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.
Gerrard, just having returned from a short stretch of the legs after his last meeting went back inside Simple Pleasure. He had just had a few burns of small talk with Gracie and for the third time this day he had asked to send a merchant by the name of De Simon to him when he entered the premises.
Inside he sat himself down at the same table he had occupied the rest of the day and ordered an espresso and a honeyroll. He was glad the day was almost over, for business meetings weren't really his thing, but one had to do what had to be done. Without these meetings, there would be no Mackaree merchanthouse in the future probably. Not one of his own at least. Roque already knew one.