new cafe beside the dart station ?

Hoosieria

I went in today to try it out. €2.30 for one oatmeal cookie? That has to take the biscuit (har har!). I did tell the counter that I thought that price was a bit expensive. For that price I would've expected a seriously large or creative oatmeal cookie, not your run of the meal small cookie with 4-5 pieces of dried cranberry. The price wasn't posted by the cookie jar, but if it had, I would've passed and gotten a €2.50 scone that would have had more eating to it. Interestingly, when I did mention the price, one employee told me that the cookie was supposed to be 80 cents and he was corrected by another. Cafe Grey - think carefully about your prices! The coffee was excellent.

Another thing - service is very confusing! I walked in and was waiting to order and I had people going around in front of me to order at the counter (I had a buggy). A customer told me that there was table service but when I sat down and waited for over 5 minutes, a staff person told me that I had to order at the counter. There's no sign any where telling customers how to order. I was made to feel like I should've know that that was the system.

I won't be going back. Too expensive and just too fiddly to go in with a baby stroller and deal with all that. There's more child/baby friendly coffee shops in town.

Cheeky Chops

I unfortunately am not in a position at the moment (unlike most of the Stones it seems :P) to go for coffee and delicious bits but going on the reviews on here and especially your comments Caroline, I will look forward to the day when I can pop in!

Your comments are so open and honest that they will make you vulnerable so ignore any nasties posting from behind their keyboards. You sound like you are really trying to make this work and I must be honest that every time I have been past I would have loved to have come in. Says it all really

As for the last poster ... sigh. I don't get this "won't be going back" business. You sound like my father and he is in his 70's and a grumpy old fecker. Give a new business a chance that is really trying to promote local and is not costing a fortune to visit.

I reckon a swingers night with fondue would be the business ... just saying like :P

Caroline Gray9

Steve thanks so much I like the sign of Pinot payday

Caroline Gray9

Steve thanks . I like idea of pinot paypay

Maudi

Cheeky Chops wrote: »

I unfortunately am not in a position at the moment (unlike most of the Stones it seems :P) to go for coffee and delicious bits but going on the reviews on here and especially your comments Caroline, I will look forward to the day when I can pop in!

Your comments are so open and honest that they will make you vulnerable so ignore any nasties posting from behind their keyboards. You sound like you are really trying to make this work and I must be honest that every time I have been past I would have loved to have come in. Says it all really

As for the last poster ... sigh. I don't get this "won't be going back" business. You sound like my father and he is in his 70's and a grumpy old fecker. Give a new business a chance that is really trying to promote local and is not costing a fortune to visit.

I reckon a swingers night with fondue would be the business ... just saying like :P

Lol

Caroline Gray9

Oldlegs wrote: »

Do I wait and report back later or give it in real time?
Hey we live in an online world, so here goes ...

Walk passed the front to get an initial look. On stepping inside there is a great airy feel to the place. Plenty of tables without feeling cluttered. (I like the slightly longer table in the middle, and sharing a table is a great way to strike up conversation).

"Beef Pastrami gourmet sandwich" screamed at me - no decision to be made.
Unfortunately, today of all day's Beef Pastrami is not available. Turkey or Ham & Cheese alternatives, do not really sound like true alternatives. "What comes with the turkey ?" I ask, tears welling up in my eyes (seriously how can a Turkey sandwich compete with a Beef Pastrami !).
Turkey, with salad, relish and garlic mayonnaise on fresh cob. Tears dry up quickly. Lets go with that then .

As I type, I am half way through an amazing sandwich and great coffee. The pickled cucumber on the side is a great touch.

Starting to fill up with lunch time trade, but noise level doesn't change

Service is great.
Overall feel of the place is great.
Really reminds me of NYC/Seattle/Santa Monica cafes where you can go and read a book or chat for ages - whilst also getting great fare.

Hopefully in time, opening time will extend into the evening as this would be a great place to meet for coffee, glass of wine etc. after work.

Price for Coffee essentially the same as the rest of Greystones. Sandwich (@ €6.30) is more expensive than elsewhere, but his must be the best sandwich in town.

As Arnold Scharz. might have said, "I will be back!" - next time for the Beef Pastrami - hopefully

Well done Caroline and staff.

