Grouchos

Grouchos as a cafe serves delicious food at very reasonable prices, and caters well for the gluten-free crowd (though not so well for the vegans, as I discovered when I went with a vegan friend, assuming it would offer a good range of options!). But it's really the design, furnishing and objects that captivate me: retro styled in a way that can both grab your attention, or be comfortably ignored. This feature is also evident in their one unisex loo. It's relatively bare and minimalist, but the detail makes up for it: the loo roll holder (domestic product, yes!); a glorious light covering that dapples the room; a pair of German vases positioned 'just so' above the basin in the anteloo (as I'll call the pre-/post-loo space); a plant...

It's not perfect! There's no natural light, which always disappoints (how does that plant stay looking so healthy? perhaps they rotate it? perhaps it's fake? I didn't check!). The soap is a commercial product (but it is of the foam variety, so this sin is forgiven). However, want to dry your hands, and you're in luck - paper towels are provided. Hoorah for that.

As a disabled facility (nice and spacious!), the loo room proper features a small basin (one tap, adjustable heat!); but don't be tempted - go straight to the superior washing experience provided by the big rectangular basin in the anteloo. Again, a single, adjustable tap, and a big mirror to inspect your post-loo demeanor.

All in all, a very good loo experience; not one to fantasise about moving in to, but one that definitely invites a momentary dawdle...