So, here it is the last day of 2011, and my new year's resolution is complete! I'm sitting at the computer is my best frock and tiara, ready to hand out plaudits to the cafes I have visited this year. It's not so much the oscars and the Buckingham Palace garden party - a handshake and a smile for everyone and thank you for making it such a fun year. Here goes with the thanks and the awards...
I'd like to thank the friends and family members that have accompanied me on my travels and made helpful comments and suggestions. I could have done it without you, but with you it was more fun.
Thanks too to my 'followers' and the people who have commented on the posts and to everyone else who has read the blog. I've had over 3000 page views this year and I'm delighted with that.
All the cafes I've visited have been special in their own way, so I'm not including a category for best tea or coffee - that's down to personal taste. These mentions are just a way of highlighting memorable events of the year (in Grace's terms), so here goes:-
Cafe with Star Quality - the Oven Door for it's association with the late Norman Wisdom
Best Little Nook - Lisa's Coffee House
Nicest Ambience - The Heaton Perk and The Settle Down Cafe
Specialness - The Basement Coffee House (the one that started it all)
Best Cafe at a festival - The Hungry Elephant at the Green Festival
Best Cake - Cafe Bar One for the best chocolate cake ever
Most Helpful - Chelsea Dock (for the tea towel) and Aurora Deli (for cooking breakfast)
Most Unusual - Tea Sutra
Most Popular in page views - The Fat Hippo (seems like everyone wants to go there)
Best contributor to the Big Society - Coffee Cottage
Best decor - Chelsea Dock and Tea Sutra
But in general a big hurrah for everyone!
Now, what for 2012? I intend to keep Let's Say Grace going as an occasional blog, revisiting places and possibly including meals (can you eat your way round the world in Newcastle?). But my 2012 resolution is to do a walk a week. No distance specified, not only new routes, but I do have to do that walk. I hope you'll be joining me. All the best for the new year and for your resolutions too.
Saturday, 31 December 2011
Wednesday, 28 December 2011
Starbucks opposite Central Station
This is kind of cheating (not what you expect of me I know, but desperate times call for desperate measures) in that I actually visited Starbucks before Christmas but as it was my last full day in Newcastle till after New Year, I'm going to count it as my cafe of the week, and indeed my last cafe of my resolution.
It all came about like this, I was feeling grotty with a bad cold, and then I got more time off over Christmas than had seemed possible at first, and then I realised that I had to do one last cafe, and then not one but two of the hit list were closed on a Friday evening and so I ended up at Starbucks with a friend who I'd promised to meet up with before Christmas. So it was a last resort, basically, but not without a certain something about it. I wasn't feeling well at all but well enough to appreciate the latte and the berry scones. Starbucks is Starbucks the world over after all. On a grey evening we sat and observed a transitory crowd of fellow coffee drinkers most of whom were heading home for the holidays I guess. Cases and shopping - the whole atmosphere was a tired but happy end of day, end of journey, start of journey, say goodbye, bitter sweet mixture played out in a cafe waiting for its evening clean and Christmas decorations waiting for twelfth night.
It was a slightly melancholy end to the quest, but I've done it! Kept my resolution for a whole year! On New Year's Eve, I'll be announcing the awards, the future of Let's Say Grace and next year's challenge. Until then...
It all came about like this, I was feeling grotty with a bad cold, and then I got more time off over Christmas than had seemed possible at first, and then I realised that I had to do one last cafe, and then not one but two of the hit list were closed on a Friday evening and so I ended up at Starbucks with a friend who I'd promised to meet up with before Christmas. So it was a last resort, basically, but not without a certain something about it. I wasn't feeling well at all but well enough to appreciate the latte and the berry scones. Starbucks is Starbucks the world over after all. On a grey evening we sat and observed a transitory crowd of fellow coffee drinkers most of whom were heading home for the holidays I guess. Cases and shopping - the whole atmosphere was a tired but happy end of day, end of journey, start of journey, say goodbye, bitter sweet mixture played out in a cafe waiting for its evening clean and Christmas decorations waiting for twelfth night.
It was a slightly melancholy end to the quest, but I've done it! Kept my resolution for a whole year! On New Year's Eve, I'll be announcing the awards, the future of Let's Say Grace and next year's challenge. Until then...
Monday, 19 December 2011
Cafe 120, Heaton Road
I'd been told this was one to visit for the cakes so, bearing in mind the season, I was dreaming of a slice of Christmas cake smothered in marzipan and royal icing. It was not to be, however, but once I saw the choice on offer I wasn't worried.
I should mention that I'm being a brave little soldier this week, going out for tea and cake despite the remnants of a nasty cold (well you do feed as cold, don't you?) and I think this is devotion above and beyond! So I awarded myself a slice of some kind of tiffin (it began with B but the cold has left me a bit deaf so I didn't get the rest) to be washed down with tea. The tiffin was a biscuit base, with a chocolate topping and coconut and somehow, despite cold-related numbing of tastebuds, my tongue managed to communicate withh my brain that it was indeed very, very sweet, and nice, and unlikely to leave room for the pecan and caramel slice I'd also fancied (never let it be said that my cold was hungry). I must admit to a flicker of disappointment when a mug of tea arrived and not a pot, but it was a Tetley's brew so all was not lost. There's an extensive menu and a takeaway service too, so all tastes catered for.
Now what of my surroundings? Very swish I have to say! Dark coloured laminate flooring, walls half tiled in greys the rest painted a very warming shade of red/orange, grey blinds, mirrors, a kind of sculpture of (possibly Indian) musicians. There were coffee tables and seating in the windows, proper tables and leather covered dining chairs elsewhere. When I arrived the only customer was a businessman engrossed in his computer, but within a few minutes a younger man and a retired couple (all regulars I would guess) entered as did a lady for a takeaway bagel. There's plenty of seating - the 'lounge' area was closed during the afternoon but must be available at busy periods.
You know what, I felt at home. Cafe 120 was smart, but not overpowering and the food looked good but wasn't overpriced. And as I browsed their magazines, I found details of yet another unvisited cae that may just be next week's destination, only time will tell.
I should mention that I'm being a brave little soldier this week, going out for tea and cake despite the remnants of a nasty cold (well you do feed as cold, don't you?) and I think this is devotion above and beyond! So I awarded myself a slice of some kind of tiffin (it began with B but the cold has left me a bit deaf so I didn't get the rest) to be washed down with tea. The tiffin was a biscuit base, with a chocolate topping and coconut and somehow, despite cold-related numbing of tastebuds, my tongue managed to communicate withh my brain that it was indeed very, very sweet, and nice, and unlikely to leave room for the pecan and caramel slice I'd also fancied (never let it be said that my cold was hungry). I must admit to a flicker of disappointment when a mug of tea arrived and not a pot, but it was a Tetley's brew so all was not lost. There's an extensive menu and a takeaway service too, so all tastes catered for.
Now what of my surroundings? Very swish I have to say! Dark coloured laminate flooring, walls half tiled in greys the rest painted a very warming shade of red/orange, grey blinds, mirrors, a kind of sculpture of (possibly Indian) musicians. There were coffee tables and seating in the windows, proper tables and leather covered dining chairs elsewhere. When I arrived the only customer was a businessman engrossed in his computer, but within a few minutes a younger man and a retired couple (all regulars I would guess) entered as did a lady for a takeaway bagel. There's plenty of seating - the 'lounge' area was closed during the afternoon but must be available at busy periods.
You know what, I felt at home. Cafe 120 was smart, but not overpowering and the food looked good but wasn't overpriced. And as I browsed their magazines, I found details of yet another unvisited cae that may just be next week's destination, only time will tell.
Sunday, 18 December 2011
Bits n bobs
Nearly Christmas and the year end! Trying to tie up all the loose ends! Urlspy tells me that this blog is ranked 3,710,927th in the UK! I've no idea if this is good or bad - how many of us out there are blogging our little hearts out?
Only two cafes to visit from the hitlist and then what? Well, to end the year, some of my companions have suggested an oscar-style blog ceremony, categories to be decided, honouring the establishments visited this year. That will be coming up before the year end.
For 2012 I intend to keep this going as an occasional blog (dv) continuing with as yet unvisited places on the hitlist and with other food ideas. My New Year resolution for 2012 will involve another blog but of course I can't tell you about that until we have rung in the new year.
I must make mention of the cafe at Newcastle Civic Centre - very worth a visit - rekindled a love of institutional food first discovered in the NHS. Also Libby and Pepi's cafe in Adelaide Terrace - an extensive menu of philipino and oriental food which I did not do justice to when I ordered a cup of tea and a Kitkat - their time will come!
Only two cafes to visit from the hitlist and then what? Well, to end the year, some of my companions have suggested an oscar-style blog ceremony, categories to be decided, honouring the establishments visited this year. That will be coming up before the year end.
For 2012 I intend to keep this going as an occasional blog (dv) continuing with as yet unvisited places on the hitlist and with other food ideas. My New Year resolution for 2012 will involve another blog but of course I can't tell you about that until we have rung in the new year.
I must make mention of the cafe at Newcastle Civic Centre - very worth a visit - rekindled a love of institutional food first discovered in the NHS. Also Libby and Pepi's cafe in Adelaide Terrace - an extensive menu of philipino and oriental food which I did not do justice to when I ordered a cup of tea and a Kitkat - their time will come!
Monday, 12 December 2011
The Coffee Cottage, Chillingham Road
Time for another excursion to the east side of town! The Coffee Cottage has been on the hit list since the beginning so I don't know why it's taken me so long to get there. I was spurred on by the fact that I've seen it advertised in the Journal businesses for sale section, and indeed there is a for sale sign over it this very day. So, if you were thinking of buying what would you be getting? Firstly, an exterior that could do with repairs and paint. The front door could be a house front door, reclaimed and put in place as a temporary measure so time ago. Inside, well the grey carpet tiles might have to go along with the faux half-timbered panelling...but wait! there's more to it. Sit down in the Coffee Cottage for a while and you'll see what I mean.
So, in I went. The tables were covered in red gingham tablecloths and glass tops! It's a compact space and the furniture is mainly dark wood. The wall are decorated with plates and (now) with Christmas ornaments. At the counter are homemade quiche and chocolate fudge cake (oooh go on then!). There is an extensive menu of snacks and meals and a specials board. I order cream with the cake and a pot of tea. It arrives at the table in delightfully mismatched china and the cake is swimming in cream. I summon untapped reserves of self-control to avoid licking the plate.
And the best thing? This is not just a cafe, it's a community. I was treated in a friendly way, and all the other customers were obviously regulars and the staff genuinely seemed to know and care about them and have their interests at heart. It's great to have that kind of atmosphere, you can't buy or manufacture it. Let's hope that whoever the new owners of the Coffee Cottage turn out to be, they can change what needs to be change and keep what needs to be kept.
So, in I went. The tables were covered in red gingham tablecloths and glass tops! It's a compact space and the furniture is mainly dark wood. The wall are decorated with plates and (now) with Christmas ornaments. At the counter are homemade quiche and chocolate fudge cake (oooh go on then!). There is an extensive menu of snacks and meals and a specials board. I order cream with the cake and a pot of tea. It arrives at the table in delightfully mismatched china and the cake is swimming in cream. I summon untapped reserves of self-control to avoid licking the plate.
And the best thing? This is not just a cafe, it's a community. I was treated in a friendly way, and all the other customers were obviously regulars and the staff genuinely seemed to know and care about them and have their interests at heart. It's great to have that kind of atmosphere, you can't buy or manufacture it. Let's hope that whoever the new owners of the Coffee Cottage turn out to be, they can change what needs to be change and keep what needs to be kept.
Monday, 5 December 2011
Aurora Deli, corner Westgate Hill and Blandford Square
You know, I liked to think of myself as a model cafe customer - quiet, tidy, solvent, polite, complimentary even. Today that changed, today I became the awkward customer, the one that tries your patience, the one you could do without last thing on a Monday. How did I effect this transformation, merely by ordering an all day breakfast in a cafe that was closing in about half an hour! Honestly, I didn't think! And they were still advertising it! And Mrs Aurora, well she just smiled, got out the frying pan and cooked away, she may have thought about belting me round the head with it, but she was professional to the end.
The establishment she presides over does have a morning feel to it - light and bright, cheerful (and watered) pot plants in the window. Coloured slatted wooden table mat adorn the square wooden tables and you will find yourself seated on a stacking chair (church hall c1960) that has been customised in one of a variety of finishes (mine was decoupage). The Christmas decs were up, including a rather fine handmade star - black card and tissue paper giving a stained glass effect. Other customers (who were leaving!) appeared to be regulars and that is always reassuring. It all had a clean, bright, zingy feel to it.
And the breakfast? For £2 I got sausage, beans, tomato, bacon, egg and mushrooms. Can't grumble at that and it all tasted very good. Afterwards, I reflected that the cafe where I was eating my breakfast was probably built over the Roman Wall. I wonder what the average legionary got for breakfast?
And so, another tick on the hit list. Another one to go back to one day - but next time I'll be going early :-)
The establishment she presides over does have a morning feel to it - light and bright, cheerful (and watered) pot plants in the window. Coloured slatted wooden table mat adorn the square wooden tables and you will find yourself seated on a stacking chair (church hall c1960) that has been customised in one of a variety of finishes (mine was decoupage). The Christmas decs were up, including a rather fine handmade star - black card and tissue paper giving a stained glass effect. Other customers (who were leaving!) appeared to be regulars and that is always reassuring. It all had a clean, bright, zingy feel to it.
And the breakfast? For £2 I got sausage, beans, tomato, bacon, egg and mushrooms. Can't grumble at that and it all tasted very good. Afterwards, I reflected that the cafe where I was eating my breakfast was probably built over the Roman Wall. I wonder what the average legionary got for breakfast?
