I cannot pretend that I don’t ever frequent the numerous Starbucks, Neros and Costas around Bristol, but give me an independent cafe over those global conglomerates any day of the week.

To kick-off a brief (seeing as it’s already December 29) look back at some of my favourite things of the year almost-gone-by, I want to mention my new favourite café.
St Stephen’s Cafe is only a few yards off Corn Street, but feels like somewhere else entirely. Walk down some steps, through a small courtyard, step over ancient gravestones, push open a heavy door, and you arrive inside a beautiful stone building tucked onto the side of the church.

There, you will find battered old sofas, a piano and a few tables and chairs, and a counter behind which are smiling staff and on which are always some exquisite cakes.

My best memory of the café this year was one Friday lunchtime when I stumbled across a live music session while eating a delicious cream cheese and salmon bagel. Sadly I can’t remember the name of the band, but they played a great blues set with violin, guitar, harmonica and double bass (which I was sat next to, so felt every vibration of the strings).

I do hope that the café’s live music sessions continue on Fridays next year. But please, don’t tell too many people about them.

St Stephen’s Cafe, St Stephen’s Street, Bristol. 0117 927 7977.

http://www.saint-stephens.com/people-and-events/cafe/

Bristol cafes. Cafes in Bristol.