liable (if good) to ensure that voices become high pitched and occasional bouncing and clapping be exhibited! When said coffee shop is also in a shop with lots of lovely lovely things the effect is doubled! We were so excited I commented that I should blog our experience and knowledge and thus bless humanity (or at least coffee lovers in Birmingham!).
So here I am, here it is!
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