And so, another tick on the hit list. Another one to go back to one day - but next time I'll be going early :-)
Monday, 28 November 2011
Ma Provence, Grey Street
Gray day, Grey Street, what better than a little Provencal warmth to liven up the afternoon? And it was handy. I was accompanied on this excursion by the francophone, and unashamedly francophile Polyglot who informed me that the tea we ordered lived up to French standards (go figure).
The bijou cafe is decorated in just the right shade of orange, with upholstered chairs to match, and cushions and a curtain, and a waitress (not in orange but very chic in black and caramel with just a hint of gold in the scarf to set off her complexion, and a pleasant absence of Ugg boots). There are two petite tables and an alarmingly high window seat and a busy view of the Theatre Royal and (at this moment) the Christmas market. P assured me that the music playing was authentic French - someone called Renaud apparently.
To go with the tea I had a spiced muffin which I have to say was the best muffin I have tasted - in fact it was more of a bun texture than muffin and none the worse for that. Polyglot settled for a small blue cheese and leek tartlet which was judged to be good too.
And then came the best bit - eavesdropping! Naturellement, two French people (waitress and customer) could not conceive that two English people (well, one of them) could understand their conversation! Polyglot got most of it, I got a snippet (£70 for a shirt - ridiculous!). And with that we bid them au revoir and slunk off to Blakes (qv) turning the grey afternoon into a cafe crawl.
The bijou cafe is decorated in just the right shade of orange, with upholstered chairs to match, and cushions and a curtain, and a waitress (not in orange but very chic in black and caramel with just a hint of gold in the scarf to set off her complexion, and a pleasant absence of Ugg boots). There are two petite tables and an alarmingly high window seat and a busy view of the Theatre Royal and (at this moment) the Christmas market. P assured me that the music playing was authentic French - someone called Renaud apparently.
To go with the tea I had a spiced muffin which I have to say was the best muffin I have tasted - in fact it was more of a bun texture than muffin and none the worse for that. Polyglot settled for a small blue cheese and leek tartlet which was judged to be good too.
And then came the best bit - eavesdropping! Naturellement, two French people (waitress and customer) could not conceive that two English people (well, one of them) could understand their conversation! Polyglot got most of it, I got a snippet (£70 for a shirt - ridiculous!). And with that we bid them au revoir and slunk off to Blakes (qv) turning the grey afternoon into a cafe crawl.
Saturday, 26 November 2011
The beginning of the end
Just a short musing as 2011 draws to a close and with it the first New Year's resolution that I have kept ever! Even if I stop now, I have never kept a resolution this long. But then, I've never made one involving food before (well, only one - Wombat will remind me if I don't mention our monthly forays down Ocean Road, South Shields a few years back. Yes, a different Indian restaurant a month - we nearly managed it).
I'll save the full post mortem for the year end, but at this time I just feel I want to set a few thoughts down.
Firstly, for those of you who keep up to date with the news, I was not offered anything other than chips at the Happy Chip, nor did I suspect anything else. Hope the condition of the lady in hospital improves soon - what a worry for her family. Legal highs? Stick to tea and coffee I think.
Secondly, for those of you who browse the businesses for sale section of The Journal, have you noticed how frequently cafes come up for sale? Is is always like this? Or is this a result of the economic downturn or whatever it is we're having right now? And wow, how tempting! Grace's High Class Tea Rooms - I can see my name in lights! But would I have what it takes to run a tearoom? What theme would I take, where would it be? As I'm typing this, I'm imagining a 1940s/50s look - carpet, square tables with white cloths, proper teapots and cups, waitresses in black dresses with little white caps (dresses to be of below-knee length before you get ideas). Perhaps a bit of swing or jazz in the background. Flowers of the table. Civilised. Nothing loud. Oh, what the heck! I don't have the cash anyway!
I'll save the full post mortem for the year end, but at this time I just feel I want to set a few thoughts down.
Firstly, for those of you who keep up to date with the news, I was not offered anything other than chips at the Happy Chip, nor did I suspect anything else. Hope the condition of the lady in hospital improves soon - what a worry for her family. Legal highs? Stick to tea and coffee I think.
Secondly, for those of you who browse the businesses for sale section of The Journal, have you noticed how frequently cafes come up for sale? Is is always like this? Or is this a result of the economic downturn or whatever it is we're having right now? And wow, how tempting! Grace's High Class Tea Rooms - I can see my name in lights! But would I have what it takes to run a tearoom? What theme would I take, where would it be? As I'm typing this, I'm imagining a 1940s/50s look - carpet, square tables with white cloths, proper teapots and cups, waitresses in black dresses with little white caps (dresses to be of below-knee length before you get ideas). Perhaps a bit of swing or jazz in the background. Flowers of the table. Civilised. Nothing loud. Oh, what the heck! I don't have the cash anyway!
Monday, 21 November 2011
The Butterfly Cabinet, Heaton Road
I've never intended that this blog be about me, it's all about the places I visit, but today due to the grumbling of the general public, tardiness of public transport and general Mondayness (life as an assassin isn't all it's cracked up to be, you know) somehow it had to be The Butterfly Cabinet. Must be the thought of nailing creatures to boards that did it. Even the presence of an unvisited fish and chip cafe just down the road couldn't sway me (maybe next week...).
And do you know, as I found a parking space right outside I knew that this was the visit to turn the day round. Yes, free parking right outside, plenty of seating inside - and what an inside! Glorious ceiling and chandeliers, mismatched tables and chairs as we would expect, wooden floors and a fab collection of bits and pieces. I spotted a display case of butterflies (naturally), one of tobacco pipes, old scales, coffee grinder, telephone, oven, fireplace, shelves, confectioners display case, vintage packaging and ephemera. Did any of this come from Chic Antique at Longbenton, I wondered? So what with the slightly alternative background music we are talking about an independent, hippyish establishment. As if the Tiny Tea Tent of blessed memory had landed in Heaton Road and taken root. You could get to like it, and people do as several customers were obviously regulars and were greeted and treated in a happy friendly way.
Now food. I had a latte that was just warm and a piece of chocolate fudge cake that more than made up for the grumbling general public encountered earlier. The couple that came in after me were offered menus, so I guess there is an extensive range of food available. There is also a quiz night and an acoustic night so plenty to fill up the social calendar.
Yes I liked it, yes I would go back but if I'm honest, can we lose the cabinets of dead butterflies? If the place is world famous now, surely we don't need them.
And do you know, as I found a parking space right outside I knew that this was the visit to turn the day round. Yes, free parking right outside, plenty of seating inside - and what an inside! Glorious ceiling and chandeliers, mismatched tables and chairs as we would expect, wooden floors and a fab collection of bits and pieces. I spotted a display case of butterflies (naturally), one of tobacco pipes, old scales, coffee grinder, telephone, oven, fireplace, shelves, confectioners display case, vintage packaging and ephemera. Did any of this come from Chic Antique at Longbenton, I wondered? So what with the slightly alternative background music we are talking about an independent, hippyish establishment. As if the Tiny Tea Tent of blessed memory had landed in Heaton Road and taken root. You could get to like it, and people do as several customers were obviously regulars and were greeted and treated in a happy friendly way.
Now food. I had a latte that was just warm and a piece of chocolate fudge cake that more than made up for the grumbling general public encountered earlier. The couple that came in after me were offered menus, so I guess there is an extensive range of food available. There is also a quiz night and an acoustic night so plenty to fill up the social calendar.
Yes I liked it, yes I would go back but if I'm honest, can we lose the cabinets of dead butterflies? If the place is world famous now, surely we don't need them.
Wednesday, 16 November 2011
Moorside Community Primary School Community Cafe
I doubt I would have found this one at all if I hadn't been working in the building and it hadn't been pointed out to me by colleagues who work there regularly. There doesn't appear to be any advertising off school premises and you have to walk across the school reception area to get to it - not everyone may be comfortable with that - yet it appears to be open to the public and there's quite a range of very reasonably priced snacks available.
The cafe area is brightly lit and decorated with displays of the children's work (I think it doubles as a breakfast club before the school day starts). There are plenty of tables and chairs, very close together, all new beech-effect tables and plain but comfy black chairs. No sofas is definitely a bonus for me!
I ordered a cheese toastie with salad - it was freshly made and the salad of lettuce, tomato, sweet peppers and sweetcorn was fresh and crisp. Then I fell off the wagon (was I ever on it?) and had a butterfly cake with lashings of buttercream icing and a cup of tea. It came in at under £3 so that makes it probably the best value I've had so far. Everyone else eating there appeared to be staff, the teachers seemed to be taking theirs back to the staffroom. Someone had a mighty slice of flapjack which will make a second visit inevitable for me next time I am working that way.
It seems that the schoolchildren are involved in the running of the cafe and on that basis I'd say the next generation of Newcastle cafes is in safe hands!
The cafe area is brightly lit and decorated with displays of the children's work (I think it doubles as a breakfast club before the school day starts). There are plenty of tables and chairs, very close together, all new beech-effect tables and plain but comfy black chairs. No sofas is definitely a bonus for me!
I ordered a cheese toastie with salad - it was freshly made and the salad of lettuce, tomato, sweet peppers and sweetcorn was fresh and crisp. Then I fell off the wagon (was I ever on it?) and had a butterfly cake with lashings of buttercream icing and a cup of tea. It came in at under £3 so that makes it probably the best value I've had so far. Everyone else eating there appeared to be staff, the teachers seemed to be taking theirs back to the staffroom. Someone had a mighty slice of flapjack which will make a second visit inevitable for me next time I am working that way.
It seems that the schoolchildren are involved in the running of the cafe and on that basis I'd say the next generation of Newcastle cafes is in safe hands!
Tuesday, 8 November 2011
The Hippo House, Collingwood Street
I abandoned the hit list for a week to do this one. Mainly because I thought it had a kind of balcony about the shop where you could sit and thought it would be quite cool to sit overlooking Collingwood Street. In the event the balcony is out of bounds to the general public due to steep stairs, so I had to sit in a comfy old leather office chair downstairs and admire the facade of Revolution from there.
Coffee great, malteser slice ditto and the takeaway menu looked good too. Service excellent. Ideal for your sandwich lunch to go! I'm still sad about the balcony though...
Coffee great, malteser slice ditto and the takeaway menu looked good too. Service excellent. Ideal for your sandwich lunch to go! I'm still sad about the balcony though...
Wednesday, 2 November 2011
Flat Caps cafe at Elula, Ridley Place
Finally got to this one after nearly a year of trying! I'd seen advertisements for it right at the beginning but it kind of slipped down the list. Then Wombat and Hamster suggested it again, but it isn't open on a Sunday which is our best meeting up day. Then Polyglot spotted it, but was put off by the new age-y look of the shop. So in the end I decided to go it alone and blazed in on the cusp of lunchtime before I lost my nerve.
Actually, the shop isn't that bad (and I will make time to explore it more thoroughly with Christmas presents in mind) and the cafe is, well, different - let me explain.
From what I'd read and seen, I'd imagined a largeish, stainless steel ultra modern outfit, maybe too posh for the likes of me. What greeted me at the bottom of the industrial spiral staircase, was a cosy, homely space. The tongue and groove wall cladding was painted a bright bottle green, an upholstered bench ran round the walls with the upholstery taken up the walls in circle and leaf patterns. There were comfy cushions too. Blue and cream tiles on the floor had me in mind of a ludo board, and the whole thing I decided at last made me think of a gypsy caravan. I sat at a table with the name Maxine on a brass plate, other tables had other names (why?), and because the cafe is square I could look across to the business meeting in the far corner, the two groups of friends chatting, the visitor clutching his tourist map of the city centre, the girl curled up on the bench scribbling in a notebook (the next J K Rowling perhaps?). All the while new age music played from the shop above, but it was quite relaxing.
As you would expect from an award-winning barista, the coffee was good, my latte was served with a neat little pattern in the foam. And they served fudge! Yes, alongside the scones and cakes you could buy a whole or half a bar of fudge! I had half of vanilla honeycomb and it was fab.
So, this week's lesson is never judge a cafe by its advertising. Without a visit I would never have known what it was really like - very much in the spirit of the blog, really. I may not be out in the Amazon but I'm finding myself in Newcastle cafe by cafe.
Actually, the shop isn't that bad (and I will make time to explore it more thoroughly with Christmas presents in mind) and the cafe is, well, different - let me explain.
From what I'd read and seen, I'd imagined a largeish, stainless steel ultra modern outfit, maybe too posh for the likes of me. What greeted me at the bottom of the industrial spiral staircase, was a cosy, homely space. The tongue and groove wall cladding was painted a bright bottle green, an upholstered bench ran round the walls with the upholstery taken up the walls in circle and leaf patterns. There were comfy cushions too. Blue and cream tiles on the floor had me in mind of a ludo board, and the whole thing I decided at last made me think of a gypsy caravan. I sat at a table with the name Maxine on a brass plate, other tables had other names (why?), and because the cafe is square I could look across to the business meeting in the far corner, the two groups of friends chatting, the visitor clutching his tourist map of the city centre, the girl curled up on the bench scribbling in a notebook (the next J K Rowling perhaps?). All the while new age music played from the shop above, but it was quite relaxing.
As you would expect from an award-winning barista, the coffee was good, my latte was served with a neat little pattern in the foam. And they served fudge! Yes, alongside the scones and cakes you could buy a whole or half a bar of fudge! I had half of vanilla honeycomb and it was fab.
So, this week's lesson is never judge a cafe by its advertising. Without a visit I would never have known what it was really like - very much in the spirit of the blog, really. I may not be out in the Amazon but I'm finding myself in Newcastle cafe by cafe.
