Swaggering for Coffee
It was stormy, the icy canals had melted, and my boat was rocking. So I put my swag on for a mid-morning coffee at Sutton Cheney Wharf cafe.
The cafe was only a 2-minute walk from this idyllic spot where we were moored on the Ashby Canal, which is picturesque and a little off the mainstream.
They opened at 9:30 AM, which is reasonable especially during this time of year when the mornings are dark. But there's still a lot of traffic with dogwalkers as it's the rural countryside. I was up bright and early and had time to wander around to get a good feel of the place and see some quirky fixtures on the grounds.
The cafe is nestled on vast farmlands, and the fields of nectar mix added some vibrancy to the bleak morning and made me curious about what the field might look like in the summertime.
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The area was more spread out than I'd realised, and it explained why the heavy flow of pedestrians who were not boaters, that I observed from my window.
I bet the villagers appreciate the easy access to get a nature fix and also pop in for meals. I've also read that there are some historic sites nearby too., so this location makes a great family day spot.
These swans gathered on the towpath nibbling away at the grass, and one of the boaters moored next to them said that the swans had been at that spot for a few days, not bothered by anything around them.
Swans are elegant, but not the friendliest of creatures. Still, they are fascinating and look so different out of the water.
I kept my distance as I walked by because they are territorial on land too. I saw the mum eyeing me as if to warn me not to get too close to her Cygnets.
Nature walks by the canal personifies slow-living and makes me feel sublime on days like this when I need a hug in a mug.
The cafe was cosy and the staff were friendly, and it felt like I'd gone over to a friend for coffee. The Chef was even happy for me to take his photo, which is rare since Chefs are most times a little uptight and avoidant of customers.
There was a challenge getting my transaction to go through, which they believe is because of the storm, combined with the location which truly is remote off-the-beaten-track.
There menu is pretty broad, but I only fancied a coffee, and whenever I go to a cafe, I like to treat myself to a cappuccino.
They were heavy-handled with a sprinkling of chocolate and the biscoff was a kind gesture and something that I always feel good about when I receive one with my coffee. Still, I couldn't resist and ordered a slice of their lemon drizzle cake, which paired nicely with my cappuccino.
I hugged my cup like it was a bowl of soup, just to warm my hands nicely.
The setting of the cafe is simply perfect! I sat by the window and watched the ducks swimming and a boat went by because the storm had passed and the canals were calm again.
High chairs were available as they seemed to be a popular location for families, and I noticed two well-behaved dogs sitting quietly under their family tables.
It's seldom that I work from a cafe because I need an environment that is free from distractions, but this setting was comfortable and I nipped back in for my laptop. Unfortunately, my internet was unstable at the cafe, so I returned to my boat where the reception was a little stronger.
It was a nice way to stretch my legs and the fresh air left me feeling energised. My boat was secured even though we were moored under large trees, they look solid though and the area appears to be well-maintained. However, I'll continue to be vigilant of any changes and hopefully, the weather will improve soon.
Happy Sunday and have a Coffee-Licious Day:)
Oh, I had fun taking these photos although my flimsy mobile tripod keeps falling over...
Two questions, do you think that VW Bus is operational? and
Are you kidding me? There is a coffee barge? is it gassing up (petrol) at a pump?
That would be too cool: we use coffee to gas up in the morning ha ha.
I am envious of your slow living. I'm usually quite busy here, my hometown now was almost rural when I bought my home in 2020, but since the majority voted to incorporate becoming an actual township.
Now there is construction going on right and left, the woods are disappearing and the wildlife have no place to live
(photo from my backyard)
Then after the home invasion, a few nights later I captured this on one of my remote cams
I am pretty sure this time my cats repelled the invasion.
Well Done Magnificent Milly @millycf1976
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Hey @jerrytsuseer
I doubt the VW Van still works, but it adds character to the surroundings.
My bet is that the people who currently run the cafe used to have a boat cafe, and now they probably just live by the cafe on the boat.
Boatlife is a busy life because there are challenges every day that pop up out of nowhere. Living in a semi-self-sustainable way requires boaters to carry out maintenance since the price of everything is doubled once it relates to the boats. So slow living has more to do with a shift in the mindset of not being bombarded in an attempt to do everything at once, but still, plenty to do.
Especially during this time of the year, we're constantly planning and ensuring that we have supplies and can replenish when needed since there's no place to do bulk shopping... and we never know if areas will be passable.
It's good that you remain physically active though, because that helps to stimulate the mind.
Have a lovely Sunday:)))
Hello, @millycf1976
They say that we are the places we visit, the people we speak with from the heart and what our eyes look at with interest and curiosity.
