Church Gallery Coffee Lounge, Kirkby Stephen

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

The lounge includes a selection of help-yourself-cakes and a help-yourself coffee machine. It's entirely self-service, so just grab a coffee and relax. When you're done, head downstairs to tell the assistant what you had (and shame on you if you don't admit it). It may not be a place for fans of fine coffee, but it's a lovely idea and I'm a big fan.

There are a couple of comfy leather sofas and half a dozen or so tables. Don't worry about lunchtime crowds because there is no lunchtime grub, so it's an ideal place to read the papers (provided) and take it easy.

I have to admit I was even impressed by the toilet, the walls of which are covered amongst other things by prints from classic filims (including one of my favourites, The Third Man).

This is the sort of place where a budding Cumbrian J K Rowling would be well advised to while away the hours. There were a couple a bit like that when I visited In fact; I think the art must help salivate creative juices.

On top of all this, the coffee is ethically sourced and I got my second brew at a discount price. It's a simple, relaxing place and highly recommended.

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

Amended 26 August 2008