Some fairy stories were dreamed up to comfort children, teach them about values and virtue and make them feel that all is well with the world. Others were written with the sole aim of scaring children into an early stroke, haunting their dreams forever more and terrifying them into submission (I'm looking at YOU, Hans Christian Anderssen). This tale is the former. Only it isn't just for children. And it's not just a tale.
Okay, I might be gushing, but is it every day that you walk past a cute little charity shop with a sign outside that mentions tea, coffee and free wifi? Ohh, Withington. A place where strangers say good morning to you. *Melts* Intrigued, I hopped inside, laptop charged and raring to go, to discover the legend of Barnabus. Now, Barnabus is a charity which helps the homeless. All is explained on the wall of its little coffee corner, which is just too adorable for words. And just when you think it can't get any better, it does.
I rocked up to the counter and asked for a green tea. I don't think I've ever encountered such a pleasant, chirpy, happy and chatty group of ladies than those who run Barnabus. They were niceness personified. The lady who served me engaged me in conversation about herbal teas and got the wifi passcode for me post-haste, and they let me put my laptop down while they brought the tea over to me which was only a tiny distance. Such a sweet gesture. Another huggable touch was the plate of Tesco's own Penguin biscuits, priced at 10p a pop if you want a snack. They serve up two herbal teas alongside normal English, and lattes, cappuccinos and hot chocolates as well as regular coffee. The soundtrack swung between Savage Garden, ABBA, Pet Shop Boys and The Bangles, and when I'd earned a break I took the opportunity to look around the shop. It wasn't long before I was back at the counter with a Judy Garland LP for 65p and a £1 vase. Er, keep the change much!
I'll be back with frequency. Barnabus is a unique little gem, and I'm so happy to have it on my doorstep. read more