(PS - Does Greystones need another coffee shop ? I don't know. But this is a very welcome addition to Greystones and others may have to up their game to compete with the overall quality)

(PPS - As I was leaving, and made my introductions to Caroline and wanted to make sure the Beef Pastrami would be back on the next time. She told me that it would be back on in about 5 minutes, as delivery had just arrived. Oh well, next time.)

Thanks great to get live feedback caroline

Caroline Gray9

Taltos wrote: »

I too ventured in earlier after lunch - had to try it.

Similar to above lovely airy feel in the place despite not being a warehouse
Staff were super friendly - had a giggle over their number system - not spoiling it for anyone who has not been down - but really unique - at least in my experience.

Coffee I really enjoyed it, even if I did have to leave after only drinking half a cup.
Carrot cake - totally sinful. Afraid to bring my wife down as after trying one slice she might well keep on going. I know I wanted to.

Great addition to the town, will be going back, but will choose my times when it is not packed. Have to admit as someone who used to pick up his weekly comics from Paddy it is a weird experience in some ways.

Caroline - think you and your team all deserve a pat on the back. Their cheerful attitude and warm welcome when I stumbled in was great. Think I might have spotted you as I left but you were head down refilling the cakes - thank god you hadn't done that when I came in or I'd still be there missing work


P.S. - Oldlegs sounds like we were there at the same time - shame we didn't have our Boards badges on

Probably was me refilling cakes . Sorry I did not say hello

Caroline Gray9

stevestevenson wrote: »

Last Friday of every month, wine & cheese/tapas, piped easy-listening playing gently in the background - sorted!

Call it "Payday Pinot" & give me 10% of royalties ;-)

Thanks . Payday Pinot sound a great idea but I could not afford royalties which are more than my hoped for profits . However if u open some weekends hope yo see u there at some stage

Caroline Gray9

realgolfgeek wrote: »

Now THAT is something I would love !!!!

Thanks for feedback

Caroline Gray9

Earlsie wrote: »

Dropped in yesterday with the wife about 11.30 and the place was jammers, efficient friendly service and great coffee and cakes, simple
Looking forward to dropping in again over the weekend, keep up the good work.

Are there any plans to provide deals on hot chocolate and cakes (for kids say), I would say I generally hit the town 2 or 3 times a week for coffee (after work or weekends) but if I have kids with me I will only ever go to one coffee shop that provides a deal, apart from the value for money aspect I'm told it’s the best Hot Chocolate in Greystones.

Thanks so much for nice comments . We need these to keep going . Thanks also for ideas on hot chocolate and cakes . Caroline

Caroline Gray9

grudgehugger wrote: »

@Caroline: Didn't make it in last weekend - determined to come visit this one!

Cheese/charcuterie plates washed down with some vino on the odd evening sounds fab - would definitely go for it.

I'm sure just managing getting up and running with the daytime business is demanding a huge effort though.... fair play for giving it a go and also for interacting on boards with the customers. Others would benefit from doing the same I feel....

... I can feel the beef pastrami sandwich calling me ....

Thanks for advice and encouragement . It's all been a bit of a challenge but reaction of customers , friends and people on boards has been a Hugh help . Have a great weekend

Caroline Gray9

Hoosieria wrote: »

I went in today to try it out. €2.30 for one oatmeal cookie? That has to take the biscuit (har har!). I did tell the counter that I thought that price was a bit expensive. For that price I would've expected a seriously large or creative oatmeal cookie, not your run of the meal small cookie with 4-5 pieces of dried cranberry. The price wasn't posted by the cookie jar, but if it had, I would've passed and gotten a €2.50 scone that would have had more eating to it. Interestingly, when I did mention the price, one employee told me that the cookie was supposed to be 80 cents and he was corrected by another. Cafe Grey - think carefully about your prices! The coffee was excellent.

Another thing - service is very confusing! I walked in and was waiting to order and I had people going around in front of me to order at the counter (I had a buggy). A customer told me that there was table service but when I sat down and waited for over 5 minutes, a staff person told me that I had to order at the counter. There's no sign any where telling customers how to order. I was made to feel like I should've know that that was the system.

I won't be going back. Too expensive and just too fiddly to go in with a baby stroller and deal with all that. There's more child/baby friendly coffee shops in town.

