It’s been a while since I last came here for an evening coffee.

Nothings changed.

Many faces are the same, the hipsters huddle in the corner, lumberjacks or hat I presume are lumberjacks judging by their beards, flannel and demeanour of Odin are chugging beer like tap water. To be fair they could also be hipsters. ladies ready to paint the town red are starting their night and slowly upping their decibels each ‘Aaahhhhhh’ as more of their crowd joins. We also have some seasoned patrons on ‘their’ table which has an impressive 5 bottles of wine, with more on the way, for them of hick to sample and share reverence.

Then you’ve got muggins here, sat alone people watching and firing a friendly smile at anyone that makes contact, just how I like it.

Loner is probably the most descriptive word that fits my habits.

With no distractions thoughts can come and go as they please. I can watch what goes on, see each story unfold and ponder how it will end.

One of the most charming features here are the candles that occupy each table, although none of them have tinsel on this year, probably for the best as a few set a light this time 365 days ago.

Speaking of candles, have you ever just sat and stared into their flames?

The longer you look the deeper you succumb to how mesmerising they really are because they seem so alive, or at least as anything as subtle as a candle flame can be that is.

Seeing each layer of heat that radiates through, the hue comping off the edges and tip formed to a near perfect point. It’s funny to think that as a child I had one half of my face completely engulfed in a wayward flam that flared out of a bonfire, and something that should hold such fear merely makes it all the more enticing.

Truly fascinating.

Do you ever sit down to people watch and get lost in something else?