That particular Friday lunchtime, I called in at The Ancient House to claim my wristband for the inaugural Brighten The Corners music festival, starting that evening, then produced a pair of scissors from my pannier (what they doing there?) to help a woman cyclist cut her hoodie out of her bike chain. Sam-I-am Samaritan, I sauntered around the corner into the sun and strolled into our selected Ipswich sandwichery.

Inside were two seniors ordering at the counter: old pal Andy (who made his light lunch debut in April 2007) and newer pal Johnny (debut appearance February 2023) -- NB thanks to Johnny for providing lunch in the form of goodies from Suffolk Food Hall at his immaculate Kesgrave pad three weeks prior. Back to Ipswich and this is Arkana, open since January 2023 in what was, for yonkers, Alexandria Hair Artistry. Over there is the Halberd, while Bethesda stands over the road. They're big on the bagels here -- Italian salami and prosciutto for Andy, vegan hummus and avocado for me -- while go-it-alone Johnny has the sweet pepper and cheddar muffin. I'm admiring the big abstract artwork while they're choosing their milkshakes: me too, thanks. Apparently there's now a free table out front.

Extremely pleasant to occupy a continental style cafe seat in the shade, idly chatting about Jesus Jones and ebay-ed ticket stubs. Them's good shakes that join us outside, ditto the tasty savouries: guard your crisps and lettuce leaves, chaps, 'cos the wind's getting up. Charming service too, both in & out.

Coffee's decent, too, going by my cortado. Didn't really need my third share of toffee-apple cake and chocolate muffin at the time, but probably felt the benefit nine hours later while watching 86TVS at the Corn Exchange. Ideal pre-gig grub and long may it remainer.

If it was a car -- Renault Arkana
If they were passing by -- Ella Purnell.