August not only signifies the build up to the forthcoming X Factor and Strictly Come Dancing series (Rev Richard Coles – can’t wait!); but it also brings us the middle chunk of the school summer holidays – the big chunk, the chunkiest chunk. This is the chunk that secretly sneaks up on you during your weakest moments, nudging you closer and closer; first off to the kettle for an essential caffiene fix, then to the biscuit tin for an even more essential sugar boost and then……….. before you know it – to the wine shelf in the fridge hoping that the drop you left in last night was actually enough to constitute a glass. I’m not speaking for everyone here – obviously,  but I’m sensing that I do represent a large portion of peeps at this time of year – so I’m writing this for you comrades!

I start the holidays with a complete go get ’em attitude, wey hey….seven weeks off ( six weeks holidays plus the much loved and parent’s best friends – inset days) but… by the middle of August I’m flagging. ‘What are we doing today’ has become my daughter’s new mantra, like a devout Bhuddist she repeats it over and over. ‘That’s boring’ booms out of her mouth like Big Ben when I offer her my suggestions. There’s only one way to get through this (before I hit the wine shelf at the designated wine o’clock) I need a coffee treat. I need a decent cup of coffee made with love by someone else just for for me!

Bottle and Thyme in Chesterfield town, is a haven for anyone needing a few minutes tlc…tender, loving, coffee. It’s cosy, relaxed and full of goodness. Whether it’s breakfast you fancy, coffee and cake (or cronuts)dinner and drinks or just drinks, it ticks all the boxes. Locally sourced food, inspired cocktails and a great little gin menu (might need the gin menu by week seven of the hols!) With a spare 30 mins of child free me-time, I find myself sitting in this cosy haven of lovelyness with my much deserved coffee. I have earnt this comrades. This £2.80 is the best £2.80 I will spend my money on today……. With a son of nineteen who has yet to learn that he doesn’t quite know everything and a daughter of nine who believes that she’s actually the 5th member of Little Mix – I have truly earnt this coffee. It’s not the big things in life (no smutty inuendo please) – it’s these small moments of pleasure that pick you up, dust you down and enable you to carry on ……until of course it’s wine o’clock that is! Roll on September…

Meanwhile, definitely trying the cronuts next time. Recipe required, me thinks.

Bottle and Thyme, coffee heaven.