We inhabit life.
Beautiful photos.
Beautiful nature.
Hey there!
What profound words💯
I'm pleased you liked this, and thanks for stopping by:))
😉👍💯🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍
Nice movement to avoid being freezing 😊
Cappucinno is always good option especially when we have no idea to order!
Have a great day!
Hehe! Yeah, I've been eager to explore the area but it was just too cold. This morning was not too bad, and I'm happy that I went out.
You're right about a cappuccino order being safe, and it's a real treat since I only have black coffee normally.
Have a lovely Sunday too:)))
Greetings friend, it's been a while since I read you, I'm glad to hear from you again and I must admit that the energies and / or vibes that transmit your photographs fill me with peace and serenity.
We are reading each other, happy days and a good coffee ☕️
Thanks for your lovely message @niggyayo.
😊That's exactly what I feel here, so I'm delighted that my photos transmitted that.
Have a lovely day:)))
That place looks divine, elegant and homely. I liked the breakfast menu although 12 quid for a full English had me wincing a little!
Why do they automatically sprinkle chocolate on a cappuccino? It annoys me no end if they don't ask and I forget to tell them no.
And thank you, I learned something new. I'd never heard of a cortado before. Had to google it!
Hope the weather continues to improve and if it's any consolation, it's been rain and thunderstorms here all weekend. It's still nudging 30C though ;-)
Have a great week ahead.
You're spot on there!
Yeah, I think their prices are on the steeper side, but it's a fairly affluent town I think and off the beaten paths where they have steady customers. They were closing at mid-day today because of a private function.
I most times refuse chocolate sprinkles but I said yes today because I thought it would make a nicer photo. My eyes bulged when I saw it. Luckily the coffee wasn't ruined though.
I learned about cortado from this community. It seems to be quite a thing these days.
I think the worst of the weather has passed and we have mild temperatures now, but continues to rain.
I'm pleased cos we hope to do some travelling next week.
Have a great week ahead too:)))
A nice and enjoyable post with delicious photos as always!... Loved seeing that VW Combi in colors!... It looks a bit like those cars that enthusiasts call “Road rats” style!... Greetings and best wishes for this week ahead!... Thanks for sharing @millycf1976 friend!
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!PIZZA
Haha! I see the connection.
Thanks for your lovely comment and I'm pleased you liked the photos... I almost didn't add the photos since hubby took some black-and-white shots of the van. However, it's a part of the establishment and I thought sharing it in colour would be nice.
Enjoy the last of the weekend and have a lovely week ahead:)))
$PIZZA slices delivered:
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Lemon drizzle cake is my go to with coffee if I'm going to get a pastry. good choice!
Yeah, it was a no-brainer for me when she listed out the available cakes. I love the freshness of it and I particularly love when it's very lemony 😋
I love your adventurous life and the beautiful places you share with us.... That coffee looks good 🥰☕💜.... Thanks for sharing and don't stop having fun. A hug 😘
Hey Chacald 😍
Yes, the coffee was great!
I consider myself lucky to live this simple lifestyle and be able to see and enjoy most of what these beautiful places offer.
Thanks for stopping by.
Enjoy the last of the weekend and have a great week ahead:)))
Hello friend, how beautiful that entire experience that you managed to go through and in that way do something different, where I really liked each of the landscapes that are around that entire place and thus being able to document. The perfect coffee shop is that type of place that is worth visiting again and again, great for the connection, but the important thing is to enjoy that coffee and continue getting to know places.
Hello David!
Yes, the cafe has many pros and I enjoyed my experience completely.
I'm pleased that you enjoyed the scenery too.
Thanks for stopping by:)
Someday I will visit that place.
It would be nice if you do:)
Someday.
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STOPIt was a great walk out from the icy environment. The coffee shop is so cool. What a great combination of the biscoff and coffee to warm your day😊
Thank you 😊
The setting, ambience and food were the perfect combination, indeed!
I'm pleased that you liked this:))
A nice experience despite the weather, you can tell that you are having a great time and that is what is important, you create the atmosphere with good vibes.
I loved the Volkswagen van, it takes us back to the hippie era. A nice ride and the swans weren't aggressive, that was good.🦢
Very nice photos. Thanks for sharing.☕
Excellent day.
Yes, I found out after that it's some hippies who run the cafe.
I love the Volkswagen too, and I could see myself living in one in my younger days. I'm not fond of driving anymore though. I prefer the slow pace of the narrowboat in nature.
Thanks for your lovely comment and have a great day:)))
Night moment and good coffee. ❤️
Good coffee, indeed 😍