Independent cafes are one of those things i really want to like, but just don't.
It's one of the reasons I like calendar audaxes rather than DIYs, because they often go to independents that are tried and tested that I wouldn't know about otherwise. But on my DIYs i'm afraid my choice of control, in order, is usually starbucks, mcdonalds, morrisons cafe, costa. Although i'm really not that keen onthe food in costa.
Typical experience - got to woodhall spa the other weekend, about 11am, looked in the local independent cafe - chairs still on tables. Great. Co-op it is, then. Why do they always seem to be either shut, full, or dark - like they're somebody's house and you feel like you're intruding, or not sell anything savoury?