In an increasingly hectic world, unwinding for a while is more important than ever before, especially for those who seem to be constantly on the go. Now more than ever before, your favourite café needs to be there for you when you need it. And while the title of this article will tell you it offers more than tea and cake, it’s worth noting that both tea AND cake will always help you forget about your woes. Your favourite café doesn’t bombard you with questions, it doesn’t judge you and it doesn’t ask you to complete a customer satisfaction survey every time you order a bacon roll.
Cafés come in all shapes and sizes, from the bold and the brash to the silent and the serene, so which ones will appeal to you? We’re all different – it would be a boring world if that wasn’t the case – so what suits you won’t necessarily suit someone else. Thankfully, the good people of Sussex and Surrey can take their pick from a large, and extremely diverse, selection of top-quality eateries designed to bring you the relaxation you deserve. But if you thought the region’s cafés were all much of a muchness, you really need to think again.
Something unique, something different, something… quirky!
In the south-east of England, you’ll find some totally unique cafés that may well offer the same selections of food and drink options, but will also offer a dining environment unlike any other. They include the Mayfield Lavender Gift Shop & Coffee Bar, where the diner can browse a stunning range of products while savouring their drinks. Prepare to feast your eyes on oils, fragrances, garden accessories and even foodstuffs with a lavender theme.
In Hartfield, East Sussex, right on the edge of the Ashdown Forest, Pooh Corner Café is ready and waiting to welcome you. Treat yourself to an indulgent afternoon tea amid a truly unique and quirky environment, dominated of course by a superb range of Winnie the Pooh products and memorabilia. There’s also a free museum to be enjoyed here, called (of course) the Pooh’seum! And don’t forget, the Hundred Acre Wood and the Pooh Sticks Bridge are both within easy reach.
Stirring your creative juices
Many of us love to visit a café and do nothing but sip tea and watch the world go by, but of course there are many places that offer much more than that. The next time you drink your Darjeeling and feast on your falafel, why not try your hand at something creative? The Art House Café in Eastbourne offers a great range of activities for both adults and children, including pottery, painting and printing, so get ready to have some fun!
And finally, how about some feline company for you and your friends? In the heart of Eastbourne, you can take tea with a tabby and eat sandwiches with a Siamese at the wonderful Mad Catter Café. There are several cats who call this place home, so be prepared to welcome them to your table. Dining here is an unusual experience for all, and if you’re a cat person you’re sure to want to savour every single moment.
It’s all too apparent that cafés in Sussex and Surrey are thriving at the moment, and it’s easy to understand why. Traditional eateries are to be found all over the region, but for those who seek something a little different, there’s also plenty of choice. Here at GoLark, we can offer you much-needed information that will help you make the right choice.