Thanks for feedback and delighted u like the coffee which is blended in Wicklow . Sorry the service system was not clear and I will try and fix this . Any suggestions on best options welcome . I have three choices : 1. Costa , Starbucks , insomnia model ( I personally hate having to stand and wait with tray for coffees rather than sit down an relax) 2. Cafe Gray model which involves ordering t counter but then we bring it to your table so dont have to wait balancing a tray . 3. Formal waitress service . Any thoughts welcome

Caroline Gray9

Maudi wrote: »

Lol

Thanks so much for such supportive comments . Much appreciated

Taltos

I really like how you order, get given your "special" number and take a seat. I guess it might get challenging when you are busy though. But again like you I am not overly fond of Starbucks - even when I order there I am less tempted to sit and stay, but maybe that is part of the design.

These to me are small kinks that get sorted through repetition - a bit on yours but on ours too, it's all about learning incrementally. I was lucky when I came in there was no-one person ahead of me so going to the counter that welcomes you as you come in the door was great. And as I mentioned had a laugh with your staff, it was ease itself to ask if I waited or took a seat - they gave me the number which somehow I failed to see, don't ask I am not always the most observant.

In terms of posters saying they won't be back, that's unfortunate but no matter how you design your service not everyone is going to be a fan. Having popped in just once to you I can say that I am really looking forwards to going back in after a lazy stroll for another coffee and to sample another of your cakes.

Great job Caroline, and really hope that you make a success of this. Knowing us keyboard warriors try not to let the criticisms get to you too much, not saying ignore the negative comments but take them on board, see if there is anything you can or more importantly should do and move on, don't let them consume you (that's our job for the cookies/cakes/sandwidges...)

Caroline Gray9

Taltos wrote: »

I really like how you order, get given your "special" number and take a seat. I guess it might get challenging when you are busy though. But again like you I am not overly fond of Starbucks - even when I order there I am less tempted to sit and stay, but maybe that is part of the design.

These to me are small kinks that get sorted through repetition - a bit on yours but on ours too, it's all about learning incrementally. I was lucky when I came in there was no-one person ahead of me so going to the counter that welcomes you as you come in the door was great. And as I mentioned had a laugh with your staff, it was ease itself to ask if I waited or took a seat - they gave me the number which somehow I failed to see, don't ask I am not always the most observant.

In terms of posters saying they won't be back, that's unfortunate but no matter how you design your service not everyone is going to be a fan. Having popped in just once to you I can say that I am really looking forwards to going back in after a lazy stroll for another coffee and to sample another of your cakes.

Great job Caroline, and really hope that you make a success of this. Knowing us keyboard warriors try not to let the criticisms get to you too much, not saying ignore the negative comments but take them on board, see if there is anything you can or more importantly should do and move on, don't let them consume you (that's our job for the cookies/cakes/sandwidges...)

What a nice start to Saturday morning . Thank u for your feedback and also your advice . I need both! Have a great day and I mean that and not in American ' have a nice day sir' . Take care and look forward to seeing u sometime at cafe

2011

In here now on this beautiful morning. Excellent coffee, service, decor and very friendly helpful staff.
Typical Greystones prices, which is fair enough as they have to pay typicak Greystones rent.

I wish them the best of luck with this venture.
A great addition to the area.

grudgehugger

The way the weekend was shaping up didn't look like I'd make it in for lunch so dropped in for breakfast instead with my wife and toddler.

Liked the coffee, scones very good and croissant also pleasant.

Of the three ordering system options you listed, I'd definitely say stick with what you've got. Easily the best one...

As a few others have commented (I think!), it did feel a little like there was one too many staff - perhaps leading to them being underused and clearing things from our table more enthusiastically than really necessary. That said, we were always asked first before anything was cleared - and overall certainly thought it was a friendly atmosphere.

So, very positive first impression - felt like you genuinely care about the quality of the fare served up. Prices are a bit on the high side - that means quality needs to be high but I feel the scones and coffee did that - look forward to trying the sandwiches sometime soon!

Gordy6040

good luck with the new business.
On another note, Charlesland needs a Pub like a hole in the head. I don't see what can be gained by a pub in a housing estate.
The space could be better used as pretty much anything else, like an office or something like that.

Caroline Gray9

Great to meet u today at cafe and thanks for your advice . Not sure if I will continue posting or not but I just want people to know I really care about what I am trying to do . With sun shining I wish I could go for a swim in Greystones but maybe one day . Where did I go wrong to end up inside on a sunny day ? Thanks for dropping by . Take care caroline

red_bairn

Caroline Gray9 wrote: »

Great to meet u today at cafe and thanks for your advice . Not sure if I will continue posting or not but I just want people to know I really care about what I am trying to do . With sun shining I wish I could go for a swim in Greystones but maybe one day . Where did I go wrong to end up inside on a sunny day ? Thanks for dropping by . Take care caroline

Don't worry Caroline. I was once in the building a few years back in lovely days like today wishing I was out and about for a swim myself.

