Being a writer is a very lonely job; you spend 100% of your time sitting at a desk in front of a computer, letting your imagination run wild as you write your next story or continue with your current piece. You can become a recluse sitting in your home, away from social interaction, as your mind runs wild as the story takes hold and you become lost in the world you are creating. 

I try not to let this happen; I join writing Zooms, where I can be in the company of other writers while I work, giving me at least some kind of social interaction while I’m sitting at my desk. There is one place I like to go; I pack up my laptop and a few notebooks, ensuring I have plenty of pens, too. I close my backpack and take a bus ride over to my favorite café, A Date with Thyme. 

This quaint little cafe in the center of Amesbury is my go-to when I need to escape the confines of my home; it’s also the place where I have gone from being a shy and quiet writer in the corner to making great friendships.  Not only does it make a mean cup of coffee, but the homemade food that it offers is to die for, whether it’s gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan.  The main thing that draws me as a writer to this café is the atmosphere; it’s warm and welcoming from the minute you walk in the door, The staff is friendly, and no matter how busy the café is, it always sounds like drowned-out whispers in the background, as I type away oblivious to what is going on around me.  Owners Gemma and Leanne divide the work of the front of the house and kitchen equally between them with the help of their loving husbands, Paul and Kyle.

This café goes above and beyond for the local community, offering other services, not just hot drinks and food like a normal café. A Date with Thyme puts on local activities with other local businesses, including wreath making, pop-up Valentine’s Day, bringing a florist to the café, and getting involved with the community carnival every year; they also hold baby showers, birthday parties, wedding parties, high teas, and buffets to order. 

They support local businesses and artists in the café by having products on sale; they sell a local artist’s work, which is hung on the wall for all to see; and they sell local honey and two local authors’ books. 

I think the most unique thing about the café is the back wall, here you will see loads of signatures from individuals who have visited from around the world its lovely to read the messages they have left not just in English but in a variety of different languages. 

I highly recommend popping into A Date With Thyme when you’re in the area; you never know, you might just see me sat in a corner typing away on my next book or article. 

This was written by our contributing writer, Leah Palmer.