Tuesday, 25 October 2011
Greggs Moment, Northumberland Street
Greggs seems to be one business that is riding the recession and indeed in hard times where would we be without good old comfort food like sausage rolls, jam doughnuts and so forth? And now they have gone into the cafe business as well. I spotted this one maybe a month ago and I am told there is one in the Bridges at Sunderland as well. Expect them to sweep the country within weeks - seriously! I can remember when Greggs was unknown outside of the north east and now you can find them in deepest, darkest Basingstoke (but without the stotties).
So did the Greggs cafe experience live up to expectations? I have to say that it did. The menu was different from the shop fare but all looked and sounded good. I chose a chicken and chorizo foccacio which was heated well and quickly, and a coffee choux bun stuffed with cream, and a pot of tea. That cost me £5.50 - I must have been undercharged - that's outrageous value! The tea came in a proper pot, with proper milk in a proper jug, and china that my mother would have approved of. Full marks so far.
The decor seems to be aiming at a retro, granny's house, traditional values kind of vibe. Downstairs the seating area has small dark wood tables and chairs with some high stools overlooking the street and outdoor tables too. The walls are half papered with retro wallpaper patterns (think 70s) and old photos of the area hang in gilded frames. Notice the lampshades featuring black and white Newcastlescapes. I want one. There's an upstairs too where the dreaded sofas lurk. I imagine more retro wallpaper and probably flying ducks and a photo of the Queen Mother over the mantelpiece. The spacious serving area is all gleaming white tiles and a Welsh dresser.
I know I'll be going back. I have to try the Brekkles cake (something to do with a yogurt compote), and the individual bar cakes, and the cupcakes, and the vanilla latte, and the breakfast items. It's definitely Greggs' moment - today the toon, tomorrow the world!
So did the Greggs cafe experience live up to expectations? I have to say that it did. The menu was different from the shop fare but all looked and sounded good. I chose a chicken and chorizo foccacio which was heated well and quickly, and a coffee choux bun stuffed with cream, and a pot of tea. That cost me £5.50 - I must have been undercharged - that's outrageous value! The tea came in a proper pot, with proper milk in a proper jug, and china that my mother would have approved of. Full marks so far.
The decor seems to be aiming at a retro, granny's house, traditional values kind of vibe. Downstairs the seating area has small dark wood tables and chairs with some high stools overlooking the street and outdoor tables too. The walls are half papered with retro wallpaper patterns (think 70s) and old photos of the area hang in gilded frames. Notice the lampshades featuring black and white Newcastlescapes. I want one. There's an upstairs too where the dreaded sofas lurk. I imagine more retro wallpaper and probably flying ducks and a photo of the Queen Mother over the mantelpiece. The spacious serving area is all gleaming white tiles and a Welsh dresser.
I know I'll be going back. I have to try the Brekkles cake (something to do with a yogurt compote), and the individual bar cakes, and the cupcakes, and the vanilla latte, and the breakfast items. It's definitely Greggs' moment - today the toon, tomorrow the world!
Thursday, 20 October 2011
The Village Tearooms, Whitburn
I've been doing a bit of cat-sitting in Whitburn this week, and as it's been so nice and sunny - yes and freezing cold too - I decided to treat myself to tea and a scone at the Village Tearooms. They'd been recommended to me years ago but as yet, no visit has been made. I have to say the cakes etc looked delicious and the locals were out in force to buy, which is always a good sign. The inside tables looked a bit dark, but the tearooms are fortunate to be in a sheltered corner, making it possible to sit outside in comfort (and a warm coat) even in October. So it was that Polly Parrot and I sat on a bench, under a parasol munching our cream scones and sipping beautifully strong tea.
There was a sudden rustling on the parasol! Rain? No, the sky was clear! Hail? Frogs? Nothing less than masonry from a distinctly lopsided chimney. I'd recently read an article about a poorly maintained chimney crashing down on a parked car, but sensibly kept this to myself as Polly is a worrier, and was still fretting over the fact that the cafe assistant and handled our scones without glove, tongs or wellies. But thankfully all was well. The chimney stayed up, the scones stayed down and life in Whitburn continues unhindered.
There was a sudden rustling on the parasol! Rain? No, the sky was clear! Hail? Frogs? Nothing less than masonry from a distinctly lopsided chimney. I'd recently read an article about a poorly maintained chimney crashing down on a parked car, but sensibly kept this to myself as Polly is a worrier, and was still fretting over the fact that the cafe assistant and handled our scones without glove, tongs or wellies. But thankfully all was well. The chimney stayed up, the scones stayed down and life in Whitburn continues unhindered.
Tuesday, 18 October 2011
Loose ends
Just a little note to report that my last birthday 50p was spent in Procters bakery on Fenham Hall Drive on a rather delicious white chocolate caramel slice this lunchtime. I'm grateful to my cousin, but he will never know as he doesn't do the interweb...
This evening I drank tea from a proper china cup at the Watch House in Sunderland. There were three of us, and we were celebrating and closing the circle dance group that has run there for a number of years. Thank you Lawrie, and thank you everyone else for the dance.
This evening I drank tea from a proper china cup at the Watch House in Sunderland. There were three of us, and we were celebrating and closing the circle dance group that has run there for a number of years. Thank you Lawrie, and thank you everyone else for the dance.
Monday, 17 October 2011
Newcastle's Famous Happy Chip, Waterloo Street
I'd noticed this place a while back but had it on my list as 'cafe, city quadrant' and its chief attraction at the moment seemed to be tea at 50p a cup. What would it be like inside? I decided I should find out this week and make it a Monday lunchtime adventure before my courage failed. It was only once inside and making my way up the stairs (the whole place seems to be on a mezzanine floor of the City Hotel) that I spotted the noticeboard informing me that this was not just The Happy Chip - no, it was Newcastle's Famous Happy Chip!!
Once upstairs I was obviously in a fish and chip cafe with an extensive menu and special offers for all occasions. I opted for chips and a large tea which was served by efficient and friendly staff. Above their heads was a long list of prohibitions (no discount, no credit, no toilets etc etc) leading me to suppose that some of their clientele may be under the influence of more than hunger when they visit.
Another short flight of stairs led me to the seating area. Old and frankly shabby tables were complimented by newer and very plush dining chairs, the CCTV camera eyed me as I munched my chips and Real Radio filled the air. Several young people were eating and ordering, so maybe the HC is sacred to the student community. The chips were fine, the tea was fine, and at £2 I still have 50p to spend from my birthday money. Another tea perhaps?
Once upstairs I was obviously in a fish and chip cafe with an extensive menu and special offers for all occasions. I opted for chips and a large tea which was served by efficient and friendly staff. Above their heads was a long list of prohibitions (no discount, no credit, no toilets etc etc) leading me to suppose that some of their clientele may be under the influence of more than hunger when they visit.
Another short flight of stairs led me to the seating area. Old and frankly shabby tables were complimented by newer and very plush dining chairs, the CCTV camera eyed me as I munched my chips and Real Radio filled the air. Several young people were eating and ordering, so maybe the HC is sacred to the student community. The chips were fine, the tea was fine, and at £2 I still have 50p to spend from my birthday money. Another tea perhaps?
Friday, 14 October 2011
The Lunchbox Cafe, Throckley Industrial Estate
If you can't have a lifetime or even a day of adventure and discovery, then just make the most of your lunchtime, I say. So when 1pm came round off I set to track down The Lunchbox Cafe which I'd seen signposted and which only opens during the week. I'd set myself the additional challenge of getting the best value from the £5 my cousin sent me for my birthday.(We always send each other a fiver, and as his birthday is just after mine the temptation to just stick the note back in his card was strong - hence the need for a challenge).
The Lunchbox operates out of an industrial unit at the back of the estate. Once inside it looks nothing like an industrial unit at all, the ceiling has been lowered, floor tiled and no-nonsense white plastic tables and chairs installed. They open from 7am to 2pm, so I just scraped in but despite this the welcome was friendly and with a sausage sandwich and tea at £2.50 I still have plenty of my fiver to spend next time. I sat comfortably with Metro radio for company - newspapers and free wi-fi also advertised.
I guess the Lunchboxers know their clientele well, so there was a tasty range of savoury meals and sandwiches on the menu, but cakes limited to cake bars and chocolate bars (you can still get your sugar fix in other words). Would I go back? No hesitation! But it might have to be mince and dumplings next time...
Thus fortified, I set out for the uncharted wilds of Chapel House, or was it Chapel Park? Anyway, there I found Houseproud, a little gloryhole of a DIY cum general dealership that sold me exactly the size of tacks that I wanted and which the giant B&Q at Newburn doesn't stock at all! Ha! Long live the local cafe and the local trader!
Oh, and by the way I should have said from the start that the blackboard menu was perfect! Not a rogue apostrophe anywhere, no deserts where we would expect desserts! All other establishments take note!!
The Lunchbox operates out of an industrial unit at the back of the estate. Once inside it looks nothing like an industrial unit at all, the ceiling has been lowered, floor tiled and no-nonsense white plastic tables and chairs installed. They open from 7am to 2pm, so I just scraped in but despite this the welcome was friendly and with a sausage sandwich and tea at £2.50 I still have plenty of my fiver to spend next time. I sat comfortably with Metro radio for company - newspapers and free wi-fi also advertised.
I guess the Lunchboxers know their clientele well, so there was a tasty range of savoury meals and sandwiches on the menu, but cakes limited to cake bars and chocolate bars (you can still get your sugar fix in other words). Would I go back? No hesitation! But it might have to be mince and dumplings next time...
Thus fortified, I set out for the uncharted wilds of Chapel House, or was it Chapel Park? Anyway, there I found Houseproud, a little gloryhole of a DIY cum general dealership that sold me exactly the size of tacks that I wanted and which the giant B&Q at Newburn doesn't stock at all! Ha! Long live the local cafe and the local trader!
Oh, and by the way I should have said from the start that the blackboard menu was perfect! Not a rogue apostrophe anywhere, no deserts where we would expect desserts! All other establishments take note!!
Tuesday, 11 October 2011
Locomotion, Shildon, County Durham
So where do you take a retired railway employee for the day? Somewhere train-related is usually a winner, and when I found a guided walk round a railway museum and through railway history-soaked countryside I thought I was onto a racing certainty. A few holes in the plan appears when we read the small print about what is acceptable attire on a County Durham guided walk. We concluded that we wouldn't pass the kit inspection in our jeans and trainers, so maybe it was just as well that we parked in the wrong car park and missed the walk altogether.
I have to say that Locomotion is great (and free to visit!). There is a big engine shed and then a walk along the track side to more historic buildings and the story of the Stockton and Darlington line and the huge railway sidings at Shildon. There is something definitely heroic, romantic even, about the trains, from the early Sans Pareil to modern high speed trains and seeing them in close up makes you more aware of their sheer power. We shunted (technical term) into the Platform 7 cafe to take on coffee and cake on arrival. Where else could you enjoy food and a view of a snow plough from Percy Main? It was basic cafe tables and chairs in a corner of the engine shed with a helpful volunteer to point out where we should ring for service. We later saw a meals on wheels van parked round the back, so maybe they do community meals as well, maybe not... There are also tables on the other side of the shed where you can eat your own picnic and watch the trains go by (we did that later). So, hurrah for Locomotion, a good place to visit!
From there we headed towards Bishop Auckland before branching off on a whim (mine) to visit the gorgeously atmospheric church at Escomb and walk to the river. The church is part of the small pilgrim places network which also includes St Pancras in Exeter (another favourite place). And so to Bishop Auckland for a trawl of the charity shops and afternoon tea. And who better than a retired railway employee to point out that in Morrisons you can get two mugs of tea from a teapot for one? As the economic crisis deepens this knowledge may be crucial.
I have to say that Locomotion is great (and free to visit!). There is a big engine shed and then a walk along the track side to more historic buildings and the story of the Stockton and Darlington line and the huge railway sidings at Shildon. There is something definitely heroic, romantic even, about the trains, from the early Sans Pareil to modern high speed trains and seeing them in close up makes you more aware of their sheer power. We shunted (technical term) into the Platform 7 cafe to take on coffee and cake on arrival. Where else could you enjoy food and a view of a snow plough from Percy Main? It was basic cafe tables and chairs in a corner of the engine shed with a helpful volunteer to point out where we should ring for service. We later saw a meals on wheels van parked round the back, so maybe they do community meals as well, maybe not... There are also tables on the other side of the shed where you can eat your own picnic and watch the trains go by (we did that later). So, hurrah for Locomotion, a good place to visit!
From there we headed towards Bishop Auckland before branching off on a whim (mine) to visit the gorgeously atmospheric church at Escomb and walk to the river. The church is part of the small pilgrim places network which also includes St Pancras in Exeter (another favourite place). And so to Bishop Auckland for a trawl of the charity shops and afternoon tea. And who better than a retired railway employee to point out that in Morrisons you can get two mugs of tea from a teapot for one? As the economic crisis deepens this knowledge may be crucial.
Monday, 10 October 2011
Porters Coffee shop, Tynemouth Station
It's always an adventure going to Tynemouth, especially when the trip involves ferries, the fish quay, riverside walk and then the book fair. This being Birthday 3, I was accompanied by my brother who, I have to say did very well with books and also kindly bought me a little piece of pottery that took my fancy. I too bought a book, and at 50p I don't think I was robbed. Then it was time for tea. Normally we'd have headed for The Land of Green Ginger, but we'd spotted Porters on the way in and thought we would give it a go.
There were tables outside on the station concourse, but we opted for an indoor table in what had been the waiting room we imagined. How many journeys had begun and ended here? So atmospheric, railway stations, what other dramas had been seen here (think Exeter St Davids and Sir Redvers Buller's mother - try googling that one!). Today the wooden floored space is filled with dark wood tables and chairs, the old fireplace still there but probably not used. On high shelves sit remnants of bygone days - I spotted a poss stick, manual typewriter, and bakelite telephone - and on the ceiling are mounted beautiful lights shaped like flowers and (more bizarrely) disco lights. Does Porters show another side of its character after dark??
