Coffee and Culture at the Stove Network - A Review of the Coffee Shop that claims to help you 'make your own culture'
The Stove proudly and boldly states that you can “Make your own culture”. This is a lovely statement in the era of hot air-based mission statements. This coffee shop lives up to its hype.
The Stove Network
The Stove is part of the Stove Network a collection of arts and community projects based in the centre of Dumfries near the fountain across from a former Jacobite headquarters (now Waterstones) and not far from the Globe Inn. The Globe was one of Robert Burns's favourite drinking dens. As I enter there is Burns's quote on the wall extolling the virtues of speaking the truth.
“Here's freedom to him who would read; Here's freedom to him who would write; None ever feared that the truth should be heard, But them that the truth would indict.” - Robert Burns
Very apt for our post-truth age of misinformation.
After looking at the posters more closely it appears there is a new community-driven journalism project underway later this year. So we had all better keep our eyes peeled for that.
The Stove Network does set out its aim to support local people by making its own culture through a range of initiatives and projects that have included the Wild Goose Festive (a festival celebrating the arrival of Geese each year), Nithraid a boat trip down the river Nith, The Lincluden Rhino Renovation and fostering the Midsteeple Quater in its early phases. You can view all their past projects here.
The Coffee Shop
As you enter the door, you are presented with a range of chairs, tables, and sofas that are the same as those in almost any small non-chain coffee shop. The difference in the aesthetic with the Stove is the people who frequent the cafe, the decor, and the staff.
In all my times going into the Stove, I can say the staff have always been lovely, and helpful, and the order at the front desk or at your table is refreshing. It reduces the number of people constantly walking up and down and gives the ambience a nice unhurried feeling.
If you are present in the morning before 10 am there is always a crowd present discussing and pontificating on the troubles of the world, discussing the day's events. Generally the walls either have posters or exhibits from their latest projects, as well as information and leaflets about a range of arts projects, community groups and occasionally events and campaigns of a more political nature. When I last visited there were leaflets supporting Divestment from the Oil and Gas companies.
It is still a normal coffee shop staffed by lovely, normal people. The drinks are reasonably priced, and there is a good food menu as well. The music varies each day depending on the staff members.
Generally, it ranges from modern country music to light indie music and occasionally world music. It is a sympathetic soundtrack that adds to the atmosphere of the coffee shop.
The staff also do an amazing job of not drowning the coffee shop in the clattering and smacking of machines to make the coffee. This enhances the atmosphere no end. Starbucks, PLEASE TAKE NOTE.
In a way, the Stove coffee shop is a place where people meet and talk, in a friendly manner to each other, whether they know them or not. Unlike a Starbucks or a Costa’s, its vibe is human and connected.
Is the cafe dog-friendly?
Yes, the cafe is dog friendly and early in the morning between 9 am and 11 am, there are normally some ‘best boys and girls’ in need of some attention and a clap.
How to get there
The Stove is in Dumfries town centre. If you are coming from the train station follow the signs to the centre of town, until you come to the market square in the middle of the town near Midsteeple.
If you are driving in especially I would suggest parking on the Whitesands and coming up Friars Vennel. When you reach the top of the Vennel you will see The Stove right there in front of you.
Learn more
To learn more about the Stove Network, visit their website or visit their Facebook page.
Final Thoughts
The Stove is a human coffee shop experience that helps you make your own culture.