Merrilady

Beef Pastrami - Well Holy Moly what a sambo !!!

LEIN

Will there be a coffee loyalty starting soon?

Caroline Gray9

Merrilady wrote: »

Beef Pastrami - Well Holy Moly what a sambo !!!

Delighted u liked it. Caroline gray

Caroline Gray9

DD9090 wrote: »

Will there be a coffee loyalty starting soon?

Thanks for idea We will certainly consider this. Caroline gray

Cheeky Chops

DD9090 wrote: »

Will there be a coffee loyalty starting soon?

Caroline I am not a fan of loyalty cards. From a marketing perspective they can often have an adverse effect on the customer whereby they think "How am I ever going to fill this thing up!".

Get the email address of any interested punter and build a mailing list. Send a weekly coupon that can be redeemed in shop and it will help build repeat customers and do away with those impersonal tatty cards that fill our wallets. Then you can have monthly bonuses etc. It stops the customer being made to feel cheap, is seamless and gives you zero cost marketing.

Those cards treat all customers the same. Not good!

recedite

cuddlycavies wrote: »

They use a number system where you pay at the counter, take a number and then the order is taken to your table identified by the number. I see two problems with this.
1. Customers will be less likely to tip as they pay before service is delivered. Loose change is put away.
2. There is likely to be a smaller spend per table as two transactions are required if something else is required.
Just my opinion. Might be wrong.

That sounds like the system they use all the time in Italy. The cashier handles the money, but not the food. Its a hygiene thing. The disadvantage is they need more staff to run the place, cos the cashier is often just sitting there.

pixbyjohn

This place was open last Sunday

artvandelay48

We've been in here a couple of times and we really like it. It already seems like a part of the town and that's a testament to how well it works. Well done, Caroline!

Caroline Gray9

artvandelay48 wrote: »

We've been in here a couple of times and we really like it. It already seems like a part of the town and that's a testament to how well it works. Well done, Caroline!

Thank u so much for these kind remarks. U have no idea how much I appreciate such encouragement . Hope rest of your week is really good . Caroline

audreyp

I went there on Saturday for lunch and I loved it. Really nice atmosphere and yummie sandwiches and great tea. Will definitely try it again!

red_bairn

I was there for a break from study lunchtime yesterday and met with a mate who enjoyed the place. It may have been Caroline who made the sandwiches. She said she forgot the pickled cucumbers and happily ran back for them. I have no complaints and I found they utilised the space well. Good work Caroline!

Caroline Gray9

red_bairn wrote: »

I was there for a break from study lunchtime yesterday and met with a mate who enjoyed the place. It may have been Caroline who made the sandwiches. She said she forgot the pickled cucumbers and happily ran back for them. I have no complaints and I found they utilised the space well. Good work Caroline!

Thanks for this and delighted u liked it . Caroline

stevestevenson

Have to say I love the place! Staff are great, and can't get enough of the Beef Pastrami sandwiches.
Long may it continue!

Caroline Gray9

stevestevenson wrote: »

Have to say I love the place! Staff are great, and can't get enough of the Beef Pastrami sandwiches.
Long may it continue!

Steve thanks so much . We hope to continue . Probably losing money at present but we are hanging on and are so grateful for your reaction . It's funny how much this means . Hope u have a great weekend . Caroline

Caroline Gray9

audreyp wrote: »

I went there on Saturday for lunch and I loved it. Really nice atmosphere and yummie sandwiches and great tea. Will definitely try it again!

Thank u ! Caroline gray

ciaran67

JanneG wrote: »

We're still waiting for you to add "Landlord" to your CV

You know you want to!

Hell, Astrofluff for Mayor!

Pupshaw

Lovely coffee shop Caroline! Tastefully decorated, wonderful atmosphere, the work of Pinterest users methinks! I don't get to treat that often as times are tight, but when I can manage it, I drop by. Lovely staff too. I hope everything works out for you with the venture, it's a great thriving addition to the town and another reason to have people stop by in Greystones. Which is always good in my book. Good on you.