Now, to the food. My coffee cake was as good as my own, and the chocolate crispy cake was reported good as well. Tea was served in neat white pots, with neat white cups. We were asked if we wanted milk, but instead of a neat white milk jug, we got a slurp of milk in each cup! Never seen it done that way before.
We visited late on in the afternoon and the staff were obviously keen to keep up with the table clearing and the washing up. I overheard one customer telling them it was rude to clear while people were still sitting. Well, yeah, but given that they were very busy and no one wants to work longer than need be on a Sunday, and it's tea and cakes not a table at the Ivy, I think we can let them off. I think I was more concerned that there appeared to be only one table for two - so visit in a pack or be prepared to share.
There were tables outside on the station concourse, but we opted for an indoor table in what had been the waiting room we imagined. How many journeys had begun and ended here? So atmospheric, railway stations, what other dramas had been seen here (think Exeter St Davids and Sir Redvers Buller's mother - try googling that one!). Today the wooden floored space is filled with dark wood tables and chairs, the old fireplace still there but probably not used. On high shelves sit remnants of bygone days - I spotted a poss stick, manual typewriter, and bakelite telephone - and on the ceiling are mounted beautiful lights shaped like flowers and (more bizarrely) disco lights. Does Porters show another side of its character after dark??
Now, to the food. My coffee cake was as good as my own, and the chocolate crispy cake was reported good as well. Tea was served in neat white pots, with neat white cups. We were asked if we wanted milk, but instead of a neat white milk jug, we got a slurp of milk in each cup! Never seen it done that way before.
We visited late on in the afternoon and the staff were obviously keen to keep up with the table clearing and the washing up. I overheard one customer telling them it was rude to clear while people were still sitting. Well, yeah, but given that they were very busy and no one wants to work longer than need be on a Sunday, and it's tea and cakes not a table at the Ivy, I think we can let them off. I think I was more concerned that there appeared to be only one table for two - so visit in a pack or be prepared to share.
Thursday, 6 October 2011
Cafe Royal, Nelson Street
This is Birthday take 2. Having done the savoury, I felt sweet was called for and also a touch of class so off I trolled to the classiest sounding of them all - Cafe Royal. The entrance is impressive to say the least - massive carved pillars - what was it before it was a cafe I wondered. Inside, my eyes took in a frankly quite ordinary-looking scene - tiled floor, beech coloured chairs and tables, newspapers. The food looked interesting rather than extensive but once I had spotted the caramel slice there was no going back. Then cames the dilemma. Do we order here or is it waitress service? No clue, and the staff at the counter weren't giving anything away. Slinking off into a corner, I perched on a high stool and surveyed the scene. Spiral stairs led upstairs to a mezzanine floor and possibly sofas. There was a downstairs too (dungeons?) and waitresses flitted to and fro. Eventually another customer came in and ordered at the counter, so that's how it's done!
Ten minutes later, I was seated at a proper table on the ground floor eating my caramel slice which fully lived up to expectations, drinking tea and reading the Journal while relaxing classical music played discreetly in the background.
OK, I was impressed, but - how can I put this - oh you know what I mean. Maybe at heart I know where I belong.
Ten minutes later, I was seated at a proper table on the ground floor eating my caramel slice which fully lived up to expectations, drinking tea and reading the Journal while relaxing classical music played discreetly in the background.
OK, I was impressed, but - how can I put this - oh you know what I mean. Maybe at heart I know where I belong.
Monday, 3 October 2011
Jayz II , Grainger Market
It's the run up or countdown (depending whether the glass is half full or half empty) to my birthday this week. I've already had one card, two invites for food and a visit from my lovely brother planned. Really, it's a serial birthday party. Most people get all their friends in one place and celebrate, I keep mine neatly compartmentalised and end up doing about six different things. So, today was Birthday Party 1, but where to go? We did think of chinese, but couldn't find just the right place, we thought cake, then we thought savoury and by that time were so hungry that cannibalism seemed a distinct possibility.
Fortunately we were saved by a a chance encounter with Jayz II, where for about the same as you would pay for insubstantial cakes for two in a more (pretentious- is that a word?) establishment, you can get fish and chips with mushy peas and a pot of tea and sausage, beans and chips. I had the sausages and mighty fine they were too, ditto beans and chips.
It was a real nostalgia fest. The kind of meal I would have eaten in the Fuchsia Cafe with my mother in the recent past. The kind of cafe that just reminded me of my childhood and the original Chicken Cafe in the butter market (long since demolished) in Newton Abbot where we'd have a cup of tea on market day.
And you know what? It wasn't even on my hitlist! I still have more cafes than weeks left in this year! Birthday Party II here we come...
Fortunately we were saved by a a chance encounter with Jayz II, where for about the same as you would pay for insubstantial cakes for two in a more (pretentious- is that a word?) establishment, you can get fish and chips with mushy peas and a pot of tea and sausage, beans and chips. I had the sausages and mighty fine they were too, ditto beans and chips.
It was a real nostalgia fest. The kind of meal I would have eaten in the Fuchsia Cafe with my mother in the recent past. The kind of cafe that just reminded me of my childhood and the original Chicken Cafe in the butter market (long since demolished) in Newton Abbot where we'd have a cup of tea on market day.
And you know what? It wasn't even on my hitlist! I still have more cafes than weeks left in this year! Birthday Party II here we come...
Saturday, 1 October 2011
Coffeeholic, Chillingham Road, Heaton
Well, here we are in October, warmer than the Med, and me without a cafe to go to! This is the closest I've come to missing a week (can't count Morrisons because I have been there before only without a tablecloth). I tried one of my hitlist at lunchtime only to find they don't do Saturdays and so by the afternoon I was a bit stuck for ideas. Enter another friend with a bright idea! In true journalistic fashion I never name my sources, so let's just call her 'Rebecca', and she it was who told me that Coffeeholic is open late every day and as I happened to be over that way in any case...pure serendipity!
I was able to park easily and freely outside, which was a bonus, and once inside Coffeeholic has a warm and friendly atmosphere. You know how old fashioned I am in the matter of seating, so the sofas and bucket chairs didn't suit me particularly although there were also dining chairs that were comfortable and bar stools in the window. Wooden floors seem to be the industry standard at the moment and the walls were brightened with lots of pictures in small and unusual frames. Another nice jokey touch was the wall of clocks showing Heaton time, Toon time, Jesmond time, Wallsend time etc. Newspapers and board games were available too.
I ordered a cupcake and latte which were brought to my table and were both a generous size. So I sat and enjoyed and browsed the menu and soaked what felt like a very continental atmosphere - warmth, relaxing music, a couple chatting in German, plenty of people out strolling. Yep, it was another good one - thank you 'Rebecca' and may the force be with you!
I was able to park easily and freely outside, which was a bonus, and once inside Coffeeholic has a warm and friendly atmosphere. You know how old fashioned I am in the matter of seating, so the sofas and bucket chairs didn't suit me particularly although there were also dining chairs that were comfortable and bar stools in the window. Wooden floors seem to be the industry standard at the moment and the walls were brightened with lots of pictures in small and unusual frames. Another nice jokey touch was the wall of clocks showing Heaton time, Toon time, Jesmond time, Wallsend time etc. Newspapers and board games were available too.
I ordered a cupcake and latte which were brought to my table and were both a generous size. So I sat and enjoyed and browsed the menu and soaked what felt like a very continental atmosphere - warmth, relaxing music, a couple chatting in German, plenty of people out strolling. Yep, it was another good one - thank you 'Rebecca' and may the force be with you!
Wednesday, 28 September 2011
Tea at Morrisons, West Denton
Sometimes it's not the most expensive, most well-recommended or even the most trendy place that is the best. Instead it's the place where you had a good laugh with friends, a place you made special with your memories. Today Morrisons at West Denton became such a place for me.
Now, even before today I had nothing but good things to say about Morrisons cafe food. It's tasty, moderately priced and the surroundings are kept clean and tidy. You know what to expect. So what did we do to make today different? In a nutshell, two friends dared me that I wouldn't turn up there with a tablecloth and other bits and pieces to transform Morrisons into a dining experience. Dear reader, I did it, I did it. Here's the proof -
I'm sure you'll agree that the cakes look fab! We three can recommend the belgian buns, the carrot cake and the Eton mess cheesecake. And fine dining need not cost the earth. The tablecloth was 50p from a charity shop and the table centre (which doubled as a leaving present, not for me, for a friend but we won't dwell on that) was a similar sum from a 'junk' shop in Adelaide Terrace. The mats and coasters are family heirloom, embroidered by an aunt in the first half of the 20th century. We did talk about bringing our own china but I think that might have pushed Morrisons a bit too far. As it was, the staff seemed happy to have eccentrics eating with them and we suspect that we will be the talk of the staffroom for weeks to come.
So Grace's homely advice this week is make every place you visit special in some way. If this weather holds we could be looking at a picnic next week and I can think of one or two places that would just suit!
Now, even before today I had nothing but good things to say about Morrisons cafe food. It's tasty, moderately priced and the surroundings are kept clean and tidy. You know what to expect. So what did we do to make today different? In a nutshell, two friends dared me that I wouldn't turn up there with a tablecloth and other bits and pieces to transform Morrisons into a dining experience. Dear reader, I did it, I did it. Here's the proof -
So Grace's homely advice this week is make every place you visit special in some way. If this weather holds we could be looking at a picnic next week and I can think of one or two places that would just suit!
Tuesday, 20 September 2011
Mikaids, corner of Westgate Road
As it happened I was working in the town centre today. Ideal opportunity to visit another cafe I thought. But where to go, I couldn't think! Now don't get me wrong, no one is in danger of starving in Newcastle! There are plenty of places but either I have visited them already or they don't quite fit my criteria. I walked past a couple in Pilgrim Street that looked great but I only had an hour and I didn't really want a cafe that thinks it's a restaurant.
Mikaids turned out to be my answer. Bright and breezy and ideally placed for the Central Station, it has a few tables and barstools but I suspect also does a roaring trade in takeaways. The sandwich fillings on display looked fine, ditto the cakes, but once I had seen the breakfast menu I knew that bacon, sausage, beans and toast for £2.99 had to be mine. It arrived in next to no time along with a latte and it hit the spot exactly. I went back to work fortified for the afternoon ahead. Definitely the right place at the right time.
Mikaids turned out to be my answer. Bright and breezy and ideally placed for the Central Station, it has a few tables and barstools but I suspect also does a roaring trade in takeaways. The sandwich fillings on display looked fine, ditto the cakes, but once I had seen the breakfast menu I knew that bacon, sausage, beans and toast for £2.99 had to be mine. It arrived in next to no time along with a latte and it hit the spot exactly. I went back to work fortified for the afternoon ahead. Definitely the right place at the right time.
Wednesday, 14 September 2011
Tea Sutra, Leazes Park Road/Percy Street
Journalists have stringers, folk who keep an eye to what is going on locally and tip them off about a good story. And since I've begun this blog, people who know about it have been recommending cafes and teashops all over the north east to me. Tea stringers? Tea strainers?? Whatever, I'm very grateful to them and particularly to the person who pointed me in the direction of the Heaton Perk and now Tea Sutra.
As with all my posts, names are changed to protect the guilty, so today I was in the company of Miss X or Blondie or Anony Mouse (she couldn't quite decide) who had first found the place. I didn't know quite what to expect as we climbed the stairs to the second floor, only that it had been described in glowing terms, and this is what I saw:
It is a glorious little haven! Bamboo, lovely mirrorwork cushions, even the cane sofas were nice and you know how I am about sofas. It really is unique! At first I fancied lounging on the cushions pictured to drink tea but decided that I'd never get up again, so the sofas it was.
So, terrific decor, what about the food? Well, we were given menus 'they must do a large range of food' thought I. Wrong - a large range of teas! When did you ever get a menu that consisted entirely of different kinds of tea, each with a description? What to choose? Annie X (or was it Miss Blondie) went for hibiscus tea, I toyed with choosing One Hundred Monkeys but in the end went with Northumbrian mainly because it was described as a blend of Assam and Kenya via Byker - how could I resist? This is how the tea was served:
China teapot shaped like an elephant for me with dinky cup and milk jug and woven tea strainer. Glass teapot for Blonde Mouse. How could you not feel special with all this. Very tasty chocolate chip shortbread too.
Have I done it justice? Well, there's only one way to find out...
http://www.teasutra.co.uk/
As with all my posts, names are changed to protect the guilty, so today I was in the company of Miss X or Blondie or Anony Mouse (she couldn't quite decide) who had first found the place. I didn't know quite what to expect as we climbed the stairs to the second floor, only that it had been described in glowing terms, and this is what I saw:
So, terrific decor, what about the food? Well, we were given menus 'they must do a large range of food' thought I. Wrong - a large range of teas! When did you ever get a menu that consisted entirely of different kinds of tea, each with a description? What to choose? Annie X (or was it Miss Blondie) went for hibiscus tea, I toyed with choosing One Hundred Monkeys but in the end went with Northumbrian mainly because it was described as a blend of Assam and Kenya via Byker - how could I resist? This is how the tea was served:
Have I done it justice? Well, there's only one way to find out...
http://www.teasutra.co.uk/
Sunday, 11 September 2011
Turner Prize cafe@Newcastle Mela, Exhibition Park
Where were you ten years ago today? Everybody knows, everybody's talking about it. I remember vividly where I was physically, and emotionally. Just coming to terms with grief myself, this seemed just overwhelming - I didn't sleep for days. So much has changed in this last ten years, yet are we radically different in our attitudes? Are we fighting our prejudices? Have we learnt anything? You have to respect the bravery of ordinary people in extraordinary times. 9/11 was a turning point but where have we turned to?
