I found some Peace and Quiet

I love this place, it is so quiet and peaceful, and it should be with the title 'World Peace Cafe'

It is neatly located within the Tara Kadampa Meditation Centre at Ashe Hall in Etwall, Derbyshire. The atmosphere is very tranquil with soothing background music which nearly launched me into meditation in mid brew, yes I was that relaxed.

The grounds are very inviting for a leisurely walk if you fancy. On a nice sunny day it is a great place to spend a moment in the gardens and taking a seat on one of the many benches there and just get away from it all. 

In the cafe they offer a menu with very reasonably priced light refreshments and snacks such as sandwiches, jacket potatoes and cakes. I had a very nice pot of tea, accompanied by a gluten free apple pie complete with a caramel topping, it just jumped on a plate and sat beside me so I just had to eat it, would have been rude not to and it was delicious. I wasn't being greedy and having two sittings, my friend came along with me and had a hot chocolate and cake. The cakes are actually pictured the wrong way around or my friend was trying to steal my apple pie!! 

On some days they do offer a free meditation session from 12.30pm - 12.50pm which I think is a just an added bonus for total relaxation. There is a shop within the cafe as well which has various books about Buddhism, postcards, statues and information events and festivals.

The main building at Ashe Hall is home to The Tara Kadampa Meditation Centre and is open to anyone interested in learning to meditate or study Buddhism. It has been established for 30 years and  has a big meditation room with a large Buddhist shrine.

So whatever you go along for whether it be just a cuppa, a walk or a further education in to meditation and Buddhism you will be made to feel very welcome as we were. A very friendly atmosphere that made me feel a bit guilty to even think about getting my mobile phone out as it just feels so chilled, you could actually, and I'm going to say it switch the phone off and lose yourself' I know!! A brew without any tecky technology and concentrating on a full conversation. There are no restrictions honestly and no one is going to scowl at you if you do need a Facebook moment, it really is that chilled. 

For more information on the Cafe, the Centre and it's many classes and retreats go to www.tarakmc.org it is worth a visit.

Thank you for reading and I will catch you for more tomorrow.

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