The Coffee Stop — Restaurant in Wealden

So, my Friday morning shenanigans began at 5:30 a.m.—the kind of hour only birds and bad decisions wake up for. I was helping my wife board her train to Gatwick, gallantly lifting her luggage like some early morning porter, a simple task. A noble gesture. What I hadn’t planned on was being kidnapped by Southern Rail. No warning, not even time for a goodbye kiss—just the sound of the train doors shutting with the cold-hearted efficiency of a Bond villain's trapdoor. as the train carried me away from Hampden Park and towards Gatwick in shorts and flip flops! Meanwhile, my car sat alone at Hampden Park station, likely wondering where I’d gone, quietly racking up overtime in a 20-minute wait zone.

I leapt off at Polegate like a man on a mission—Operation Get-Back-to-My-Car—only to find the next train home wouldn’t arrive for another 35 minutes, go all the way back to Eastbourne and then onto Hampden Park. Great!

Then, salvation. A scent on the breeze. Coffee. I turned, and like a weary pilgrim discovering an oasis, there it was: a tiny, welcoming coffee shop perched right by the station. I strolled in, hope restored, and ordered a latte with a splash of syrup. The lady behind the counter smiled kindly and began her morning alchemy as I pulled out my phone to pay.

That’s when the plot thickened.

“We only take cash,” she said, calmly.

I blinked. She blinked. Somewhere in the background, a cat meowed judgmentally as if to say “Here we go again”.

There I stood: no wallet, no coins, just a phone and a pair of keys jingling uselessly in my hand and a latte halfway being made.

Sensing the existential crisis brewing beneath my hoodie, the barista—clearly an angel in disguise—smiled again. “Just leave your name and pop the money in next time you’re passing.”

So here I am, back on the train, latte in hand, still in flip-flops, still questioning my life choices, heading towards Hampden Park and a potentially ticketed vehicle —but a little warmer inside, sipping a latte earned on trust and British kindness.

10/10 would recommend the coffee. Cosy cafe. Friendly cat. And staff who clearly believe in second chances.

Would definitely recommend—though perhaps I’ll wear...

Lovely coffee shop. Fast service, friendly and helpful staff with great produce for the perfect coffee. Full range of various items available including snacks, drinks and treats. Cash only. Good prices. Would recommend to all. Disabled...

the coffee here was absolutely terrible, the worst I've had in ages. burnt milk and low quality beans. go to automatic coffee machine i in Waitrose to get...