I did my share of remembering and then breezed along to the Mela (later this year than usual due to the timing of Ramadan I was told). It's always good. First I trawled the clothes and jewellery - two tops and a dress this year as well as a handbag for a Christmas present for a friend. Then I headed for the food - veggie mix up involving chickpea chaat, veg samosa, salad, onion bhaji and a lovely sweet sponge ball name of which escapes me. I went back for some jelabi I'd never tried it before - beautifully sweet.
Then I wandered over to the Turner Prize cafe for my first freebie cup of tea of the entire blog! There was no catch, just a chance view the finalists' work on iPad and in books and discuss with a nice lady who obviously knew what she was talking about, guessed I didn't,but didn't seem to mind.
The Turner Prize exhibition will be on at the Baltic from 21st October, there are four finalists, one of whom paints in the stuff my brother used to use for his Airfix models. I came away quite enthused! All in all, a good afternoon!
I did my share of remembering and then breezed along to the Mela (later this year than usual due to the timing of Ramadan I was told). It's always good. First I trawled the clothes and jewellery - two tops and a dress this year as well as a handbag for a Christmas present for a friend. Then I headed for the food - veggie mix up involving chickpea chaat, veg samosa, salad, onion bhaji and a lovely sweet sponge ball name of which escapes me. I went back for some jelabi I'd never tried it before - beautifully sweet.
Then I wandered over to the Turner Prize cafe for my first freebie cup of tea of the entire blog! There was no catch, just a chance view the finalists' work on iPad and in books and discuss with a nice lady who obviously knew what she was talking about, guessed I didn't,but didn't seem to mind.
The Turner Prize exhibition will be on at the Baltic from 21st October, there are four finalists, one of whom paints in the stuff my brother used to use for his Airfix models. I came away quite enthused! All in all, a good afternoon!
Tuesday, 6 September 2011
Eve's Cafe, Station Road, Walker
A teaching assistant friend once rang me from down south to say the children were enjoying a series set in the north east. Kevin Whatley was in it, and so were lots of pigeons. But what exactly was a stottie? If only I had known then what I know now, that Eve has the perfect example. I had a lovely fresh sausage stottie with brown sauce and a mug of tea for a great price (£1.80 the stottie, 50p the tea - 50p!!).
The cafe (I think) is a portakabin now settled on the edge of light industrial units. It now boasts decking and a picnic table outside. Inside is fixed seating at tables and some stool seating on one side. A bright chalkboard advertises the menu and specials. The back third of the space is the kitchen so you can see all that goes on. There were newspapers available and bold background music.
OK, it's not the Ritz, but it is clean, friendly and accessible. And even if they do stotties at the Rtiz (and I bet they don't) they won't be as good as our Eve's
The cafe (I think) is a portakabin now settled on the edge of light industrial units. It now boasts decking and a picnic table outside. Inside is fixed seating at tables and some stool seating on one side. A bright chalkboard advertises the menu and specials. The back third of the space is the kitchen so you can see all that goes on. There were newspapers available and bold background music.
OK, it's not the Ritz, but it is clean, friendly and accessible. And even if they do stotties at the Rtiz (and I bet they don't) they won't be as good as our Eve's
Monday, 5 September 2011
Great Coffee, Newcastle Quayside
Great Coffee is on the corner of Broad Chare opposite the law courts. I opted for the gluten free dime bar cake and a regular tea (Ringtons!) and sat overlooking the Baltic and the Millenium Bridge, reading the Journal. You could sit outside but it's maybe not quite that warm now. The service was friendly and efficient, I spotted loyalty cards but wasn't offered one. The clientele were a mix of business people and strollers like myself. The atmosphere was light and bright - pine floors, cafe-style tables and chairs, a few barstools, and a semicircular bench (I refuse to call it a sofa) which would make quite a snug spot on a cold day. The music was in keeping but I couldn't name that tune.
So, third choice does not mean third rate! Indeed when I looked around there are very few true cafes on the Quayside - bars, naturally, and restaurants, and a nice looking ice cream place, but to my mind Great Coffee fills a niche and does it in a cheerful, attractive way.
Wednesday, 31 August 2011
University Challenge! Asking the questions...
I've been down to wonderful Reading to catch with my connections down there, and determined to turn everything this year into a cafe opportunity, I decided to let Reading and Newcastle Universities go head to head in a catering challenge with no starters for ten!
First up Dolche Vita expresso bar at Reading. The campus was quiet as the students haven't all arrived back yet but Dolche Vita (it is spelt like that) was all gleaming surfaces and chrome when we arrived. I'd expected sofas galore for weary students to lounge on, but the seating was tables and chairs or bar stools. There were plenty of tables and chairs outside too. I have to say that the customer service was v v good. The nice lady who served us asked if we were eligible for student discounts, wanted skimmed or semi skimmed milk in our lattes, gave us a loyalty card and even - get this - pointed out the discounted biscuits at the till. So we sat outside and enjoyed lattes and cheap but incredibly nice shortbreads in an atmosphere of calm before the storm. All the cakes are bought in (wrapped) and presumably there are sandwiches etc though I didn't really take note. All in all good value for what we had.
Another day, another city, and the Courtyard restaurant cafe bar at Newcastle University. This is a much larger affair than Dolche Vita and serves main meals as well as snacks. It's all light beech woodwork and looks quite newly refurbished. The serving area is a bit production line and I had to serve myself with a latte from the machine. On the upside, it is very cheap and very near the city centre which means you can just pop in (can't do that at Reading as the campus is out of town).
So, who's going through to the next round? Well, in keeping with the spirit of Grace, let's accentuate the positive. If you're in Reading and at the university, the Dolche Vita is for you. If you're in Newcastle upon Tyne - city centre, Great North museum, Exhibition park, RVI - then the Courtyard is handy enough and cheap and cheerful enough to make it worth a visit.
First up Dolche Vita expresso bar at Reading. The campus was quiet as the students haven't all arrived back yet but Dolche Vita (it is spelt like that) was all gleaming surfaces and chrome when we arrived. I'd expected sofas galore for weary students to lounge on, but the seating was tables and chairs or bar stools. There were plenty of tables and chairs outside too. I have to say that the customer service was v v good. The nice lady who served us asked if we were eligible for student discounts, wanted skimmed or semi skimmed milk in our lattes, gave us a loyalty card and even - get this - pointed out the discounted biscuits at the till. So we sat outside and enjoyed lattes and cheap but incredibly nice shortbreads in an atmosphere of calm before the storm. All the cakes are bought in (wrapped) and presumably there are sandwiches etc though I didn't really take note. All in all good value for what we had.
Another day, another city, and the Courtyard restaurant cafe bar at Newcastle University. This is a much larger affair than Dolche Vita and serves main meals as well as snacks. It's all light beech woodwork and looks quite newly refurbished. The serving area is a bit production line and I had to serve myself with a latte from the machine. On the upside, it is very cheap and very near the city centre which means you can just pop in (can't do that at Reading as the campus is out of town).
So, who's going through to the next round? Well, in keeping with the spirit of Grace, let's accentuate the positive. If you're in Reading and at the university, the Dolche Vita is for you. If you're in Newcastle upon Tyne - city centre, Great North museum, Exhibition park, RVI - then the Courtyard is handy enough and cheap and cheerful enough to make it worth a visit.
Friday, 26 August 2011
Mojo's Cafe, Fawdon Community Centre
If you're ever in Fawdon (as I was) and in need of sustenance (as I was), Mojo's is the place. Fish and chips was tempting, but I opted for a sturdy ham and cheese sandwich and a mug of tea with the teabag left in so that I could get it as strong as I liked. Ice cream was advertised, but cakes were in short supply, more of a savoury menu. There was a sweetie section for the kids though. It was all very relaxed and everyone seemed to know everyone else. You could even catch Bargain Hunt on the wall-mounted flat screen TV, or browse the newspapers from the nearby library express. It's the kind of place that becomes home from home for some, a no nonsense community cafe in every sense of the word!
Tuesday, 23 August 2011
Tyneside Cinema ground floor coffee shop
I hadn't really planned on the Tyneside for this week's expedition (though it was on the hit list) but circumstances conspired etc etc and so I found myself perched on a barstool overlooking the alleyway munching a cupcake and sipping a latte. As it was a nice day the outdoor tables were well used and everyone looked very earnest and artistic (roll up cigarettes!). The cafe, for those who don't know it, is very long and and thin. there are small tables and barstools along the windows. Suitably artistic music was played. I spotted sandwiches and a selection of cakes for sale and you can also buy alcohol as well as soft drinks. Really the ideal place for people who like their art but don't feel the need to starve for it.
I have to confess I have never looked round the Tyneside, though I have been to a film showing there and was very impressed by the cinema, so I took the opportunity to go upstairs to see what the Tyneside Coffee rooms were like. Perhaps it was smaller than I had expected, (but then I only stuck my nose round the door) but what with table service and all that it really does hark back to a gentler age. I didn't have time to do justice to the displays, or take in the old newsreel showing so I will have to go back and do all that. And, weather permitting the outdoor showing of Grease could be fun too.
I have to confess I have never looked round the Tyneside, though I have been to a film showing there and was very impressed by the cinema, so I took the opportunity to go upstairs to see what the Tyneside Coffee rooms were like. Perhaps it was smaller than I had expected, (but then I only stuck my nose round the door) but what with table service and all that it really does hark back to a gentler age. I didn't have time to do justice to the displays, or take in the old newsreel showing so I will have to go back and do all that. And, weather permitting the outdoor showing of Grease could be fun too.
Saturday, 20 August 2011
Kitsch'n, Acorn Road, Jesmond
I spotted this one a couple of days ago and thought I should give it a go. I even found a stalwart friend to accompany me. Said stalwart friend is a little miffed not to have a cuddly nickname like Wombat or Hamster. 'Your own fault,' I said. 'Choose a name now.' There is no pleasing some people. My suggestions of Gerbil and Koala were rebuffed and after that it got a bit silly. Who'd want to be known as Three Toed Sloth? Actually, you may not think that's too bad once I introduce you to Polyglot. Yes, you did read right and don't even think of Polly Parrot, that went down really badly.
Now to business! The cafe seems to be channelling the sort of 50s/60s vibe I've seen in certain icecream parlours locally. Lots of American posters on walls, vinyl covered bench seating round rectangular tables. It's just what I remember from my youth. We heeded the notices that suggested only groups of three or more should used the bench tables and went to sit on the tables opposite. It's a mixed clientele - groups of students sipping smoothies and construction workers ordering bacon butties to take out or all day breakfasts to eat in.
We decided on coffees and a piece of carrot cake to share. My latte was very nice and Polyglot (do I have to?) seemed satisfied with an expresso. As a youngster, however, he was slightly foxed by the sugar which was a a glass dispenser with a spout and not hygenic paper tubes. It also came in white only. Ah, those were the days. The cake was beautifully moist and came adorned with whipping cream and a toffee sauce, making it look extra special.
This is one to pop into if in Jesmond, the menu seems more savoury than sweet but I think the students and construction workers will ensure it pays its way.
Now to business! The cafe seems to be channelling the sort of 50s/60s vibe I've seen in certain icecream parlours locally. Lots of American posters on walls, vinyl covered bench seating round rectangular tables. It's just what I remember from my youth. We heeded the notices that suggested only groups of three or more should used the bench tables and went to sit on the tables opposite. It's a mixed clientele - groups of students sipping smoothies and construction workers ordering bacon butties to take out or all day breakfasts to eat in.
We decided on coffees and a piece of carrot cake to share. My latte was very nice and Polyglot (do I have to?) seemed satisfied with an expresso. As a youngster, however, he was slightly foxed by the sugar which was a a glass dispenser with a spout and not hygenic paper tubes. It also came in white only. Ah, those were the days. The cake was beautifully moist and came adorned with whipping cream and a toffee sauce, making it look extra special.
This is one to pop into if in Jesmond, the menu seems more savoury than sweet but I think the students and construction workers will ensure it pays its way.
Thursday, 18 August 2011
Not only, but also
Strange the ways that life leads us down towards yet more cafe experiences and inner wisdom, grasshopper (for those old enough to remember that programme). Who could have guessed that this week would have led me to tea with a bishop, a doctor and a former American president? OK, it didn't exactly but it sounds good doesn't it? Here's what really happened.
A friend and I decided on a trip to Durham. It was meant to be window shopping only, but y'know, and then we decided to stop for coffee. We decided against the ever popular Vennells and my own favourite Cafe Nine Altars and strolled up to Palace Green. And there before us, was Bishop Cosin's Almshouses where a pot of tea for two and two slices of cake will set you back a tenner. That should keep marauding armies at bay. Yes, the cake was fab and made by Lottie McPhee's but even so.
In complete contrast, a text the following day led me to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle to visit a friend. Once the initial concern over said friend's condition had been allayed, I felt free to wander to the cafe for a drink. Have you been to the RVI? It is palatial. Costa coffee. And there could have been a doctor there. Memories came flooding back of visits to another outpatient department many years ago with my father. The place was like a bear pit, with a lone WRVS lady stranded in the maelstrom protected only by her twinset and pearls, as the sick and the lame barged to their clinics. Dad used his walking stick to good effect to reach the diabetic clinic for a blood test and a video on the evils of refined sugar by the late Sir Harry Secombe. With youth on my side, I slid to the canteen for a cup of instant and a Mars bar served by yet more WRVS ladies who had hoisted a Union Jack and resolved to die fighting.
And the president? Well, I went to Washington Arts Centre where my friends and I were served slightly grudgingly we felt. There were three of us and only two muffins (not much else!), but we were civilised and chose KitKats instead. The setting is marvellous but they seem to be aiming for the lunch trade rather than coffee and snacks.
So, none of these are The Place for this week. Where will it be? Today or tomorrow all will be revealed.
