A Lovely Cup Of Rosy

There’s something so quintessentially British about having a delicately brewed pot of Earl Grey tea in a pretty, little china cup.

Finding places to have a nice brew, or a good choice of coffee blends, in a relaxed environment, is becoming more of a challenge with so many franchised coffee shops taking over the nations’ high streets.

I like my shops and cafés to have a bit of personality and individuality. Sadly it’s not particularly easy for independent retailers in the UK right now.

Business rates continue to favour the “chain store”, the “multi-national”, leading to town centres that are mere clones of any other you might visit.

I’m sure that can’t be good for tourism! When I go abroad I love to explore off the beaten track, as it were, finding out about that country’s culture, people, customs and food.

If any of my followers either live in or come to visit Surrey then I would highly recommend a wonderful, independent Coffee House (that also serves tea!) in the village of Ripley, called Pinnock’s http://www.pinnockscoffeehouse.com/

A friend and I spent a relaxing afternoon sampling the various coffee blends and teas. The friendly atmosphere and good, yet unobtrusive, service was most welcome.

The setting is possibly my favourite aspect of Pinnocks. Even I, short as I am, had to stoop under the wonderful, old, exposed beams in the comfortably furnished upstairs. Shelves packed with books, a corner filled with board games and the smell of worn leather all add to a very homely feeling.

Now that’s what I call character!