This modest establishment is situated on a corner not far from Audrey's Other Wear in the Inner Ring of the Citadel. The main entrance is located on a busy street on the northern side of the building. Another bustling street runs along the eastern wall and on the western side, a narrow gated alley leads south towards the rear entrance.
Topped by a roof of mossy grey slate, the two-story building is constructed in weathered stone and freshly painted wood. Creepers of ivy climb around the windows and in the spring, a veritable rainbow of tea roses bloom from planter boxes along the sheltered front porch, and from the pots dangling from the overhanging balcony. During times of dry weather, chairs and tables can be set onto the porch and balcony for patrons who wish to enjoy their socialising semi-alfresco.
The main doors open into a spacious hall with polished wooden floorboards covered here and there by plush carpets. Bright sunshine floods the room throughout the day, but after the sun has set, the cafe is transformed - puddles of soft lantern light mottle the building, illuminating some regions with their warm yellow glow, rendering others shadowy and intimate by their abscence.
Dominating the southern wall is a raised stage where both professional and amateur acts are frequently invited to perform. In the southwestern corner, a green door leads to an enclosed stairwell which is also accessible via the back entrance of the establishment. The stone fireplace set into the southeastern corner warms the cafe during the cold seasons.
A series of wooden booths padded with red cushions lines the eastern side of the room. On wall next to each booth, square windows alternate with paintings and sketches commissioned by local artists. Chairs, sofas and high and low tables clutter the rest of the floor space; these furnishings are tasteful and elegant, in warm wooden and earthern tones enlivened by the occasional splash of pale lemon yellow.
A counter located to the west side of the entrance encloses a small open kitchen, tiled with terracotta, where hot beverages and sweet snacks are freshly prepared each day. From the beginning of morningtide to the end of eveningtide, the rich aroma of brewing coffee and baked goods fills the shop and wafts forth from any open doors or windows.
A sign at the entrance saysOne week only - free biscuit when you bring your own mug to take away! Please place your orders at the counter then relax, make yourself at home and treat yourself to a few of life’s simple pleasures.
Aerin was feeling good – in fact, better than good…she was damn near chipper as she strolled into Simple Pleasures after dropping off Cicero. The day had been chock-full of learning for her and, coming from someone forced to study every waking moment as a child, the happiness bubbled up from within more about the fact that the ability and eagerness to learn had not been completely stamped out by one long bad experience. She was happy, healthy, and feeling like a new woman as she washed up and prepared for the coming shift. Only the Seaside Slayer, himself, walking in and ordering a fillet-o-Aerin could take the smile off of her face.
She greeted the other waitstaff with the same smile and a bit of casual greeting as she made her way out of the kitchen area and onto the main floor, her usual desire for a smoke beforehand temporarily forgotten.