A friend and I decided on a trip to Durham. It was meant to be window shopping only, but y'know, and then we decided to stop for coffee. We decided against the ever popular Vennells and my own favourite Cafe Nine Altars and strolled up to Palace Green. And there before us, was Bishop Cosin's Almshouses where a pot of tea for two and two slices of cake will set you back a tenner. That should keep marauding armies at bay. Yes, the cake was fab and made by Lottie McPhee's but even so.
In complete contrast, a text the following day led me to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle to visit a friend. Once the initial concern over said friend's condition had been allayed, I felt free to wander to the cafe for a drink. Have you been to the RVI? It is palatial. Costa coffee. And there could have been a doctor there. Memories came flooding back of visits to another outpatient department many years ago with my father. The place was like a bear pit, with a lone WRVS lady stranded in the maelstrom protected only by her twinset and pearls, as the sick and the lame barged to their clinics. Dad used his walking stick to good effect to reach the diabetic clinic for a blood test and a video on the evils of refined sugar by the late Sir Harry Secombe. With youth on my side, I slid to the canteen for a cup of instant and a Mars bar served by yet more WRVS ladies who had hoisted a Union Jack and resolved to die fighting.
And the president? Well, I went to Washington Arts Centre where my friends and I were served slightly grudgingly we felt. There were three of us and only two muffins (not much else!), but we were civilised and chose KitKats instead. The setting is marvellous but they seem to be aiming for the lunch trade rather than coffee and snacks.
So, none of these are The Place for this week. Where will it be? Today or tomorrow all will be revealed.
Thursday, 11 August 2011
Collectables, St James Retail Park, Stamfordham Road
I'm doing rather well for coffees out at the moment. A friend suggested we meet at this one as it's handy for both of us and you can get a sausage or bacon roll with a hot drink for £1.95 if you go before 11.30am. I had sausage with brown sauce, she had bacon with mushrooms (add 50p). It was very nice. The whole shop is new, so the cafe and its furnishings are bright and shiny. The salads and cakes look fresh and fab and there are other offers too - the day we went it was two for one on cold sandwiches. All in all a great little refuge with free parking, a chance to examine Collectables' stock and visit the other stores in the retail park. What's not to like? I'll be doing this one again soon.
Wednesday, 10 August 2011
J J, Eldon Square shopping centre
A small but heartfelt hurrah too for this little establishment near the back entrance to the shopping centre. Nice tea and caramel shortbread. Nice staff. Nice barstool seating overlooking Clayton Street so you can watch the world go by, newspapers. The perfect place for a quick cuppa...
Cafe Bar One, Jesmond Road
The cafes are still coming thick and fast - only the other day I spotted another one on Gosforth High Street. And earlier in the week, spotted at the traffic lights I made a spur of the moment decision to follow the sign saying Cradlewell shops and ended up in Cafe Bar One. You can see it from the road, and there is plenty of parking during the day (usual Jesmond parking rules apply, but midday, early afternoon is fine).
CBO has two highlights for me. The first is the window seat. Yes! A real window seat with a lovely squidgy cushion! Having spent my middle years grumbling about youngsters putting their feet on metro seats, I didn't feel I could quite curl up as I would have liked, but I managed a kind of half-curl with no part of my feet actually on the cushion and nobody gave me a death-stare so I assume it was OK. From this vantage point I could take in my surroundings. Outside, trees, traffic vehicular and pedestrian. Inside a mixed bunch of walkers and business people all spoilt for choice by the menu and transfixed by the special offers. Could be exaggerating here, no one looked particularly transfixed, nevertheless you can get a good deal on a sandwich and coffee. Light wood flooring and furniture here and fairtrade credentials evident, also allergy awareness, so Hamster and Wombat would be OK for soya milk if ever we visit together. Friendly staff, goes without saying; also a nice kind of bittersweet music that fitted my mood.
And the second highlight? The chocolate cake! Apparently people beat a path to the door to get this, and you should too! This glorious confection is made by the owner's aunt, apparently. They should have a portrait of her over the till! Imagine real chocolate topping, bits of chocolate in the actual cake mixture, a wonderful vanilla buttercream-and-then-some filling, AND you can have cream or icecream with it, though personally I think it would be sacrilege to mix even another such marvellous taste with this cake.
I think I've said enough. Better let the cake do the talking.
CBO has two highlights for me. The first is the window seat. Yes! A real window seat with a lovely squidgy cushion! Having spent my middle years grumbling about youngsters putting their feet on metro seats, I didn't feel I could quite curl up as I would have liked, but I managed a kind of half-curl with no part of my feet actually on the cushion and nobody gave me a death-stare so I assume it was OK. From this vantage point I could take in my surroundings. Outside, trees, traffic vehicular and pedestrian. Inside a mixed bunch of walkers and business people all spoilt for choice by the menu and transfixed by the special offers. Could be exaggerating here, no one looked particularly transfixed, nevertheless you can get a good deal on a sandwich and coffee. Light wood flooring and furniture here and fairtrade credentials evident, also allergy awareness, so Hamster and Wombat would be OK for soya milk if ever we visit together. Friendly staff, goes without saying; also a nice kind of bittersweet music that fitted my mood.
And the second highlight? The chocolate cake! Apparently people beat a path to the door to get this, and you should too! This glorious confection is made by the owner's aunt, apparently. They should have a portrait of her over the till! Imagine real chocolate topping, bits of chocolate in the actual cake mixture, a wonderful vanilla buttercream-and-then-some filling, AND you can have cream or icecream with it, though personally I think it would be sacrilege to mix even another such marvellous taste with this cake.
I think I've said enough. Better let the cake do the talking.
Monday, 8 August 2011
Blakes coffee shop, Grey Street
So many people have mentioned Blakes to me that I decided it was high time I visited. Indeed, given where it is etc etc it's surprising that I haven't been before! I met a friend there, we debated about sitting outside but I do prefer indoors, so in we went. It had a good atmosphere - convivial may be the word. We sat at a table in the window on a kind of dais so we could survey all the coming and going , and believe me this place is obviously beloved of office workers, shoppers and students alike. The choice of food seemed wide and imaginative and the place is open late enough to make it a good venue pre-theatre or post work.
My lasting impressions were of a place that is buzzing, humming with life. It's more that the standard dark furniture/wood floor/friendly staff combo. Maybe Blakes is such a part of the local scene that it really does have a life of its own.
My lasting impressions were of a place that is buzzing, humming with life. It's more that the standard dark furniture/wood floor/friendly staff combo. Maybe Blakes is such a part of the local scene that it really does have a life of its own.
Thursday, 4 August 2011
Paper and Chalk, Nelson Street
I'd invited my little animal friends Hamster and Wombat to accompany me again and they suggested this venue having perused its website and decided this suited their dietary requirements. Then I realised I had a problem - which was Hamster and which was Wombat? We're at the stage in our friendship where you feel you can't ask again.
Anyway, we found Paper and Chalk cunning concealed under scaffolding, nestling opposite the Grainger market. Inside was fashionably dark and compact. I thought there were more tables further in, but that turned out to be the beauty salon that is also part of the business. As most of the tables were taken inside, we decided it was warm enough to sit out. Hamster (or was it Wombat) looked cool in a fashionable maxi dress, while Wombat (or was it Hamster) wore collar and tie (tie removed when warm weather was announced - just like school).
It was nice to sit out and catch up and people watch. The coffee was just warm but soya milk was on offer for those needing it. I enjoyed my cheese scone and the cake that H&W shared looked nice too. We completed the morning by skilfully arranging the sugars into an attractive pattern. See below.
Anyway, we found Paper and Chalk cunning concealed under scaffolding, nestling opposite the Grainger market. Inside was fashionably dark and compact. I thought there were more tables further in, but that turned out to be the beauty salon that is also part of the business. As most of the tables were taken inside, we decided it was warm enough to sit out. Hamster (or was it Wombat) looked cool in a fashionable maxi dress, while Wombat (or was it Hamster) wore collar and tie (tie removed when warm weather was announced - just like school).
It was nice to sit out and catch up and people watch. The coffee was just warm but soya milk was on offer for those needing it. I enjoyed my cheese scone and the cake that H&W shared looked nice too. We completed the morning by skilfully arranging the sugars into an attractive pattern. See below.
Tuesday, 26 July 2011
Quadrata Cafe, Central Square, Forth Street
This one has been in my sights since I was shown it when on a heritage walk last year. The knowledgeable guide marched us into this office block, regaled us with details of the architecture (sadly now lost in the mists of my memory) and then marched us out again. But a seed was sown, as they say.
You'll recognise the place, it's behind Central Station and has a tower of shopping trolleys outside (modern art, not vandals). Walk boldly in past the reception, the cafe is at the back but not advertised. They serve Costa, so you know the standard.
I ordered a latte and danish and took stock of my surroundings. I was sitting in a large and, honesty compels me to say, not entirely comfortable armchair. It looked like it was angry that it was not a sofa and so was determined to swallow me up anyway. I could have sat on a proper chair at a side table but I'd chosen the centre. Other customers seemed to have come from the offices and were holding business meetings. On one side was the internal spiral staircase rising like a cathedral column. On the other side, beyond the large water feature and the living trees (amazing those trees, I think the roots were planted in soil below the foundations), was a glass wall looking out onto a modern sculpture of a hand reaching skyward. There was no background music, and conversations were held in muted tones. In fact, the place felt quite sacred.
I drank in the silence with my latte. Got one or two things straight in my head and then went for a walk. I headed along the remains of the city wall towards the quayside and then turned and followed a path along the top of the bank towards the High Level bridge. There were little peeps and vertiginous staircases leading down to the quayside, and along the top were seats to enjoy the view (though I must say I wouldn't recommend anyone else to go there alone), the bivouacs of homeless people could be seen in the undergrowth, and there were little secret cobbled ways back to the Castle Keep and surrounds. It was a timely reminder that Newcastle has hidden delights still to explore, including the cafe on the quayside that I've earmarked for next week - watch this space!
Monday, 25 July 2011
Lickerty Lick!
Like I said, I may just have to try it out, and what better than a Monday with a friend who's in the holiday mood. The ice cream was great. I hadn't realised until today that there is great rivalry between the two camps, so I will make no further comments or judgements other than to say, come on chaps, don't bankrupt each other in court! Surely there are enough sundae lovers to go round. It's only a name after all.
Wednesday, 20 July 2011
Lickety Split!
Eventually we got inside and admired the 50s style decor including bench seating back to back alongside tables, and a lifesize cardboard cutout of Elvis. Appropriate music was played throughout. Nothing like Unchained Melody to go with your sundae. I chose Truly Toffee but the berry one and the Chantilly one with white maltesers in it also looked edible. In fact I could probably force one of everything on the menu down, over a period of time naturally.
It's a one-off, a lovely treat. And, I'm told a something similar has now opened in Fulwell. I may have to investigate...
Tuesday, 19 July 2011
Coffee Beans, Old Eldon Square
Dodging Newcastle's weekly monsoon (is there some supervillain at the Met office organising these to coincide with my visits?), I lifted the soggy menu card on the outside tables at Coffee Beans and headed downstairs. On a warm sunny day it would be great to sit outside and watch the comings and goings but in the event a basement table seemed safer even with the dangers of flooding factored in.
Coffee Bean have gone for The Homely look (see Chelsea Dock post) with laminate flooring, neat round tables and comfy leather dining chairs. No sofas is always a plus. I think the artwork on the walls may have been for sale but I didn't crawl over to examine it too closely. Bucking the trend, there were one or two people coming and going and some of the customers seemed to be regulars which again is a plus.
Unusually, the staff do not serve from behind a counter but have a bench against the wall, don't know how they feel about this, I'd feel a bit on display but it makes the best use of a small space.
My order of tea and a cheese scone was served with matching china, milk jug, real butter and a giant scone which really filled a gap until supper time.
Keep this one in mind for a quick coffee or snack when in town. You could go across the square to Starbucks (as a friend and I did on Sunday) and you'd get fast service, latino music, good standard and choice of coffee and cake. You'd also get a very busy atmosphere. Coffee Beans for a relaxed time and a chance to take stock and watch the world go by and sometimes that's what it's all about.
Coffee Bean have gone for The Homely look (see Chelsea Dock post) with laminate flooring, neat round tables and comfy leather dining chairs. No sofas is always a plus. I think the artwork on the walls may have been for sale but I didn't crawl over to examine it too closely. Bucking the trend, there were one or two people coming and going and some of the customers seemed to be regulars which again is a plus.
Unusually, the staff do not serve from behind a counter but have a bench against the wall, don't know how they feel about this, I'd feel a bit on display but it makes the best use of a small space.
My order of tea and a cheese scone was served with matching china, milk jug, real butter and a giant scone which really filled a gap until supper time.
Keep this one in mind for a quick coffee or snack when in town. You could go across the square to Starbucks (as a friend and I did on Sunday) and you'd get fast service, latino music, good standard and choice of coffee and cake. You'd also get a very busy atmosphere. Coffee Beans for a relaxed time and a chance to take stock and watch the world go by and sometimes that's what it's all about.
Thursday, 14 July 2011
A Grand Day Out
Been on a bit of a jolly today, and I couldn't have picked better weather! Antiques Roadshow this morning, so the world will see just how gorgeous the North East is when it is broadcast. The queues were phenomenal! Fortunately I have no antiques (just went to be nosey) so I was able leave early on for my next appointment at Seven Stories.
As I was early I thought I'd check out the Ouseburn Farm first. Cheapest mug of tea in town at 60p! A little local difficulty with the cheese scone, easily resolved by having a fairy cake instead! The cafe overlooks the Cluny and the Ouseburn and on a sunny day it was fab.
