I went back into a coffeeshop.

I went back into a coffeeshop last week for the first time in about four months. That’s back in as to actually order a coffee, sit down, sip, savour and finally leave feeling that perhaps the world isn’t quite such a bad place after all.

Strictly speaking, it wasn’t my first time back across a coffeeshop threshold. I’ve had one or two takeaways since they started to reopen and also taken advantage of the alfresco option some are offering. This time it was the real deal though, the full immersive experience.

At the moment I’m only venturing into the centre of Norwich once a week and even them I’m not always sure I’m enjoying it. There’s only so much mask-wearing and sanitiser applying before the inevitable ‘why am I doing this’ question creeps into your mind, ‘why didn’t I stay at home with my book and a coffee’.

On my previous trip, I’d been sorely tempted to go in, but in the end, something held me back, still struggling with that lockdown frame of mind. 

This time I was determined to do it and I’m so glad I did. I opted for Bread Source on Bridewell Alley. As their wonderful home delivery service has helped to keep me sane through lockdown it seemed only appropriate, and what perfect timing it was. At 10 o’clock last Thursday morning it was just me and their ever welcoming staff. The seating options have inevitably been reduced due to current circumstances but with free rein of the shop, it didn’t matter at all. I bagged one of my favourite seats by the window, the coffee was just as strong as I like it and a pasteis de nata was the perfect sweet accompaniment. I sat there happily watching the world go by, listening to some rather cool music they were playing and occasionally dipping into the book I’d bought earlier that morning. Things were good, so good in fact that I forgot to ask what the music was. Maybe I’ll have to go back in tomorrow and hope they were playing a Thursday playlist.