The Bald Barista - Cafe

[whisker]

After I'd been to see Saint Valentine for the 2nd time, I knew exactly where I was going next. As with the church in White Friars' Street, where Saint Valentine's remains rest, I had seen this place many times and passed it by. I had had other things in mind, and could not stop. It is right next door to the church, but on it's left-hand side. It's actually the corner of the next block on Camden Street, I think. The entrance is right on the corner - up steps. The building is Victorian, red brick. The sign outside says Avalon House and advertises a Hostel. But where I'm going is to the cafe.

Even the name attracts me. The Bald Barista! When I had passed that, many times, I had wondered had they intended for it to be a gathering place for members of the legal profession. Even I wondered at the believability of this theory, because the law-courts are way across Town on the North-side of the River. More about that later.

First of all here's how it looks from the outside.

Just the section in the front corner is the cafe and behind that is the Avalon Hostel - apparently a famous back-packers' hostel, as I learned later.

Round to the side, are the windows with a sign and logo showing the "The Bald Barista" (Barrister? )


... and a closer look at same

Come to think of it, had he been a barrister, he probably would have been shown wearing a wig! I hadn't noticed that it said it had been voted No 1 for best coffee in Dublin! Had I known that, I wouldn't have ordered tea - but I'm jumping ahead!

More anon ....

[penny]

I hadn't heard of a barista until a few years ago. On the TV program "Survivor" a woman called herself that - Ron & I looked at each other & said "What's a barista?" ha! ha!
LOVE your adventures, Whisker! So, how was the tea, when will you be going back?
What was your opinion of the place? If I ever get to Dublin, will you take me there?

[alphacat]

Whisker, you're as bad as Joebert in NY. I want the next installment.

[whisker]

Next ...

I went inside. My first impressions were that the place is quite rustic (for want of a better word) - no traces of your high street designer chic here! Whatever space that's there is used to the maximum with fairly run-of the-mill wooden tables and chairs.

The decor is based on a strong "signal box" red. There did not seem to be much of an overall plan, so things appeared to be rather haphazard. Nevertheless, it was interesting because of the old Victorian building the cafe is in - with the arches overhead dividing up the space.

I went up to the counter, above which was a handwritten menu on a board. It was quite busy at the counter, with people ordering. I noticed the clientele seemed to anyone from students to non-nationals to professionals, to "ladies who lunch"!

As I stood at the counter I could see that there was a much larger dining area behind a wrought-iron gate to my right, where I was standing. A notice said something to the effect "Past this point - you pay for your breakfast!". The place where you got free breakfast was through the cast iron gate. As it was well past breakfast time by now, the gate was locked. I obviously was standing where you pay - but anyway, it was now well into the afternoon.

The food was laid out in a glass counter-top cabinet. I ordered some salmon quiche with carrot salad and tea.

As I stood there, I noticed they were making very fancy coffees with lovely decorations on the top of each cup. I made a mental note that the next time I came here, I would order coffee! ;D

They gave me my tea and suggested I take a seat and they would bring the rest after it had been heated in the microwave. The staff, who were mainly non-national, appeared to be very friendly and polite.

I took my tea and walked around a corner of the counter into what was part of an L-shape, which could not be seen from where I had been standing.

Facing me was a red wall with writing across the top that said The Big Red Wall. This was was covered right up to the ceiling, almost, with paintings of varying sizes and styles.

Right in the corner was a redbrick fireplace which had a real solid fuel fire lighting in it. It looked so cozy, I decided I was going to sit near the fire, which I did. The fireplace looked very homely, with magazine thrown there, some sweeping brushes against the wall and what seemed to be a fuel barrel. Also the fact that the ashes from the fire was dropping down on the heart, added to the homeliness of the effect.

I found a table facing the fire, and as I sat down, the warm glow of the fire came wafting out at me. It felt lovely - and so unexpected in this place!

To my right, two ladies were sitting at the table next to me - deep in conversation.

To my left, up against the Big Red Wall were two ancient armchairs. A young man was ensconced in the one that was closest to the fire - oblivious to the world, reading his book. He had ordered a sandwich and drink which he had laid down to one side. Every so often, he'd reach out for his drink without raising his eyes from his book. The other armchair at first was empty, but soon it was occupied by a young lady, who had thrown her jacket over the back and had became totally engrossed with her laptop. This place seemed so relaxed and warm! A great place to come if you were young and far away from home!

To be continued. ;D

[penny]

I would be that young man - nothing better than a well-writen book that you can get totally lost in!
Whisker, your writing style is excellent!

[whisker]

, penny! Having the pictures helps, I think! ;D

[penny]

They are great picture but your writing could stand alone.

[whisker]

You're so-o encouraging, penny!

[alphacat]

It's a good thread Whisker. Easy to read, great pics and leaves you wanting more.

[whisker]

too!

AC!

[penny]

Where is our next stop?