“There are no strangers here… only friends that you have not met! Have you got a moment? Let’s overcome loneliness with a chat.” This is the delightful phrase that welcomes you to Art & Soul Café in St Neots. So, if you fancy a coffee or delicious lunch with a side order of good vibes and beautiful art, then you need to get yourself to this forward-thinking and friendly café/gallery/creative hub that makes for a heavenly place to while away a few hours.

Art & Soul was opened by husband and wife team Tim and Caroline Richardson in 2018 and serves locally sourced and freshly made food that changes on a weekly basis. There’s everything from eggs Benedict to homemade soup with fresh daily salad and also plenty of veggie and vegan options, like vegan Carnitas and chickpea and guacamole on toast.

There’s nothing conventional or run of the mill about this smart café. It is also home to a gallery that showcases the work of talented local artists (where you can also take part in yoga sessions!), has a hub space for creative workshops, including classes like jewellery-making and art, and the owners have placed a lot of importance on sustainability and community. There’s no feeling lonely if you’re a solo punter here, the friendly vibe and ethos of the place means people actually talk to each other. Plus, the cafe is one of Mind’s Good Mood Cafés, which means they host weekly two-hour informal get-togethers that are designed to bring communities together, offer wellbeing support and share interests and skills.

You can pitch up with your laptop and work here surrounded by other creatives, simply have a delicious and nutritious lunch or mooch around the gallery and buy or even create some of your own art. If you like what you see (and feel), the stylish gallery or workshop space is available to hire for your own event. And, in the spirit of including everyone, of course four-legged friends are welcome too!