I've never felt completely comfortable here.....which could be perceived as odd because I've got about 8 check-ins, but many more visits when I've forgotten to check in. Must be 30 I reckon. Anyway, I've never been here on my own. I only feel comfortable enough to be there when I'm with my friend who is a Cibo regular (yes, he's a cyclist).
I'm not sure what it is exactly. I don't find the red branding relaxing. I don't like the way everyone looks at you when you walk near the place. I don't like the way the people inside look across their newspapers with supercilious stares when my dog walks in accidentally......sometimes there is a long wait......and I don't drink coffee...
Now for the positives.....what a great location! And dog friendly! That's probably enough actually. I regularly meet a friend on the beach who walks his dog too and we have a drink and some social time, then walk back. Sitting outside is great for the dogs and it is dog city early morning. Even beating the cyclists most of the time. That's one of the other benefits - it opens at 7am, which is great for the early morning walks.
They have T2 tea, which I love, but they don't always get it right. Camomile drifting through the tea strainer/canister thingee to make a very textured drink....Chai lattes very milky and not enough chai....
One tip that a friendly staff member gave me, is that although tea only comes in one cup size, if I order it in a take-away cup, it's larger for the same price. The day she offered that i was so desperate for a big, hot cup of tea that I almost clapped with glee. Then I was too full to drink it all - that will teach me to be greedy.
Another tip is to bring a jacket for sitting outside. It's the biggest wind tunnel IN THE WORLD (add in Jeremy Clarkson voice there) and there has been more than one occasion when my friend's Cappucino froth has joined the beach flotsam and jetsam in a gust of anarchy.
There's free water accessible easily on the counter...and no doubt I'll be back! read more