If it wasn't for having actual #goals in life I'd probably spend most of my time in coffee shops. I only started drinking coffee at around age 19 after having dated a serious Italian obsessed with his #Nespresso machine. I had no choice but to be converted.
I do love #coffee, but, in my view, that's not what coffee shops are about. To me they have always been a place of inspiration, regardless of what I'm #drinking. (Growing up, my grandfather used to ask me to make him cups of "hot water" - not #tea or coffee - just hot water. I thought it was funny until I became a starving artist in my 20s and couldn't afford to keep spending money on coffee/tea several times a week, so I'd sneak #teabags into my purse and just ask for #hotwater at #Starbucks... :-P One day I lost the need for teabags altogether... Something about just having a hot #beverage in your hand, regardless of what it is, is immensely #calming and #satisfying.) Whatever I'm #sipping, whether I'm catching up with friends, #writing, #daydreaming, making #bigplans... Coffee shops are a place where life stops for a #moment, a place for #reflection, to #settle into oneself, and let the #creative juices flow.
I'd much rather work from #coffeeshops than from home - it makes me feel #purposeful, #productive. I enjoy the feeling of putting myself in a #calm place, surrounded by people happily immersed in their own worlds. The #chatter makes me #glow and makes my world seem a little more #colorful. (Something about that chatter! #Inspiring and #romantic in an #inexplicable way...)
Coffee "culture" is truly a #culture in itself. It makes me feel like I'm part of something, and a little less alone in the world. I've met some of my dearest #friends in coffee shops, as they are generally great places to strike up #conversation or find #inspiration in something new. One can generally find me in a cozy corner with a book or on my #laptop, lost in a current #project, #peoplewatching, or #daydreaming like an idiot. Coffee shops are places I find myself #smiling for no reason, and maybe I find more #joy in a #cupofcoffee or tea than most, but mainly, I feel lucky to have the #privilege of #coffeeshopping - a true #firstworld privilege - and one of my favorite #luxuries and greatest #pleasures in #life.
***Notable coffee shops in some of my favorite #cities***
#London, UK:
Oliver's Village Cafe (Belsize)
Named for the owner's son, Oliver, an obscenely gifted painter and baker with autism. His art can be seen displayed on the walls and his #cakes are #delicious. Inspiring #art, #food, and coffee at great #prices. Super nice #staff. 5 stars!!!
https://www.oliversvillagecafe.com/
Ginger & White (Hampstead & Belsize)
#Amazing cakes. OMG. Cozy & #classy (I'm also weirdly bumping into #celebrities constantly here... Bizarre but not a shock as both locations are great & located in the coolest of areas!)
http://www.gingerandwhite.com/
God's Own Junkyard (Walthamstow)
This warehouse turned #artexhibit/coffee shop/#bar is one of the coolest spots in all of London filled with the neon artwork of #ChrisBracey and other talented #artists. It opens as a #café during the day and a bar at night. Anyone you bring here is sure to be wowed. #MINDBLOWN
http://www.godsownjunkyard.co.uk/
Wynwood Art District (Walthamstow)
A #familyrun, community coffee shop and everything you could ever want in a coffee shop, really - warm and #cozy, great coffee, service, + fast #wifi.
http://www.wynwoodartdistrict.co.uk/
Brazilian Gourmet (Bloomsbury)
Love the #warmth and #decor of this place - super cozy and a great hang for any season. Food and #drinks are #fantastic and there's always great #jazz #music playing!
http://braziliangourmet.co.uk/
Glasgow, UK:
Sonny & Vito's Deli Cafe (Botanical Gardens)
Decor is #warm and inviting, food is fantastic. They offer a variety of options for any type of diet/lifestyle. Incredible place to cozy up with a #book, laptop, or meet up with friends!
https://m.facebook.com/sonnyandvitos/?locale2=en_GB
Looe, Cornwall, UK:
The Kitchenside Bakery (East Looe)
Obviously the staff are #musiclovers - great #music here - all the time. (If #EdithPiaf is playing somewhere, I'm guaranteed to love the place..) Great cakes, great coffee, nice staff.
https://www.kitchenside.co.uk/
Polperro, Cornwall, UK:
The Plantation Restaurant & Tea Rooms
Best #glutenfree scone I've ever had in my life. (You'd never know!!!) Food is incredible, service is amazing. All around 5-star location. Great for an afternoon meet-up or a good read!
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g186241-d4736236-Reviews-The_Plantation_Tea_Rooms-Polperro_Cornwall_England.html
The Museum Tea Room
Great spot for people watching + boat watching! Stunning views of the harbor and a great spot to strike up a conversation with friendly locals. I'm met some great friends here.
http://www.polperro.org/museum.html?utm_source=tripadvisor&utm_medium=referral
NYC:
Grounded Organic Coffee & Tea House (West Village)
Excellent spot to #study or socialize. The #coziest and #coolest of decor! Walls lined with art! A hidden gem!
http://www.groundedcoffee.com/
Kobrick Coffee (West Village)
#Vintage-style decor makes for a great #atmosphere. Great coffee. Awesome place to #meetup. https://www.kobricks.com/
Caffe Reggio (Greenwich Village)
Home of the #cappuccino! That's right, the first cafe to ever serve cappuccino and the best spot to sit and read, socialize, etc... especially when it's #raining!
https://www.facebook.com/caffereggionyc/
Boston:
The Southend Buttery (Southend - Shawmut Ave)
A dog-lover's #heaven! The walls are decorated with photos of neighborhood #dogs and they're sure to be offering a variety of dog #treats at any given time! Food and baked goods are fantastic. At night the cafe reopens as a gourmet restaurant and bar! Amazing #date spot!
http://southendbuttery.com/
(Of course, I could add 1000 more to the list. Maybe one day I will do a book on Great American Coffee Shops... for now, signing off!)
