Jane Gibbs – Coffee Bean memories

Simon: And what was the feeling in The Coffee Bean? What was the atmosphere like?

Jane: It was lovely. Mostly ladies as I remember. I don’t think there were many gents unless there some gents that were dragged up there by their wives when they were buying, but it was lovely and the ladies always recognised you and not by name but I think they used to know in the end what it was you were going to order before you did, but nice cakes as well. I wasn’t a cake person; I was a scone person (laughs).

Simon: That’s good. I mean I guess what catering was like in those days and what it’s like now is … there’s no comparison is there?

Jane: No. It was more laid back, not as quick obviously. I’m guessing they had microwaves then.

Simon: Yeah, I don’t know. When did that sort … the ‘70s they came out maybe.

Jane: They did, so yeah I’m guessing they did bit it was fast enough. I mean obviously my friend Kay would only have an hour for lunch anyway, so we’d zap in and get something and then it had to be fairly quick. But it was very relaxed and totally different to say Costa now or any of those coffee places.