Eggs and sausage and a side of toast- Part 3.

The elusive Bothy, an underground hangout for hipsters, fashion freaks, film critics and a kaleidoscope of like minded avant gardeners with seeds in their pockets and flowers in their mouths.



A line of wet footprints tracks across the concrete floor where damp leaves have blown before, and now gather under chairs. An outlaw keeps watch over us from beneath a Cezanne print that was given away free in the weekend paper. The outlaw in question is the country music legend Waylon Jennings who sang of good hearted women and them good ol' boys that never meant any harm. Welcome to the Bothy. Old newspapers saved for the interesting articles stack and slump sideways, assorted seed packets, old boots with frayed and broken laces, damp waterproofs hang above our heads like sleeping bats and page marked half finished books slowly germinate words on the fertile floor. Up on a narrow shelf, and directly above the kettle's spout, sits a smart all weather 'Tivoli' radio which appears to be at odds with its cluttered surroundings. Next to a microwave that no longer works is an industrial sized marmalade tub, that rests like a winter store for a family of Paddington Bears, in shadow of a toaster's equivalent of Sizewell B. A mobile heater leans towards the floor on an uneven number of casters where a cobweb gently vibrates in the rising thermals. The forecast in the Bothy is for a rising fug and a deepening edge of damp coats edging slowly in from the east. The salvaged long mirror that hangs by the sink reflects dripping conifers in the yard and on any given day the Bothy plays host to half hourly congregations, kettle steams, laughter and animated conversation. If a menu board did exist for this, my favourite cafe 'of sorts', it would list just the bare necessities like cakes, tea, coffee, homemade jams and college fruits. Visitors often need to stand or sit wherever they can, we operate on an open door policy, although comfort cannot be guaranteed. The internet connection is dodgy, mobile phone reception is iffy and our single land line has mood swings. Aside from this the bonhomie and the camaraderie is just fine. Oh, and if you were thinking of paying us a visit, don't forget to to bring some extra cakes. See you soon!