I had no idea this place even existed until recently. We were looking for somewhere off the main shopping streets. Somewhere we could rest and have a coffee, away from the Saturday shopping crowds, after having done our own Saturday shopping. All our usual haunts were full, so we were wandering down Hope Street, thinking that if we found nowhere else we'd just get a coffee in Central Station.
Thank goodness my partner had his eyes open, because I'd given up and had stopped paying attention. We were delighted to find Cafe Fame. The main store is a huge, light bright room with high ceilings and an array of chairs and tables (including some wing back armchairs which I quickly claimed.) There's an upright piano in the corner and the general theme appears to lean towards art deco.
Sadly, it looks like its seen better days. Some of the furniture and fittings are a bit shabby if you look carefully. I didn't mind, I was comfy enough, but it's definitely due a refurbishment - or at least a bit of a tidy up.
It's table service, and our kind waiter brought over our drinks and pretended not to laugh at how excited I was about the novelty cow-shaped jug that the milk was served in. Simple things, I guess, but it did sort of make my day. My coffee was smooth and creamy and my partner's pot of tea was generous.
The best thing about Cafe Fame though, is that even though it is getting a bit shabby, it's just a really lovely place to sit. It's immediately calming and manages to feel just a bit special. I was really happy, sipping my coffee and gazing out of the huge windows at the passers-by. read more