From there it was a short toddle to Seven Stories where I was booked on a tour round. Fascinating place! The tour ended with a cream tea in the cafe. The staff had laid the table beautifully for us - folded serviettes, the works. And we sat overlooking the Ouseburn again enjoying a wonderful scone and cream, tea and coffee. I had to educate the rest of the party about the cream going on first, so my livin has not been in vain.
You can visit the cafe without paying to go round Seven Stories and there is free parking nearby. Could turn out to be a nice little bolthole...
As I was early I thought I'd check out the Ouseburn Farm first. Cheapest mug of tea in town at 60p! A little local difficulty with the cheese scone, easily resolved by having a fairy cake instead! The cafe overlooks the Cluny and the Ouseburn and on a sunny day it was fab.
From there it was a short toddle to Seven Stories where I was booked on a tour round. Fascinating place! The tour ended with a cream tea in the cafe. The staff had laid the table beautifully for us - folded serviettes, the works. And we sat overlooking the Ouseburn again enjoying a wonderful scone and cream, tea and coffee. I had to educate the rest of the party about the cream going on first, so my livin has not been in vain.
You can visit the cafe without paying to go round Seven Stories and there is free parking nearby. Could turn out to be a nice little bolthole...
Tuesday, 12 July 2011
Chelsea Dock, Scotswood Road
There seem to be several schools of thought when it comes to cafe design and furnishing. On my travels this yearI have observed The Corporate (whatever town you are in our cafes will look exactly the same); The Homely (clean, pleasant, functional); The Quirky (let's mismatch the furniture and crockery and visit the local flea market for some decor). And then there is Chelsea Dock, unique among the cafes I have visited (ever), proudly designed and almost opulent in its furnishings. We are talking real leather upholstery, retro tiling that is really retro, colour changing lighting round the bar, carefully researched photos adorning the walls. From the ceiling lights, portraits of Marilyn Monro and Audrey Hepburn look down on beautiful crockery and matching everything.
It was perfect - until I walked in. I had chosen to visit on the day Newcastle experienced its monsoon season and staggered through the door literally dripping wet. It's the ultimate test of customer service, really. How will you react when a soggy customer drips all over your best decor, threatens to ruin your ambience. I am pleased to report that Chelsea Dock came up trumps. I got a towel to dry my hair to go with my latte and carrot cake, and a friendly, chatty welcome. You won't get that in the corporate coffee houses.
Half an hour later, sun was out, the pavements steaming, and I was returning to the car and resolving to return to Chelsea Dock one day soon to try the bacon sarnies, maybe wearing a frock or something smart enough to be worthy of those leather seats.
It was perfect - until I walked in. I had chosen to visit on the day Newcastle experienced its monsoon season and staggered through the door literally dripping wet. It's the ultimate test of customer service, really. How will you react when a soggy customer drips all over your best decor, threatens to ruin your ambience. I am pleased to report that Chelsea Dock came up trumps. I got a towel to dry my hair to go with my latte and carrot cake, and a friendly, chatty welcome. You won't get that in the corporate coffee houses.
Half an hour later, sun was out, the pavements steaming, and I was returning to the car and resolving to return to Chelsea Dock one day soon to try the bacon sarnies, maybe wearing a frock or something smart enough to be worthy of those leather seats.
Tuesday, 5 July 2011
Mid year hiccups
I can't believe it's halfway through 2011 already. I might be drinking tea well into 2012 at this rate. Just to record other places I've visited this year so far. Libby and Pepe's cafe on Adelaide Terrace for one, it serves a wide variety of English, oriental and filipino dishes and probably deserved more attention than my feeble cup of tea and Kitkat. And there's Expresso Lounge in Eldon Gardens. Nice latte and packaged organic shortbread. Candy coloured seats and mugs with colourful jelly handles. And the whole surrounded by a rather alarming pink hedge of artificial twigs. For some reason I was reminded of the Glastonbury Thorn, though if the pink stuff grew it really would be a miracle.
And now, the roll of honour. Places I can't include in the blog cos I've visited them before. Here goes in no particular order
Nobles off Northumberland Street
Laing Art Gallery cafe
Kaffecinos
The Sage
The Baltic
Debenhams
The cafe in the Grainger Market
The Singing Hinny on Shields Road
cafe at St Nicholas cathedral
Cloister cafe at St Marys cathedral
And now, the roll of honour. Places I can't include in the blog cos I've visited them before. Here goes in no particular order
Nobles off Northumberland Street
Laing Art Gallery cafe
Kaffecinos
The Sage
The Baltic
Debenhams
The cafe in the Grainger Market
The Singing Hinny on Shields Road
cafe at St Nicholas cathedral
Cloister cafe at St Marys cathedral
Sky Apple Cafe, Heaton Road
This is one place that I've meant to visit for literally years, but would never have got round to had I not set myself this quest. Got there fine, parked easily (and for free!) on the roadside and then paused at the cafe door. What to order? The menu was full of delights such as nachos and falafels and I was in a savoury kind of mood...then I saw the magic words Cream Tea. So in I went. Should I sit down and wait to order, or go to the counter? I went to the counter which turned out to be the right move and my order was taken speedily and in a friendly manner.
The cafe was quite busy when I arrived, unusual for establishments midweek (or so I observe) so reassuring that people in Heaton can still afford to eat out. The Sky Apple surroundings feature the mismatched tables and chairs, a truly lovely crystal chandelier and sky blue walls and ceiling with beautiful puffy white clouds sailing by. Truly a place for blue sky thinking, if we're still doing that. Everything must be freshly prepared and there was a little wait for food. The food coming out for other tables looked very yummy and when my cream tea arrived I have to say it was yummy too. Naturally as a Devonian I put the cream on the scone first and then the jam. All other ways are heresy I tell you! I have also to report that the Sky Apple menu listed butter when the cream tea which is utter sacrilege - fortunately the butter did not reach my table so I had no reason to be scandalised.
So, what do I really think? I wish I'd had more time to spend at Sky Apple instead of just doing a quick raid and then been able to follow it up with a walk in Heaton Park. All the more reason to go again and try the falafels ;-)
btw, do visit their website http://www.skyapple.co.uk/. there's a fab sounding recipe for butternut squash schnitzel on Andy's blog
The cafe was quite busy when I arrived, unusual for establishments midweek (or so I observe) so reassuring that people in Heaton can still afford to eat out. The Sky Apple surroundings feature the mismatched tables and chairs, a truly lovely crystal chandelier and sky blue walls and ceiling with beautiful puffy white clouds sailing by. Truly a place for blue sky thinking, if we're still doing that. Everything must be freshly prepared and there was a little wait for food. The food coming out for other tables looked very yummy and when my cream tea arrived I have to say it was yummy too. Naturally as a Devonian I put the cream on the scone first and then the jam. All other ways are heresy I tell you! I have also to report that the Sky Apple menu listed butter when the cream tea which is utter sacrilege - fortunately the butter did not reach my table so I had no reason to be scandalised.
So, what do I really think? I wish I'd had more time to spend at Sky Apple instead of just doing a quick raid and then been able to follow it up with a walk in Heaton Park. All the more reason to go again and try the falafels ;-)
btw, do visit their website http://www.skyapple.co.uk/. there's a fab sounding recipe for butternut squash schnitzel on Andy's blog
Tuesday, 28 June 2011
The Blue Bunny, St Marys Place
On one of the hottest days of the year Newcastle cafe society was blooming. I spotted people sitting at pavement tables at many of my previous venues, all chatting, looking happy, basking in the sun. This was the cafes' moment indeed. My eye was drawn to the Blue Bunny's blackboard advertising picnic fare and the loan of a rug to picnic on - how enterprising! I guess you could always huddle under the rug for warmth on cold days as well. Keen now to make the acquaintance of the generous and imaginative Mr Bunny I hopped down the short but steep flight on stairs to his burrow. Bunnies with restricted mobility may have a problem with the steps unless there is another tunnel entrance that I missed.
I paused at the entrance: 'oh my tail and whiskers!' I thought, 'Mr Bunny's burrow is only for trendy bunnies, I think I hear the sound of hip hop music on the gramophone. Perhaps he will turn me away!'.
I need not have worried. Mr Bunny is a gracious host and his employees have impeccable customer service skills. I was welcomed in a down-to-earth, practical way that was not gushing and didn't make you want to puke at the insincerity of it all.
I ordered tea and a cheese, ham and marmite sandwich. The tea was served in a vintage Andrew and Fergie mug c1986 (Sarah Ferguson, not THAT Fergie) which made me smile - royal marriages always start out so well, don't they? And the sandwich was wonderful and plenty of it.
Decor? Mismatched tables and chairs as we have come to expect. Didn't spot a sofa which is a definite plus for me. Witty little touches like the crisps stored in an antique-looking globe that had been a drinks cabinet and the electric organ used as a leaflet stand, and the lampshades fixed upside down as uplighters.
So, I liked it, maybe that's because I still want to think I'm young and trendy, but even the most boring will appreciate the quality and value of the food. Just don't try the steps too soon after the hip replacement...
I paused at the entrance: 'oh my tail and whiskers!' I thought, 'Mr Bunny's burrow is only for trendy bunnies, I think I hear the sound of hip hop music on the gramophone. Perhaps he will turn me away!'.
I need not have worried. Mr Bunny is a gracious host and his employees have impeccable customer service skills. I was welcomed in a down-to-earth, practical way that was not gushing and didn't make you want to puke at the insincerity of it all.
I ordered tea and a cheese, ham and marmite sandwich. The tea was served in a vintage Andrew and Fergie mug c1986 (Sarah Ferguson, not THAT Fergie) which made me smile - royal marriages always start out so well, don't they? And the sandwich was wonderful and plenty of it.
Decor? Mismatched tables and chairs as we have come to expect. Didn't spot a sofa which is a definite plus for me. Witty little touches like the crisps stored in an antique-looking globe that had been a drinks cabinet and the electric organ used as a leaflet stand, and the lampshades fixed upside down as uplighters.
So, I liked it, maybe that's because I still want to think I'm young and trendy, but even the most boring will appreciate the quality and value of the food. Just don't try the steps too soon after the hip replacement...
Saturday, 25 June 2011
That was the week that was...
I have to report that Grace has been on tour this week - Shropshire and Herefordshire - thoroughly recommended for countryside and country towns. However due to problem laptops and short time, not real report. So, thank you to the catering teams of the National Trust, English Heritage, Costa Coffee and Our Lady of Starbucks at Hopwood Services (M42). It's been a good week and now the quest continues...
Saturday, 18 June 2011
Freudz, The Northern Guild of Psychotherapy, Jesmond
I wonder what the great Sigmund would have made of a cafe that advertised itself as an area's best kept secret? Mmm - don't overanalyse things as I was once told. That said, it was slightly daunting to cross the porticoed threshold of the Northern Guild of Psychotherapy and enter Freudz (why not Jungz or Rogerz, I wonder? Maybe they plan to open a burger bar.). In the event, Freudz turned out to be very reasonably priced (pot of tea for two £2, giving two good cups each, tasty scone and just enough butter. I'm deducting marks because the butter was rock hard and couldn't be spread at once.)
The decor was subdued, greys, blacks, whites but the room itself oozed class. Like Lisa's coffee shop some weeks ago, I could imagine myself in someone's home. Only Freudz would be the doctor's home, waiting room downstairs, consulting rooms upstairs. Like all waiting rooms it was icily quiet. I gazed at the other coffee drinkers wondering what was wrong with them. The guy with the beard - a psychotherapist himself perhaps? Maybe we were all sane - I didn't see anyone wiping the door handles and there was no screams off. So, it's definitely one to experience and they have a full programme of activities and courses for those so inclined, and the price is right. Like Willi's, the local parking regulations could lead to a nervous collapse, but if you're passing, you could do a lot worse.
The decor was subdued, greys, blacks, whites but the room itself oozed class. Like Lisa's coffee shop some weeks ago, I could imagine myself in someone's home. Only Freudz would be the doctor's home, waiting room downstairs, consulting rooms upstairs. Like all waiting rooms it was icily quiet. I gazed at the other coffee drinkers wondering what was wrong with them. The guy with the beard - a psychotherapist himself perhaps? Maybe we were all sane - I didn't see anyone wiping the door handles and there was no screams off. So, it's definitely one to experience and they have a full programme of activities and courses for those so inclined, and the price is right. Like Willi's, the local parking regulations could lead to a nervous collapse, but if you're passing, you could do a lot worse.
Tuesday, 14 June 2011
Willi's, Clayton Road, Jesmond
Willi's really is tucked away in a quiet street with Byzantine parking regulations. I think it may have been an Italian restaurant in a previous incarnation. Now it nestles beneath the trees with the wooden floor, the quirky decor (old picture frames with cups, jugs salt and pepper pots emerging), the frankly wonderful array of cakes (Victoria sponge like you have never tasted and which I demolished at a speed that astonished my companion), newspapers to browse of course, lazy afternoon music and a sprinkling of other customers. Ideally placed for the people who live in the beautiful town houses or snug little mews nearby, or the mums catching up after dropping the kids off at school, or the clientele of the exclusive shops further along the street.
Willi's know their niche. It's good coffee, fine teas (silk pyramid infusions, I tell you, not a teabag in sight), good food. It's Jesmond. It's a little fantasy world. So just for a short while I played the game - I lived in a house like that, used those shops, had a residents parking permit, and it was always sunny. Harmless, like most fantasy, but don't start believing it.
Willi's know their niche. It's good coffee, fine teas (silk pyramid infusions, I tell you, not a teabag in sight), good food. It's Jesmond. It's a little fantasy world. So just for a short while I played the game - I lived in a house like that, used those shops, had a residents parking permit, and it was always sunny. Harmless, like most fantasy, but don't start believing it.