Caroline Gray9

Pupshaw wrote: »

Lovely coffee shop Caroline! Tastefully decorated, wonderful atmosphere, the work of Pinterest users methinks! I don't get to treat that often as times are tight, but when I can manage it, I drop by. Lovely staff too. I hope everything works out for you with the venture, it's a great thriving addition to the town and another reason to have people stop by in Greystones. Which is always good in my book. Good on you.

Thank u v much . Delighted u like it. Glad u like the atmosphere . Not sure who pinterest is but design was from a brilliant young Irish designer Grainne Weber and my own inputs and great u like it . Also thrilled u found the team to be lovely as my own view is that if u don't feel welcome I have failed as friendliness and nice food in a good atmosphere is what we all want when we get a chance for a little break in these tough times . Take care Caroline Gray

Caroline Gray9

Caroline Gray9 wrote: »

Thanks great to get live feedback caroline

U kindly suggested that I should open in evenings as u felt it would be a great place to go for a glass of wine in evenings .one or two other posters suggested a similar idea . I am glad to be able to report we are now opening fri and sat night for cheese boards , charcuterie and organic wine and coffee . Hope u get a chance to try it sometime . Thanks for idea caroline

Caroline Gray9

Oldlegs wrote: »

Do I wait and report back later or give it in real time?
Hey we live in an online world, so here goes ...

Walk passed the front to get an initial look. On stepping inside there is a great airy feel to the place. Plenty of tables without feeling cluttered. (I like the slightly longer table in the middle, and sharing a table is a great way to strike up conversation).

"Beef Pastrami gourmet sandwich" screamed at me - no decision to be made.
Unfortunately, today of all day's Beef Pastrami is not available. Turkey or Ham & Cheese alternatives, do not really sound like true alternatives. "What comes with the turkey ?" I ask, tears welling up in my eyes (seriously how can a Turkey sandwich compete with a Beef Pastrami !).
Turkey, with salad, relish and garlic mayonnaise on fresh cob. Tears dry up quickly. Lets go with that then .

As I type, I am half way through an amazing sandwich and great coffee. The pickled cucumber on the side is a great touch.

Starting to fill up with lunch time trade, but noise level doesn't change

Service is great.
Overall feel of the place is great.
Really reminds me of NYC/Seattle/Santa Monica cafes where you can go and read a book or chat for ages - whilst also getting great fare.

Hopefully in time, opening time will extend into the evening as this would be a great place to meet for coffee, glass of wine etc. after work.

Price for Coffee essentially the same as the rest of Greystones. Sandwich (@ €6.30) is more expensive than elsewhere, but his must be the best sandwich in town.

As Arnold Scharz. might have said, "I will be back!" - next time for the Beef Pastrami - hopefully

Well done Caroline and staff.

(PS - Does Greystones need another coffee shop ? I don't know. But this is a very welcome addition to Greystones and others may have to up their game to compete with the overall quality)

(PPS - As I was leaving, and made my introductions to Caroline and wanted to make sure the Beef Pastrami would be back on the next time. She told me that it would be back on in about 5 minutes, as delivery had just arrived. Oh well, next time.)

Thanks as I just posted we are now opening on fri and sat nights for coffee wine cheese boards and charcuterie . Thanks for idea

Caroline Gray9

bobwilliams wrote: »

A bit of jazz and wine would go down nice me thinks..

Bob we now have jazz on music system on fri and sat night and are open these nights for wine and cheese and jazz . Thanks caroline

Caroline Gray9

realgolfgeek wrote: »

Now THAT is something I would love !!!!

Just to let u know we are from tonight and on fri and sat nights going to try this idea . If u get a chance to pop down some weekend night I hope v much it will live up to your expectations . Take care and have a good weekend caroline gray

Caroline Gray9

grudgehugger wrote: »

@Caroline: Didn't make it in last weekend - determined to come visit this one!

Cheese/charcuterie plates washed down with some vino on the odd evening sounds fab - would definitely go for it.

I'm sure just managing getting up and running with the daytime business is demanding a huge effort though.... fair play for giving it a go and also for interacting on boards with the customers. Others would benefit from doing the same I feel....

... I can feel the beef pastrami sandwich calling me ....

