I'll try to order this review in an appropriate fashion, since this place has various guises -all…read moreof which I love.
The Outlaws cafe:
By day, this artfully decorated space defines relaxed. It's light and airy, given the huge windows, and the tables are spaciously laid out for groups, solo coffee drinkers, and couplets to arrange themselves. There are 60s style tables and chairs, low standing long wooden blocks, comfy cushioned benching, and groovy bar stools. Top tip: if you've a laptop, there are electric outlets abound to plug in, and naturally, free wifi. The back wall displays plentiful curious prints and paintings, there's wallpaper with pineapples on it, and even a tiled bit of wall that kids are welcomed to deface - Outlaws will even supply the pens. Delightful phrases such as 'Darwin Rules' and 'it's really hot today!' currently decorate the wall.
To eat and drink, you have an array of hot drinks (the usual suspects) and a curious menu, offering up toasted sandwiches, home made stew, sushi (from Sushiboy) and salads. If you're more into cake, the bar has a myriad of gooey goodness. My personal recommendation is the spongy raspberry offering, whose name I do not know. Get involved in a bit of that, with an Americano on the side, and you'll be a happy chap. Bored? No probs. They've all the board games you could want to while away a few hours. And don't even get me started on how cool the music is - these guys know their chill out. (I realise it's not to everyone's taste, but I'm a fan!) Also, try the home made stew, it's warming and awesome. One last thing - ask about the magic till, if you've a small child with you. They'll love it.
The Outlaws bar:
By night, this place transforms into a cosy hub of creativity, music and cool. They've a range of regular events that are most worth checking out, more notably, their DJ nights. Their Baleraric social is something to put in the diary, with world famous DJs performing fantastic sets, and of course -you can enjoy regular evenings of excellent music from Joe's Bakery and co. The monthly performance poetry night, Sticks And Stones, is another awesome event to get booked in. Expect a host of wordly musings from the open mic-ers, waxing lyrical in hip-hop style, thoughtful abandon, and hilarious commentary. Every month features a highly regarded poet, and now I've been lucky enough to have seen Mark Grist in the flesh.
The drinks are ultra cool, with a select few cocktails and spirits on offer, alongside Brooklyn Lager and Estrella on draft, Brewdog, Anchor Steam, Belle Rose and more in bottles, and a varied amount of guest beers appearing depending on the season. Prices, of course, are a little higher with such premium offerings - but, this isn't a complaint as such. I like good beer, if possible, excellent beer. I don't expect to get that for £2.50. In the evening, when the place is full, there's an interesting effect where the windows steam up - even that is cool, as it feels like you're enveloped in a secret blanket of awesome.
So, there you have it. Most of the things I love, rolled into one great big hug of a hang out. Wifi and power, check. Good coffee and lush cake, check. A range of good food for lunch, check. High end beers, check. Interesting and artful events, check. Quirky vintage décor, check. Amazing music, check. Good people? Don't even doubt it for a second.