I’ve have been remiss in not pointing out the virtues of Ampersand, the new café cum t-shirt shack on Water Street in Charlottetown. There were some fumbles as they found their way — my first visit I asked for sugar and was handed a big bag and a spoon — but the young rockers behind the counter are all learning the ways of the big machine, and they’re starting to produce some very nice coffee. Like a cappuccino made for me this afternoon by Megan Stewart.

By far the nicest place to enjoy your coffee at Ampersand is in the back garden: you’ll have to be content with tree stumps to sit on, but it’s a very pleasant space. You could also hold a small theatrical event in the cavernous and as-yet ill-defined upper level if so-moved.

The Ampersand vibe is far too cool and young for me to completely grasp, but it’s a welcoming vibe nonetheless, and if you’re looking for a place to escape from the everyday, hiding out down on Water Street is a pretty good destination.