Hope u saw my quote today indicating we are going with your cheese , charcuterie and some vino idea on fri and sat nights and see is it of interest . Thanks again caroline

Caroline Gray9

Moobui wrote: »

I think the system they have in place is a good one, especially during busy periods as it avoids a pile up at the counter while people wait for their drinks-this can be really frustrating in the Happy Pear for example. I'd advise that some kind of lid be fitted to the bottle they have the wooden spoon to indicate your number as I can see this sand ending up on the floor (or in someone's drink!) as my toddler was fascinated by it!

I think the cafe is lovely and the care and attention put into it is very obvious. On my two visits to date I found the staff to be really friendly and in a genuine way. The coffee I had was great as was the cake I ordered. I think Caroline and her staff are to be commended for what they are trying to achieve and I'm sure they will tweak things after they have had a settling in period. I haven't had one of their sandwiches yet but this option is really lacking in Greystones. Apart from Homans (where the food is good, but can be very busy) and the prepackaged, overpriced sandwiches in Costa and Insomnia, I don't know of anywhere else you can have a sandwich and a coffee.

One recommendation I would have is that the long table in the middle of the cafe be replaced with two smaller ones. I think this clogs up the space a bit and most people would prefer to not have to share the table with strangers when there's nowhere else to sit.

I'm delighted the cafe has opened and I hope it's a success. It's great to see someone with a real passion for what they're doing taking that chance and setting up a new business.

Not sure if I ever got a chance to respond but I just wanted to thank u for your v kind post . Take care caroline

pixbyjohn

Caroline,
what was the winning poster caption in the competition you ran on the run up to the opening of Café Gray?

Caroline Gray9

pixbyjohn wrote: »

Caroline,
what was the winning poster caption in the competition you ran on the run up to the opening of Café Gray?

Thanks so much for your enquiry. If u send me your email to cafegray9@gmail.com I would be delighted to send u details . Hope u had a peaceful Christmas and have a great 2014. Thank u for your continued interest . Caroline Gray ( cafe gray)

bobwilliams

ok I'm a bit fussy when it comes to coffee so thought I'd give my opinion.
I do like ur Americano but sometimes your cappacino can be poor as a result of the milk frothing being poor,some shops have too much froth,Donnybrook fair and Insomnia to name 2.

The shop that has it bang on is Vino's.What I find with CG is the cappo is not great unless made by the (I presume) barrista,some of the young girls need more practice.
Fwiw I love the food just thought I throw in my 2p regards the coffee.

My advice go down to vino's and get a takeaway cappo and compare the end of your cup with theirs,and no I have no affiliation to any eatery in the town.

Caroline Gray9

Bob, thank u so much for your helpful advice and support. I will pass it on to our baristas and I know they welcome such feedback . Please also feel free to ask them to make it exactly how u like it as they are passionate about coffee and meeting customer wishes. Thanks also for your lovely comments on our food and Americano coffeee. Our coffee is specialist hand blended in Wicklow and all our food is fresh and baking is done in cafe. I always remember the kind advice u and others gave me back at start up . I think u suggested opening earlier and a bit later and we took this advice with thanks and now open on weekdays at 7.30 .Early morning business is slow and we have to start baking at around 5 in mornings but I hope it will work . We also followed your advice on late openings but for logistic reasons and to ensure we don't fall asleep we only do this on fri and sat nights. ! On these nights we stay open till 11 and serve homemade pitta , wicklow cheese boards and charcuteriee and wine but u are also welcome to come for a coffee. Thanks again for your feedback. Caroline

Taltos

Drove past this morning just after 0730 - saw the staff inside and was convinced they were in for training / prep - no clue you were open. Now that I know will be dropping in tomorrow around the same time for 2 coffee's to go

(Can't wait)...

Caroline Gray9

Taltos wrote: »

Drove past this morning just after 0730 - saw the staff inside and was convinced they were in for training / prep - no clue you were open. Now that I know will be dropping in tomorrow around the same time for 2 coffee's to go

(Can't wait)...

Thank u so much for this . We are not open early during holiday period but will be next week . Thank u for your support . U and other contributors have no idea how much I value your support . When u start out with an idealist plan to do something special and support local jobs and do all fresh baking and have to try and compete with big coffee chains it is easy to think " why did I try and create a nice place for people to go regardless of if they only have € 2 or €3 to spend and find it hard to be viable " and then positive comments on web or in person makes it all worthwhile. So thanks to u and bob and all other contributors and customers who get what I am trying to do . ( even if I don't always get it right ) take care and to u and all our supporters I hope 2014 is a year of simlple joy. Caroline gray