This uber chic little Euro espresso bar with an arts bent occupies a sliver of space at the base of the grand century old People’s Palace that was once a temperance hotel belonging to the Salvation Army.

Blue Sky coffee to go is available at the takeaway window but this is a place worth lingering in one of the cosy interior nooks - a linen clothed table with a tiny tiffany lamp or a raised balcony at the rear where a handful of antique armchairs keep company with a 1960’s motorbike and a vintage radio.

The menu is as compact as the café, with a choice of coffee, cola or San Pellegrino mineral waters and to accompany are delicious freshly baked muffins and snacks.

More than an espresso bar, Race in its down time is also a gathering space for poets, musos, movie buffs, writers and fashionistas. Film nights, garage sales, film making, a Race magazine – it all happens here along with the once a month intimate open-mic nights to showcase talent from around town for Balcony TV, an online viral music show featuring musicians from around the world performing on balconies.