Two middle age blokes man the counter at this place, although there's only ever one there at a time. (The other is probably asleep on a goose-down mattress below the counter until his shift starts.)
Have never seen either of these fellows anything less than cheery, and what's more they actually *listen* when you talk to them, ask intelligent questions and seem genuinely interested in what you have to say - and in my case there isn't a whole lot worth listening to, so I appreciate their frank and valiant efforts. So refreshing when compared to the legions of keen bean assistants at other places that want to be my best friend but reek of Calvin Klein One and insincerity.
The store is classy, with oiled wooden shelves and just the barest hint of freshly-sawn pine in the air. Cracking range of booze, cracking staff, everything you want in a bottle-O.
Bravo, chaps. read more