The Deaf Cat Cafe, Rochester in Kent

An overcast Friday morning as I head for Rochester, a lovely city by the river, complete with a cathedral and it's castle. With it's quirky shops and cafe's it's unspoilt and well worth a visit.

The Deaf Cat Cafe is one of my a best kept secret (until now)! The cafe's name comes with an historical link to the writer Charles Dickens, who spent his early years in Medway, and his later years at Gad's Hill House in Highham, north of Rochester. The original deaf cat used to sit on Dickens desk as he wrote, almost like an ornament, a muse to inspire. Funnily enough, the cafe used to have a cat of it's own that came to sit and watch the world go by. Or wandered by the fruit and veg shop next door. Alas the cat is no more.

When writing The Longing it was a comfortable place to sit and while away time people watching, seeking inspiration. In fact, I liked this cafe's vibe so much I set a couple of scenes between two key characters, Jen and Rosie here. Using 'poetic license' I moved the cafe to east London (loosely based on Hackney), and changed the name to The Sleepy Feline. In essence, it remains the Deaf Cat Cafe.

The Cafe decor has changed over time, there used to be a multi-coloured dragon on a back wall, that had a small starring role in my book! But the cafe has retained it's artistic feel that's conducive to creativity.

The Cafe has nice food (including vegan options), and choice of drinks. The service is good too. So thank you to Kevin and his team for allowing me to sit and write while drinking copious amounts of tea and the odd piece of cake!

You can find the Deaf Cat cafe at 83 High St Rochester, ME1 1LX. It's close to Rochester Train station and there is parking nearby. A stone's throw from the Castle and Cathedral too.

Oh, and a thank you to Cameron, my nephew, for creating my theme music track that accompanies the video.

#DeafCatCafeRochester