As the title says from plasters to coffee and this is true for me.
I came here one day as I had been playing at school and had hurt myself. I had been jumping up to grab hold of the window latch and had missed and the next thing I knew I was at the outpatients dept in baxter gate Loughborough. I had split my lip open and had bit my tongue. A butterfly stitch was needed and some awful purple antiseptic on it. This memory has always stuck with me. I don’t like hospitals and the smell makes me feel sick.
When I had learned that a new complex was being built on the old hospital and outpatients site I started to think about whether I would be able to put behind me the old memories and actually set foot in the place without feeling queasy.
Well today I did and I went to the Centro Lounge for a coffee and a lite bite.
My goodness what an amazing place. I was greeted by Kat and Sarah as I entered with a real genuine good morning. Then it hit me right between the eyes. One painting amongst 50 or so on a wall in front of me.
What was it?
A picture of a young girl with dark hair and a little dog.
The picture in front of me was one that used to hang at the bottom of our stairs at my childhood home. I had always loved it and would often look at it and imagine that it was me. I say this because I too have really dark hair. The picture is now in Ireland. I couldn’t stop staring at it.
I ordered a Cappuccino and a chocolate croissant and then took a picture of it.
While I was waiting I had a walk around the room. There were so many paintings on the wall and all from different era’s. The art Deco ones caught my eye, as I have always been drawn to this art and style. The whole room simply takes you to another place. You could quite easily believe you were in a side street in France or in a courtyard in Amsterdam when in here.
I love art and have done for many years. I felt like Charlie in “Charlie And The Chocolate Factory” when he bought that wonka bar. I don’t know about you, but each time I watch it, I think that the shop keeper somehow knew that golden ticket was in that bar and hoped Charlie would come in. Maybe the same is for me and that, that picture had been hanging there all that time just waiting for me to come. As I said earlier it was an outpatients before a cafe, so seeing that picture reminded me of being with my mother again.
History Of Centro Lounge
I didn’t really know the history of the cafe, so set to work when i returned home.
A business plan that changed overnight, actually changed the lives of three life long friends. Alex Reilley, Jake Bishop and Dave Reid.
Food was something that wasn’t going to be on the menu. This changed because the building that they saw had an already fitted out kitchen it already had the right planning permissions as well. A quirky old opticians in Bristol became their first venture. Now correct me if i am wrong but, business plans are strong solid things especially where money is concerned that your gonna invest. So to me something very spiritual must have happened in that old building for a change to take place, as without it may never have got off the ground.
All the pictures and furniture are hand picked to create a vibe that has been described as a third space between home and work. Some are paintings from different eras, whilst others are of family members in particular Dave Reid.
A painting of his grandfather is above the bar on the wall. It shows to me that there is a strong family and friendship bond going on here with these guys. Although they are business men, they seem down to earth and want there establishments to feel like home from home.
There is also a kids corner and a new kids club will soon be opened as well. It is a dog friendly place as well. They really have thought about the whole family, pets included.
I had a wonderful morning. It wasn’t your ordinary visit to a coffee shop, it was like a visit to an art museum.
Did I think about the hospital, only once and then I soon forgot about it.
I came away buzzing from the experience and the great coffee.
Thanks Guys I loved it. xx
