Stephen Harper has been called the Tim Hortons prime minister.

It's a reference to how he has tailored his message to Canadians. A visit to Tim Hortons in political circles is synonymous with meeting regular people.

For those who practise the art of politics here in Ottawa, there's a lot more competition for that cup of coffee.

The Tim Hortons on Sparks Street, just below Parliament Hill, is a busy place. There's usually a line extending out the doors and on the pedestrian mall. But you are more likely to find someone who works for a politician than a MP there.

Instead, locally owned Bridgehead and especially Starbucks are popular with MPs and those who cover them.

In fact, I was just walking along Queen Street to get my morning grande bold, searching for a blog idea, when it hit me. As I entered the shop, I ran into a former colleague, now a lobbyist who was introducing a friend to some party officials.

All very informal, but that's how business gets done, here inside the bubble of the Parliamentary precinct.

— Chris Rands