SIGHTS
A long counter stacked with chrome espresso and frothing machines, bean grinders, coffee carafes filled with aromatic coffee blends, bottles of coffee flavorings and toppings (a silver whipped cream canister, caramel and chocolate drizzles, shakers of toffee bits, etc.), a blender, metal thermometers, jugs of milk in fridges under the counter, coffee pots percolating, damp mugs hot from the dishwasher stacked on trays, towers of paper cups and lids, a tip jar near the cash register, a glass case holding a selection of snacks (breakfast muffins, sandwiches, pastries, cookies), spaced-out bistro tables with trendy wrought iron chairs and padded seats, a few comfy leather chairs around a coffee table, stray newspapers or magazines that have been left behind, customers (working on their laptops or tablets, reading books or visiting with friends), shopping bags and purses that dangle off the backs of chairs, wall shelving and displays for merchandise (artisan mugs, tinned cookies, coffee grinders, travel mugs, bags of coffee or tea, coffee machines, tea pots, gift baskets), giant glass windows with a view of the street, long lines to the cash register, a chalkboard with specials written on it (smoothies, teas, frozen blended drinks, lattes, cappuccinos, and espresso drinks), a wall of coffee bean drawers with labels, plates and cutlery, sandwiches and wraps, garbage left on tables, a condiment trolley (carrying sugar packets, fake sweeteners, and creams), stir sticks, extra lids, napkins and cinnamon shakers, a set of garbage and recycling bins
SOUNDS
Coffee beans in a grinder, employees calling out orders, the murmur of voices, laughter, dishes clattering, spoons clinking against the side of a mug, the thick whir of a frothing machine, metal scraping on metal, the ding of a cash register, the shuttering sound of till tape printing, a barista tapping out used grounds from a filter, coins clinking into a tip jar, the airy slurp of an empty whipping cream canister, people sipping and murmuring appreciation, the crinkle of paper as cookies and Danishes are withdrawn, foil bags of coffee being ripped open, ice grating in the blender, the hum of machines, a radio station playing music in the background, the chime of the door being opened or closed, the flap and flutter of newspapers, the swish of a mop against the floor, the thump of unfinished coffees being thrown in the trash
SMELLS
Freshly brewed coffee and ground beans, the aromatic scent of espresso, acrid burned coffee, warm caramel or chocolate, the tingle of spices (cinnamon, chai teas, mulled ciders), fresh-baked cookies and muffins, the fruity aroma from a steaming cup of herbal tea, mingling perfume scents, vanilla
TASTES
Sweet or bitter coffee, milky lattes, chai spices and teas, whipped cream laced with a chocolate drizzle, a warm and nutty cookie, hearty sandwiches with the zing of mustard or mayo, spicy soups, the numbing cold of a blended drink or iced coffee, lemon or mint
TEXTURES AND SENSATIONS
A warm mug in the hands, scalding coffee or tea burning the tongue, warmth cascading down one’s throat, licking crumbs or foam from one’s lips, sticky counters from spilled food or coffee, slipping on a wet floor, steam warming one’s face and misting up one’s glasses, the puff of heat from blowing on a hot drink, the icy relief of a smoothie in the throat on a hot day, a sudden scalding pain at slopping coffee on one’s wrist, feeling infused by warmth as the coffee fills one’s stomach, brushing one’s lips with a paper napkin, a glossy magazine balanced on one’s knee, smooth keyboard keys against the fingertips, a cozy reading chair, the dig of hard metal from the back of a bistro chair, tingling fingers after releasing a hot paper cup of coffee
POSSIBLE SOURCES OF CONFLICT
Not having enough money to pay
Being bumped and spilling one’s coffee
A solitary person nursing his coffee at a large table when another customer needs the table for a big group
Having one’s order served incorrectly
The Wi-Fi being down
Jitters from too much coffee leading to a quick temper
Waiting for a date who never shows
Wanting to sit and enjoy the ambience but discovering that all the tables are full
PEOPLE COMMONLY FOUND HERE
A manager, baristas and other serving and food prep staff, customers, delivery people
RELATED SETTINGS THAT MAY TIE IN WITH THIS ONE
Bakery, big city street, diner, parking lot, small town street
SETTING NOTES AND TIPS
Chain coffeehouses will have a very similar layout and feel from one store to the other, whereas independently owned locations will look unique and even follow a special style or theme to play to a specific clientele: trendy and upscale, an old-fashioned diner feel, one that appeals to creative types, or even a “green” focus to draw the environmentally-conscious crowd.
SETTING DESCRIPTION EXAMPLE
I sipped the last of my black coffee and signaled for more. Several teenage couples leaned over cappuccinos at the chic chrome bistro tables, while laughing groups crowded the booths at the back. My own table partner, the only empty chair, silently encouraged me to get a life and leave so others could fill the table with conversation.
Techniques and Devices Used: Contrast, symbolism
Resulting Effects: Establishing mood