Cosy Cafés

Church Gallery is mostly a shop and an art gallery. It starts on the ground floor, and spills upwards (yes, that is possible) into the "lounge" area.

Then you discover the unusual selling point: an array of help-yourself-cakes and a coffee machine. It's entirely self-service. Just grab a coffee, relax, and when you're done head downstairs to tell the assistant what you had (and shame on you if you don't admit it). Then pay.

The simplicity of pressing a button encouraged me to have more coffee than I really should have.

There are two comfortable leather sofas plus around half a dozen tables. There are never any lunchtime crowds because there is no lunchtime grub, so it's an ideal place to read the daily papers (which are provided) and take it easy.

I was even impressed by the toilet, the walls of which are covered by prints from classic filims such as "The Third Man", amongst other things.

This is exactly the sort of place where a budding Cumbrian J K Rowling would be well advised to while away the hours. In fact, on my visit, there were a couple of arty types discussing highly creative plans. I think all the art lying about (for sale) must help salivate creative juices.

On top of all this, the coffee is fair trade and I got my second brew at a discount price. I'm looking forward to a return visit.

By the church
Main Street (just down from Market Square)
Kirkby Stephen