One of life’s small pleasures is sitting in a café, a good book in one hand, a tea or coffee in the other hand, sitting in the window to glance up occasionally to watch the world go by. Whatever else is going on, taking time out to sit and read, write or contemplate in a third space is a great joy.
Wednesdays are my café days, when I grab a bite for lunch, get out my book, and enjoy a moment away from everything else. Today I tried a new place – well, it opened in January – Atrium Cafe on Victoria Street. The ground level area has tables and the counter, but I sat downstairs in a cosy spot beside the window (see featured image at the top of the post).

I ordered a long black (at least Australians and Kiwis will know what that is), which came with an additional little jug of hot water. I really liked the jug and should have asked where it came from. Not the little white pottery spoon too.

I chose the smoked salmon bagel, which came kind of deconstructed with cream cheese, some excellent smoked salmon and lots of very good salad. It was really good, and so nice to get a lot of salad too. Their bagels come from Shelley Bay Baker, their coffee from Good Fortune.

I read, I looked a the queue of people outside Salut Pies opposite, I contemplated the day so far and the day to come. A wonderful café moment.
Entered in Wednesday Words and Whimsy hosted by Min.
Thistles and Kiwis is a Wellington, New Zealand based blog written by Barbara, who likes cats, summer, good food and pretends to garden.
You can find Thistles and Kiwis on Facebook, and also on Instagram @thistlesandkiwis
We utterly agree on the cafe, the book, the eye on passers-by and the salmon bagel . . , as I have just stated in another comment, this was my morning breakfast (well, on sourdough rye) and, coming from Australia, a long black is how I have my coffee 🙂 !
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Smoked salmon – a good start to the day.
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I used to love doing this having a coffee and some treat. I haven’t been up to it for most of this year as I continue to find my social self again after my emotional exhaustion diagnosis.
I loved your sharing. My late Dad mostly ordered a long black too!
Denyse x
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Thanks Denyse!
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Looks ideal, the place, the food and that adorable pitcher!
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It was lovely and I really like the little jug too.
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Delicious. Just watched David Suchet in Wellington as part of his Agatha Christie travels. Have you seen it?
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No I haven’t seen that – is it on Netflix?
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It’s on SBS – do you have that in NZ?
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No but it will probably come here at some point!
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I’ve heard of a flat white but not a long black. Looks like a delicious lunch in a wonderful setting.
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The hot water goes in first then the espresso coffee – think it is a double shot? Good to add the extra water! It was a very good lunch.
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That sounds fabulous! I love that you have cafe days.
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It is one of life’s pleasures!
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I love it! I think I need a cafe day!
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Yes! Go and enjoy
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There are many cafes to choose from 🙂
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I like the idea of a deconstructed bagel.
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It was good!
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Hi, Barb – Your opening paragraph definitely sounded like kindred spirits. I could agree more that sitting in a cafe and quietly watching the world around us is an incredible life pleasure and privilege! ❤
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Isn’t one of those simple things that bring joy? 🙂
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Hi Barbara, I love your cafe days and reading about them and always enjoy the photos too! I love a bit of time in a cafe also. It’s so enjoyable to have a nice meal that you haven’t had to prepare yourself, have some time out from the usual day to day jobs, and to do some people watching too. Thanks for linking up with us at #WWWhimsy ! xo
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Thank you! It is such a good thing to do to switch off and people watch 🙂
Thanks for hosting #WWWhimsy
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Hi Barbara, that salmon bagel is so well presented, how could you not enjoy eating it?? Love your cafe days and watching the world go by.
Deb for #Teamwwwhimsy
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It looked pretty….and tasted good!
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And, of course sit and sketch… love this.
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Of course!
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Oh yes! Nothing nicer than a coffee and a book in a lovely cafe!
sherry http://sherryspickings.blogspot.com.au/
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I used to love going to a cafe and read, but now a days too many people talk on their cell phone. I am so happy to hear that you found a place where you can enjoy it. It’s really a perfect way to spend some time relaxing.
-Soma
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