This family-run, independent cafe in has only been open a little over two weeks, so I had to visit this new coffee kid on the block. And the first thing to say is it's excellent. It is the perfect place for people watching as, particularly since the main drag of the town is more pedestrian-friendly thanks to the borough council's public realm scheme, there are people - and therefore potential customers - walking by in droves.
There are stools in the window at Cup 109, so passers-by will forgive you for gawping at them, as that's what window seats are for, right? It's in Mount Pleasant Road and across the road I could see the just-opened , which has taken over the former WHSmith on the corner of Newton Road. The cafe is spacious and light inside and there is a long counter where you can see under glass the delicious cakes, pastries and savoury snacks such as filled bagels, rolls and sandwiches. There is an extensive drinks menu on the chalk board and the cafe prides itself on quality - and a great cup of coffee.
It's nice to see an independent coffee shop in this location, as there are many chains close by, so this gives people an option to go to a cafe run by a local family. I met my husband Murat at Cup 109 this week, and between us we ordered an Americano coffee, a peanut butter and banana milkshake, and a toasted bagel with cheese, tomato and pesto. My coffee had a great flavour and was strong, just how I like it.
Murat, who likes milkshake, said it was the nicest one he'd.