End of an Era .. The Broom Wagon Closes

Nineteen months ago the Broom Wagon, an independent speciality coffee shop surprisingly opened in sleepy old Seaton. On Wednesday this week, I sadly had the honour of being both its first and last customer. Seaton was just not ready for speciality coffee!

It was back in May 2014, that I tasted my first Broom Wagon coffee, since which time the shop has been a source of solace and social intercourse. It's proprietor,  Glenn also known as the Near Naked Man for his support of the male cancer awareness charity, has over these many months, become a valued friend and cycling buddy and long may this continue .. even without the draw of good coffee!

The Broom Wagon has introduced me to more than just a new friend and a better pallet for good coffee. Earlier this year my love of cycling and art were also brought together over a coffee and a chat with local artist, Richard Webster. The Broom Wagon had already a wall adorned with Richard's paintings of Lizzy Armistead & Lucy Garner and he was about to add a third. Not just any cyclist, but Mark Cavendish! Before Richard had even put brush to paint, the commission was sealed!

The painting now adorns my wall .. together with it's 'on loan from me' label, the plan having been that Cav would return to the Broom Wagon during the Tour de France, something which sadly will now not happen.

We don't know as yet what the new owners will do with the Broom Wagon, nor even whether its name will remain. It is doubtful, however, that anyone will ever have Glenn's passion or OCD for barista perfection .. but I'll keep you posted.