December 13 - Beans and Books
Beans and Books is a charming and cozy coffee shop nestled on a quiet corner of a cobblestone street, probably in a quiet and picturesque English village or town, but it could reasonably be found in an old European town as well. Bean and Books celebrates two of the most beautiful things in the world, coffee and reading. Both are good on their own, but better together. The moment you step through the creaky wooden door, you're enveloped in the warm embrace of the aromatic blend of freshly ground coffee and the soft murmur of patrons lost in quiet conversation and the world of words. The interior is a delightful mix of vintage and contemporary, with rustic wooden furniture, plush armchairs, and a library of books that line the walls, providing the perfect backdrop for an idyllic and calm day.
As you enter, the friendly barista greets you with a warm smile, ready to prepare your beverage of choice. The menu is simple, to the point but comprehensive enough to satisfy most punters. Tea is offered with the same respect as its more caffeinated alter ego. Beverages are served in charming mismatched mugs and delicate porcelain cups, or to go cups for people with no time to linger. There is a select choice of pastries and cakes, and perhaps a few sandwiches.
You'll find a comfortable spot by the window, where the gentle morning light spills in, creating a comfortably and cozy nook for you to settle into. The window ledges have potted plants, and the tables have candles in winter time. The walls are adorned with local artworks. The patrons are a mix of locals and travellers. The occasional rustle of pages turning and the hushed discussions about literary adventures, or current events, create a soothing background noise for you to contemplate, generate new ideas and restore your mind.
The wooden bookshelves that line the walls are the centre piece of the cafe. They're old, but robust, and while they look full, they always have room for one more book. They're stocked with an eclectic collection of novels, poetry, short stories, non-fiction, and more. You'll run your fingers along the spines of books with intriguing titles, that you've never heard off and some that you have. You'll struggle to pick one, so you might bring a couple to the table. And you'll always remember to put them back when you are done.
As the day progresses, you lose track of time. Immersed in your chosen book you're enveloped in a tranquil cocoon, where time slows down and your worries melt away. Before you know it, the sun dips below the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow over the coffee shop. You reluctantly close your book and bid farewell to Beans and Books knowing that you'll soon return to this haven of books and coffee, where stories and flavors blend seamlessly into the perfect escape from the outside world.
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DALL E 2 prompt: “a painting of a cosy and quaint coffee shop with books” (variations)
Chat GPT prompt: "Describe a day in a quaint and cosy coffee shop filled with books. Give the coffee shop a name"