The first time I noticed Twenty Two A Coffee Shop (as in "22-A Coffee Shop", not "Twenty Two, A Coffee Shop") was when I passed by one day several years ago, and I've always been curious about it since. Situated in a pedestrian-only lane directly across from the Cathedral Church of St Marie, Twenty Two A from the outside looks like your traditional upscale English coffee shop, e.g. in the style of a tea room upmarket enough to have an espresso machine.

Having arrived in the city centre on a recent snowy morning with half an hour to kill before work, I decided to stop in. Entering past the pavement tables and a bed of blooming daffodils, I found the cafe to be empty except for two businessmen having breakfast. The coffee menu didn't mention macchiatos, but since it was only 9:30 in the morning and I'd just had breakfast I decided a cappuccino was more appropriate. I was pleased to find the coffee menu did offer two sizes of cappuccinos, both with the option of an extra shot. I ordered the smaller size (Medium) with an extra shot, assuming it would be like Seattle's double short cappuccino. Sadly it was served in a huge cafe au lait cup, full to the brim and with a heavy sprinkling of sugary cocoa, which I hastily scooped off with the spoon that was thankfully included. I can't say much for the cappuccino. Even though under close examination it did appear to be a cappuccino rather than a latte, it still had far too much milk for even two shots of espresso to struggle through. So I can't honestly tell you what the coffee itself is like, except that it obviously isn't particularly robust.

I sat on a wall-long bench that was entirely covered with soft gently coloured throw pillows, creating a comfy cosy cushiony atmosphere suggestive of a litter of Bagpusses. I browsed leisurely through the 5 menus on my table. The sandwich menu excited me, because they offer Wensleydale sandwiches on thick cut granary bread, and all sandwiches are served with either salad or the outstanding Yorkshire Crisps. The sandwich choices also include Houmus, Turkey and Cranberry, Ham and Blue Cheese, Chicken and Bacon in Tarragon Mayo, and Turkey and Wensleydale, and there is also a Bacon and Blue Cheese Bagel, a Vegetarian or 3-Cheese Club Sandwich, and the creations just go on and on. There is also a Wensleydale with cranberry toastie as well as an Apple Pie toastie, and plenty of filled wraps, salads, hot dishes, soups, cakes, and a wide range of hot breakfasts including a wonderful sounding cinnamon and vanilla French toast with fresh fruit and crème fraiche. The breakfasts are all quite reasonably priced, but the sandwiches start at £3.95, making them a bit pricey for my normal workday lunch. Nevertheless the food menu is extremely tempting, so I'll have to give it a try for a special treat.

On the wall beside me was a large drawing by Gustav Klimt that reminded me of a drawing given to me years ago by Lisa, an artist and the lead singer of my band Young Moderns. And the deep dusty red, white, and light wood colour scheme added to the nostalgic feeling striking me. With all those comfy cushions it was more like a pillow fight of nostalgia. The view out the front window of St Marie's Church sent me back, back, back to when I still lived in California and went to the UK and Europe only on holiday. Should I get out my camera, I thought? Should I write a few postcards? No, sadly it was time for me to get to work...