Here's an idea, let's take the concept of our cafe and call it, and call it...I've got it, we'll just call it idea but with a 'y' to make it more memorable.

The Venue
Compact and bijou in an estate agent's words, the Iydea Cafe is a small vegetarian kitchen with a lot to say. A long counter runs the length of the front half of the venue, crammed with delicious veggie dishes and eager staff. On the other side long, high wooden tables sit in rows with a notice board, book cases, ambitiously trailing plants and customers battling for room. Cream and wood throughout, with old fashioned looking floor tiles, the cafe is light and cosy but very much designed for turning tables.

The Atmosphere
Sat right in the heart of the North Laines, the Iydea Cafe is the perfect stop off for a quick drink when you are out shopping or to meet up with a friend for an informal lunch. Studenty feeling, due to the plethora of fliers and posters advertising yoga, feng shui and club nights, and with a very youthful vibe, this adds to the informal, but rushed feel that everyone is busy and can only stop for lunch for five minutes. With numerous staff behind the counter and customers piling in the door to order their food, sharing tables with strangers seems to be the norm. And for those that like their space whilst they eat, you may be disappointed.

The Food
Vegetarian cafes in some cities still harbour the old style yoga loving hippie kind of menu, with tofu and nut roast as far as the eye can see. Whilst the notice board may be full of leaflets for hippie-esque activities, the food comes from a very different kind of background. There are many different things on the menu, and with fresh ingredients coming into the kitchen every day, there are always new things to try. The practical option is to choose your main, and then go down the remainder of the counter adding to your plate from the various salads, of which there are many. Or if you are after something lighter and smaller, a plate of salad on its own makes for a good quick bite. The Greek salad, curried potato salad, coleslaw and humous, amongst others, are well done and obviously homemade.

Main dishes can be bought in either small or large sizes, which is another good option for either the hungry or peckish shopper. Full and not too spicy the chilli bean enchilada is a good choice for those that like their cheese, whilst the Mexican bean and feta roti is another good choice for those that fancy a little kick to their food, but it's still not overly hot. An interesting choice of ingredients, it is a shame that the textures are not as distinct as they could be. If you need help in choosing, useful labels stating the Chefs’ Choice or Staff Choice tell you what the home crowd prefer.

If you have time for cake, or indeed come only for cake and coffee, you will be in for a treat. Old fashioned style cakes stand whole on top of the counter and just ask to be eaten. Carrot and orange cake and the chocolate cake stand out in particular, although if you want to stick with the healthy theme, there is plenty of fruit too, including, rather adventurously, whole pineapples.

The Drink
Fully licensed Iydea has a good range of beverages that is surprising for somewhere so small. Attractive to students and anyone else that can drink at lunchtime with no prospect of falling asleep at their desk, you can choose from a variety of spirits or wine, and some organic beers and ciders, including Hepworths lager. The fruit smoothies or refreshing homemade Victorian style lemonade are the best choice for those driving or with a hangover.

The Last Word
An obvious choice for shoppers, the Iydea Cafe is a practical venue that is concerned with feeding you, saying thank you and then waving you out of the door. A nice place to linger if you can bag the room, this is one to visit at off peak times to appreciate the atmosphere and watch the world go by the window. However, it's an excellent place too if all you want is a quick lunch from friendly, efficient staff.