Do you remember Joe's Caf(e)

Do you remember Joe's Caf

The workman's cafe in the market

Joe's Caf, it was called

The 'e' had been missing as long as I could remember

Just a blank space - no paint

Only three people worked there

Joe and his mucker and waiter Fred

Both wore Brown warehouseman's smocks and tweed flat caps

Doris Who operated the till and took your cash

A wartime factory workers turban to cover her hair and a flowery apron from home

The four-seater dark red plastic-covered tables with the metal edges and matching plastic chairs with metal legs were arranged along three walls of the caf the servery took up the other

Walls painted an off white/cream

The tide marks where the cleaner had reached moved further on daily

The floor was covered with off white/cream tiles to closely match the walls

On entering the caf

You were met by Fred who showed you to a recently vacated empty table

"This way sir/madam"

He would remove any empty dishes "With you in a jiffy"

Returning with a dishcloth to wipe the table

"What will it be? as he spoke he was neatly laying out your cutlery

Sausage and mash with peas: Roast beef with mash and peas or string beans; or Meat pie chips and peas"

Once you have given your order

He would call it out to Joe in the back "Be a couple of minutes"

Joe would appear from the back with plates of food and call out the order

"Two beef, one pie, one sausage"

Fred would bring the food and depart with an "Enjoy"

As the last person put down their cutlery Fred would be there collecting the empty plates with

"Jam tart and custard: Sponge and custard; or Rice" again shouted to Joe

Returning with spoons "Mug of tea or coffee"

Deserts delivered followed closely by the drinks

Again as the last person put down their spoon the dishes were cleared

You were left undisturbed with your drinks; unless they had a queue

When you would politely be requested to vacate the table

"I will give you a few minutes; you see we have a queue forming"

As you leave Doris moves to the till

"That will be ten shillings each if you please"

"Did you enjoy your meal? as she put the transaction through the till

"Thank you for your custom; will we see you tomorrow?

"No not tomorrow, Friday"

"Oh, Yes, Goldsacks tomorrow then, Have a good weekend, see you Monday I hope"

Sadly Joe's Caf has gone

Developers took over the open market space and Joe's was demolished

Joe was paid handsomely and the three of them moved to live by the sea

Wild Rose

May 2019

Reviews

[barleygirl]

This is a precious description of a memorable place. You capture the exact right details to paint this picture in words. I could see & feel the whole scene. You deliver very realistic dialogue that shows an even bigger part of the picture than the descriptions do. I love how they had to ask people to get with it so the queue doesn't get too long! These are the intimate details that bring the essence of a place alive (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Wild Rose]

Outside was an open space (think it was covered in gravel) where they held a twice weekly market
read moreOutside was an open space (think it was covered in gravel) where they held a twice weekly market

In the days when we were young
Now as I said gone tarmac replaced the gravel - posh build replaced Joe's
Joe I understand retired to the sea side

[Einstein Noodle]

wonderful sotry telling Wild one! lots i can relate to .. especially the table and chairs ..they are time pieces ... highly valued in antique shops ... the food and language brought me across the pond .. i can smell the meat pies and deserts .. hear the quiet chatter of the people ... and over that the calls of Fred and Joe back and forth ... what really stand out is how personable they seem ... and thoughtful, courteous and efficient ... and friendly .. all around a winning combination! strong work with the scene setting .. i heard, smelled and saw it all ... i was right there in it!
E.

[Dave]

The details you provide, I could imagine myself entering and sitting down to eat.. What a shame that there aren't too many places as charming and as picturesque as this around any more. Thank you for allowing me to visit.

Take care - Dave

[Wild Rose]

It was exactly right for busy people with restricted time > Not posh - Good wholesome food at a reasonable price - Quick service - No discrimination - Man in grey suit; blue overalls, same service all welcome

[Edie Blue Starfish]

the landscape is ever changing and it's sometimes sad to see landmarks torn down and developed into other things. I barely recognize my old neighbourhood anymore

[Wild Rose]

Thanks Edie
Yes I sometimes go on the maps and look at old places
A huge woollen textiles mill is now an Asian Emporium full of Asian goods from food to hand made crafts
The city centre has been totally redeveloped

[Chris Shaw]

This was a delight to read Wild Rose. I lost my earlier response in cyberspace. Such a nostalgic write, the place, the people, the food, the manners and the ten bob notes. A treat for me. Pity these places have all but gone. Many thank yous for taking me on a trip this afternoon.

Chris

[Wild Rose]

Thanks Christine > I will write more (I hope) as the memories are recalled
I wish I could take you for a live trip to Joe's

It is a palace where you could take ladies > Been there with my wife > Shopping trip to Bradford then why go to an expensive faceless restaurant when there are/ were places like these

[Chris Shaw]

Expensive doesn't necessarily equate with good. Basic can be marvellous. Good morning.

[augustus]

I didn't realise just how hungry I was whilst reading your piece on the 'Caf'. It certainly brought back memories of greasy spoon cafes I've visited!

[Wild Rose]

Thanks > They serve good food
Been in quite a few transport caffs in my time
Mway services are no patch on them are they

[Julie McCarthy (juliesp..]

I love those sorts of places alas haven’t been in one few and far between but I really enjoyed the recollections you gave and perfect descriptions

[Wild Rose]

Thanks Julie - Yes those sort of places seem to be fading out
We had a Joe's place in the works unit (Margarets) but they didnt bring you food to you > She had all sorts of work peole in from police and office workers to builders labourers (Oh and our flower girls)
Found some in Spain and Portugal, although they were mostly selling beers
Pleased you like my descriptions - some times I wonder - Am I giving too much description

[Coyote Poetry]

The place sound wonderful. I miss the old style places. Service with a smile and good food. Thank you dear friend for sharing the amazing story.
Coyote

[Wild Rose]

Yes a workers Caffe good food quick service, everybody equal
Go in alone; Who will you sit next to? A interesting cleaner lady or wise old Judge (no wigs allowed)

[Coyote Poetry]

A wonderful story dear friend. Today, few old fashion places to eat. I cook my own food. I am a good cook. Wife tells me.

[Wild Rose]

Sadly Joe's Has paced for a melamine and shiny chrome fittings place where you pay the earth for slow don't care less emporium

[DIVYA]

I love this old café you took me to. I was happily taking everything in. The sights, sounds and the people briskly working with clockwork precision. I enjoyed it all. You made it very realistic and entertaining. Your words brought this forgotten café to life.

[Wild Rose]

Thank you DIVYA - It is /was like in the sung "The Old caffe by the harbour" every one was an equal _ lunch time break & conversation - out side was an open space where twice weekly markets were held >>> 40 years ago

[DIVYA]

I wish I was there...Would have loved to

[John Alexander McFadyen]

A lovely almost whimsical descrtiption of part of bygone days when the world moved at a slower, more honest and less greedy pace.

[Wild Rose]

A place where all are equal
Friendly staff who held no graces or favours > Good wholesome food ay low prices

[John Alexander McFadyen]

My kinda Costa!