The Larder, Salford Shopping City

I’m a big fan of signage and this establishment had plenty.  As I breezed in the woman behind the counter was tipping a catering drum of Nescafe Gold blend into a much smaller plain black container marked “Coffee”. There was one other customer in the place. Not surprising at it was just after 9 on a Wednesday morning. “Yes love”, she asked. I asked for a strong coffee and a piece of toast. I fumbled with my camera. “Mug or a cup love?”I requested a mug. She slid the steaming hot mug of black coffee towards me and as she tipped the change into my hand another woman slammed a plate of toast on the counter for me. Fresh milk was available at the end of the counter, I splashed a tad in my mug and went and sat down. Toast was from a white sliced loaf, was hot, buttery and delicious.  As I looked up from my greasy toast crumbed fingers a woman with a bag on wheels was ambling towards the counter, she shouted morning to everyone. She sat at the same table as the other customer and they both had an in depth talk of their previous nights’ sleeping habits. The woman with the bag on wheels, Margaret, had been up since three and had terrible heartburn, she had to get up and get a drink of water. Someone had rang her at 6 am, this didn’t help, and put the phone down on her. Another customer appeared. Margaret and her friend both said “Hiya John” in unison.  An old man was struggling at the counter, one of his crutches crashed to the floor. The woman who had made my toast ran round to help him; she picked up his crutch, took him by the arm and led him to a nearby table. She parked his bag on wheels next to him and asked him if he was ok. He looked about a hundred years old.  I was supping my coffee, I was happy. Mine, Margaret, Margaret’s Friend, The Centenarian and John’s utopia was suddenly interrupted by someone shouting at the top of their voice, “Hiya Red Head”. We all turned round to see what the palaver was all about. There was a man in a Man City  top at the counter. I heard a woman’s voice shout back to him, “Hiya Blue Nose”.  Man City had beat Man U 6-1 at the weekend. The pair engaged in some light hearted friendly banter. I heard the Man City Fan say “Cos you’re shit”. During this distraction I snapped away. I really wanted to photograph a sign next to John. I toyed with revealing what I was doing but instead I chose to stand up in full view of Margaret and cohorts and get the shot. The flash went off. John turned to me and gave me the most filthy, withering look. I saw this as my cue to leave. I left my empty mug and plate on the counter as I went by.

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