I have been thinking a lot about your post and I think it is a great idea and initiative! Like a lot of other posters a sign of a good cafe is a clean, friendly cafe with good food - extra space is always welcome too! Otherwise, I would love to also see an entertainment area for kids. What about having a daily storytelling/reading time (which will bring people over) maybe entertainers dressed up in classics characters such as Alice or Humpty Dumpty would be nice or maybe mums could read the stories for a free coffee and croissant - and it would have more of a community feel and less cost for you? It would be great if you could stock some nice chocolates/macarons (such as Maison du chocolat or Pierre Herme) to pick or Fortnum and Mason foodie gifts - because I always end up giving the same boring chocolate box or flower bouquet and it would be nice to bring something different. I know I would come just for that. And for the evening, it would be great if it could become a small art-house cinema - style the Renoir in Central London (I know, a bit unrealistic) - playing classics or foreign films (though not sure how many other people would be interested so possibly not a great idea in itself). I guess depending on the space you find and how it is laid out will make it easier or not to hire for classes, party venues or other uses. Let us know how you get on, I will be happy to pop by and do some reading
(if not too far away)!
