Cafe Society...

Why do we try to copy continental street cafes here? It really isnt the same.

Instead of the gentle flapping of Mediterranean sails blowing in the breeze, its a blur of torn screens on wobbly steel posts marking a minuscule piece of pavement. The street furniture equivalent of a cat peeing in a corner.

Instead of umbrellas keeping off the rays of the sun that is picking out motes of dust from elegant old buildings, its tall buildings with no character and constant shadows.

Instead of chic folk and strolling chaps with elegant man bags, its polyester suits and tesco carrier bags clomping back to an office with invariably blue carpet tiles.

Nice cup of tea though... vive les rosbifs.

Big Flaps