In search of a alternative route back towards Martlesham from the underwhelming Travelodge recently, I'd suggested a load of Cobbolds to EcoAndy. See, those Ipswich brewers of yore hung out in Holywells House, their own mansion, in what is now Holywells Park. That house was demolished in the mid '60s, leaving not much more than a stable block and clock tower. Park is lovely, though, and also welcomes careful cyclists. And Andy.

So, having taken the Myrtle Road entrance in to the park, he emerged on Cliff Lane. Standing among that remarkably well-equipped Wickham Market-esque row of shops — post office, newsagents, hardware, beauty, Chinese, butcher, even a vet's — he eyeballed the Princess Bakery. Yep, a bakery with seats, reminiscent of Bloomers: seems like an obvious idea.

For savoury, there's freshly made rolls or baguettes, or assorted pasties and slices. I'll take a chicken and onion panini, monsieur. For the nice fella running this place has a French accent though is in fact from Algeria. He's his own boss here, and initially had wanted to be producing fine patisserie. Not the demand, however, hence a move to more traditional English cakestuff. Panini is nice 'n' fresh and goes down well with an Irn Bru.

As we're chowing down, there's a healthy supply of passers-by wanting hot drinks or baguettes. He obviously keeps his regulars happy, and does the same for me by fixing me up a cute macchiato. To be accompanied by? Here, I'm like a kid in a cakeshop. Brownie? Bread pudding? White choc caramel slice? That one down the bottom looks good, a gaudy coconut sponge. Yum. It's a find, this place, a little princess.

If it was a car -- Austin Princess.
If they were passing by -- Alain de Botton.