This average cafe has industrial decor that's not particularly cosy, but they serve soothing coffees which attract a regular crowd of shoppers and workers.

The Venue
On the busy Old Christchurch Road, just metres away from a long row of high street shops, sits Del Marco, an Italian cafe which feels like part of a formulaic chain.

The ridged steel floors, steel tables and wicker chairs create an industrial look that doesn’t feel particularly cosy or comforting, but it's just about saved with warm red walls and lots of light from outside.

There are a couple of tables outside for customers to enjoy people-watching, which from this cafe is very easy to do. Del Marco effectively gives its customers an escape from the busy shopping area while giving them the opportunity to still feel part of it by giving them glimpses of the high street through its large windows.

The People
Like most cafes, there’s a mix of the grab and go customers and those who want to savour their coffee in their own time.

At peak times, such as the morning when everyone is rushing to work, the queue can snake around the busy tables and chairs. It's mostly made up of young suited and booted office workers craving a caffeine fix and a burst of energy from a morning snack.

As the morning rush slows down, the older, more relaxed locals gently wander in to have a leisurely break with all the time in the world on their hands.

Once the shops get busy then all sorts, from students stressed about buying too much, to frazzled mums with tired children, come inside for a coffee and a snack, making the mix of people interesting and the atmosphere always lively.

The Food
Most of the food is packaged and ready to takeaway from the counter, such as sandwiches, salads and lots of muffins and small cakes.

It all looks fresh and tasty, though expect simple flavour combinations that satisfy rather than excite. The prices are all easily under £5, making it an inexpensive place to snack.

The Drink
The list of coffees is what you’d expect, with freshly ground coffee beans in use to create a rich and deeply flavoured coffee, from cappuccino to espresso, with prices varying from £1.80 to £2.70 for small to large, with the regular size being a good portion.

The popular tea brands are also available, plus a range of soft drinks to quench your thirst.

The Last Word
This cafe serves a good cup of coffee in a convenient location and always has a mixed clientele.

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