Tuesday, 7 June 2011
Rosie's Bistro and Patisserie, Gosforth Shopping Centre, High Street
Who is Rosie, I wonder? A Cooksonesque heroine? 'Brought up in grinding poverty by her mother, Rosie Halloran is the illegitimate daughter of the fabulously wealthy pit-owning Ritz family. They own everything in the area, but fiery Rosie cannot be bought and determines to make herself a better life as a bistro owner. Her business success brings her into direct confrontation with Sir Tetley Ritz - her father!' Bit too caps and clogs? Maybe she's more chick-lit? 'Rosie Whittard-Claridges lives a life of luxury where afternoon tea is served every day on tables laid with snowy white tablecloths, delicate bone china, silver cutlery and the finest teas, cakes and sandwiches. When a misunderstanding with a Premier league footballer in a trendy London nightspot leaves her under the superest super-injunction ever, she flees to the north east to hide. A chance encounter with a Rington's tea van decides her destiny. Can Rosie, with only the help of her gay antique-dealer neighbour and her grandmother's cheese scone recipe, make the bistro work, find a footballer more interested in home games, and meet loveable characters who will rescue the reputation of the whole area?
But enough of this - what about the cafe?
It's not often I venture into the wilds of Gosforth, let alone the shopping centre, but I'd seen Rosie's advertised and thought I'd check it out. I suspect in a previous incarnation the unit was home to something a little less grand, but Rosie (or her representatives on earth) have transformed it into something fashionably dark. NO sofas that I could spot, only tables and chairs that appear to have been salvaged from an old chapel somewhere. How do I know that? They all have a ledge at the back to stow your hymn book and Bible.
If you sit right at the back as I did, you have a nice view over the park. I ordered tea and a scone, boringly choosing the English Breakfast tea from the extensive list offered. The waitress (clad in black as all good waitresses should be) said 'two scones'. I agreed and was pleasantly surprised when a dainty plate with a doily and two dainty cheese scones arrived with a tiny plate with real butter. The tea was leaf tea in a little pot with a tea strainer and of course a dinky little milk jug. I don't know who Rosie is, but she sure knows how to do afternoon tea!
But enough of this - what about the cafe?
It's not often I venture into the wilds of Gosforth, let alone the shopping centre, but I'd seen Rosie's advertised and thought I'd check it out. I suspect in a previous incarnation the unit was home to something a little less grand, but Rosie (or her representatives on earth) have transformed it into something fashionably dark. NO sofas that I could spot, only tables and chairs that appear to have been salvaged from an old chapel somewhere. How do I know that? They all have a ledge at the back to stow your hymn book and Bible.
If you sit right at the back as I did, you have a nice view over the park. I ordered tea and a scone, boringly choosing the English Breakfast tea from the extensive list offered. The waitress (clad in black as all good waitresses should be) said 'two scones'. I agreed and was pleasantly surprised when a dainty plate with a doily and two dainty cheese scones arrived with a tiny plate with real butter. The tea was leaf tea in a little pot with a tea strainer and of course a dinky little milk jug. I don't know who Rosie is, but she sure knows how to do afternoon tea!
Sunday, 5 June 2011
The Hungry Elephant
Just a little extra here. This was one of the eating places at the wonderful Green Festival. Cushions and rugs, some fun little cube tables covered in old newsprint, and a nice line in veggie samosas served with raita and mango chutney. That and a cup of tea warmed me up nicely for another foray into the world of festival clothing. Funny how the rainbow hoodie never seems such a good idea on a Monday morning isn't it? Maybe I just lead too conventional a life. Oh and you can get the samosas from a shop in Stanhope Street apparently. I tried gong therapy too.
Wednesday, 1 June 2011
Jasmine Bakery House, Charlotte Square
When I arrange to meet a certain friend for coffee or any other social event you can guarantee a disaster. Event is cancelled, we fail to meet up as planned, one of us gets a parking ticket, the list goes on. I nearly rang her today and suggested we meet 11am at the Jasmine Bakery House. Just as well I didn't as it opens at 12 noon. So, another disaster averted - hurrah!
JBH is tucked away behind Blackfriars, not far from Stowell Street, handy for Westgate Road, and conveniently placed for the charity shops of Clayton Street (which was where I headed to kill time until it opened). It has a cheerful pink exterior and an interesting-looking oriental menu.
Stepping inside I felt suddenly unsure, as if I had stepped into a world where the rules were different. Could I just have tea? Was it OK to be here? Resounding yes to both - the young and friendly staff were more than helpful. I ordered tea and then pondered over the selection of buns displayed by the counter. Not your usual buns these, spring onion bun, sausage bun, satay bun and various sweet buns too. I chose a sausage bun and a coconut tart. Both I suspect were homemade and both delicious. The sausage bun was an ordinary sausage encased in a type of bread that has nothing to do with cardboard burger buns - soft and tasty and with a honey glaze. So nice I wanted to taste all the rest!
Then the regular clientele came in and began to show me how it should be done. A girl picked out three or four buns or various types for a takeaway. Young couples arrived and ordered main meals - the cutlery brought to table was chopsticks and a soup spoon (not sure I'm brave enough for that yet).
The Jasmine Bakery House: clean, basic, friendly and home of The Bun.
JBH is tucked away behind Blackfriars, not far from Stowell Street, handy for Westgate Road, and conveniently placed for the charity shops of Clayton Street (which was where I headed to kill time until it opened). It has a cheerful pink exterior and an interesting-looking oriental menu.
Stepping inside I felt suddenly unsure, as if I had stepped into a world where the rules were different. Could I just have tea? Was it OK to be here? Resounding yes to both - the young and friendly staff were more than helpful. I ordered tea and then pondered over the selection of buns displayed by the counter. Not your usual buns these, spring onion bun, sausage bun, satay bun and various sweet buns too. I chose a sausage bun and a coconut tart. Both I suspect were homemade and both delicious. The sausage bun was an ordinary sausage encased in a type of bread that has nothing to do with cardboard burger buns - soft and tasty and with a honey glaze. So nice I wanted to taste all the rest!
Then the regular clientele came in and began to show me how it should be done. A girl picked out three or four buns or various types for a takeaway. Young couples arrived and ordered main meals - the cutlery brought to table was chopsticks and a soup spoon (not sure I'm brave enough for that yet).
The Jasmine Bakery House: clean, basic, friendly and home of The Bun.
Monday, 30 May 2011
And these are still here
If you're ever way out west, you may want to try (in no particular order)
Elvira's, Plymouth
Endsleigh Garden centre
Witches Bowl, Dawlish
A Piece of Cake, Dawlish
Global Aroma, Teignmouth
Cobleys, Teignmouth
Jacks Patch
Fermoys
The Copper Kettle, Bovey Tracey
The Brookside tearooms, Bovey Tracey
The Cafe on the Green, Widecombe in the Moor
The Grange, Buckfast Abbey
The Anne of Cleeves, Totnes
The Walled Garden tearooms, Dunsford
The Pottery courtyard, Chudleigh
The Carlton Cafe
The Country Table
Austins
The Nest at Magpies
The Primrose Tearooms, Lustleigh - viva the Devon cream tea! Cream on first!!
The Milkmaid
Debenhams, Exeter
The Boston Tea Party
The Southern Cross tearooms (I assume they're still in business)
Cafe at Exeter cathedral
Elvira's, Plymouth
Endsleigh Garden centre
Witches Bowl, Dawlish
A Piece of Cake, Dawlish
Global Aroma, Teignmouth
Cobleys, Teignmouth
Jacks Patch
Fermoys
The Copper Kettle, Bovey Tracey
The Brookside tearooms, Bovey Tracey
The Cafe on the Green, Widecombe in the Moor
The Grange, Buckfast Abbey
The Anne of Cleeves, Totnes
The Walled Garden tearooms, Dunsford
The Pottery courtyard, Chudleigh
The Carlton Cafe
The Country Table
Austins
The Nest at Magpies
The Primrose Tearooms, Lustleigh - viva the Devon cream tea! Cream on first!!
The Milkmaid
Debenhams, Exeter
The Boston Tea Party
The Southern Cross tearooms (I assume they're still in business)
Cafe at Exeter cathedral
These you (well I) have loved...
Feeling a bit sentimental, so here's a list of cafes from my mis-spent southern youth, none of which are with us today. Gone, but the good times are not forgotten...
The Parkona
Dingles coffee shop
Newton Abbot bus station cafe (remind me to tell you about the biker accidentally setting fire to his hair)
Tinley's, Exeter
Colsons, Exeter
Three Cooks, Dawlish
The Chicken Cafe
Bevans
Macari's, Fleet Street, Torquay. I know there's one by the harbour but it's not quite the same.
That one in Totnes by the arch (Lindy's?)
The Parkona
Dingles coffee shop
Newton Abbot bus station cafe (remind me to tell you about the biker accidentally setting fire to his hair)
Tinley's, Exeter
Colsons, Exeter
Three Cooks, Dawlish
The Chicken Cafe
Bevans
Macari's, Fleet Street, Torquay. I know there's one by the harbour but it's not quite the same.
That one in Totnes by the arch (Lindy's?)
Thursday, 26 May 2011
The Basement Coffee House, Carliol Square
I think this is the cafe that started this whole idea. I walked past it one day, thought about trying it, and then thought hey, I wonder how many cafes there are in Newcastle, enough for a different one each week, maybe? I'm on course to prove that there are.
So, down in the Basement it was actually rather nice. There was a pool table and table football which made me think they were aiming a a rather younger age group than me. There were sofas, proper tables, a kids area, a tiny stage in one corner. The music was a tad loud for me, but that's nit picking when you can eat a wonderful chocolate fudge cake (with cream, natch) and tea for a very reasonable price. I guess this is another of the 'avoid the feeding frenzy' venues - just near enough to town to be convenient, just far enough away not to be crowded.
It seems the whole thing converts into a church on Sunday morning, but during the week let me assure you that the devil does not have all the best cake!
So, down in the Basement it was actually rather nice. There was a pool table and table football which made me think they were aiming a a rather younger age group than me. There were sofas, proper tables, a kids area, a tiny stage in one corner. The music was a tad loud for me, but that's nit picking when you can eat a wonderful chocolate fudge cake (with cream, natch) and tea for a very reasonable price. I guess this is another of the 'avoid the feeding frenzy' venues - just near enough to town to be convenient, just far enough away not to be crowded.
It seems the whole thing converts into a church on Sunday morning, but during the week let me assure you that the devil does not have all the best cake!
Wednesday, 18 May 2011
La Boca arts cafe, Princess Square
Wouldn't it be nice to have your own little cafe in the cente of town? Somewhere quiet, not too big, good variety of snacks, choice of seating. Somewhere a little different? You're looking at La Boca.
From inside the tiny but cosy cafe you look out on the stark remnants of T Dan Smith's Newcastle and that gives the place a kind of moodily creative edge, the kind of place where lovers meet and part, messages are passed, strangers meet, ideas are brought to life, things happen, life changes. Must be staring at the City Library that's brought out all this!
Anyway, in the real world, the tea was good and served in a little pot with a milk jug and proper cup. The cake selection included a rather good caramel shortbread, gloriously OTT cupcakes, and scones. I must admit I didn't spot that they did paninis etc until I looked at the menu on the table as only drinks and sweet things were on the board. Little tables cluster in the centre of the cafe with comfy chairs and a sofa round the edge. The walls are hung with original artworks that are for sale and there are handmade cards for sale at the counter. And it's quiet! So when there appears to be some kind of feeding frenzy going on in Northumberland Street and Eldon Square, you now know you can escape all that and enjoy your snack in creative calm. And it's open till 8pm.
Snatches of overheard conversation during my visit introduced me to the politics of cafe ownership/management. It's a jungle, don't go there, just make someone else's struggle worthwhile.
From inside the tiny but cosy cafe you look out on the stark remnants of T Dan Smith's Newcastle and that gives the place a kind of moodily creative edge, the kind of place where lovers meet and part, messages are passed, strangers meet, ideas are brought to life, things happen, life changes. Must be staring at the City Library that's brought out all this!
Anyway, in the real world, the tea was good and served in a little pot with a milk jug and proper cup. The cake selection included a rather good caramel shortbread, gloriously OTT cupcakes, and scones. I must admit I didn't spot that they did paninis etc until I looked at the menu on the table as only drinks and sweet things were on the board. Little tables cluster in the centre of the cafe with comfy chairs and a sofa round the edge. The walls are hung with original artworks that are for sale and there are handmade cards for sale at the counter. And it's quiet! So when there appears to be some kind of feeding frenzy going on in Northumberland Street and Eldon Square, you now know you can escape all that and enjoy your snack in creative calm. And it's open till 8pm.
Snatches of overheard conversation during my visit introduced me to the politics of cafe ownership/management. It's a jungle, don't go there, just make someone else's struggle worthwhile.
Sunday, 15 May 2011
The Clock Tower cafe, Hoults Yard, Walker Road
What a setting, I imagine generations of workers trudging up the cobbled bank to the clock tower to clock in or whatever under the foreman's watchful eye. Now you can get a decent mug of tea and a truly scrumptious scone for the princely sum of £1.55! I sat on a high stool near the juke box - there were tables and sofas available too. It was all brickwork, warm tiling, stone arches. A little treasure and open every weekday from 8am to 3.30pm
Sunday, 8 May 2011
The Settle Down Cafe, Thornton Street
I've been saving this one, as I wanted to visit with a couple of friends but today was the day! There was initially some confusion about whether or not Settle Down did open on Sunday (duff information on t'internet) but a quick phone call to the helpful staff soon put us right. We also coincided with the Venus in Furs craft market so that was a bonus.
So, first impressions: delightfully chaotic, with just enough people fighting for just enough space, including children for whom there were toys provided. I'm guessing that more table space is available when the craft market is not on, also there was a 'quiet' room at the back which had a lovely retro look to it, so plenty of nooks and crannies to tuck yourself into while you enjoy your drink and cake and browse the papers and magazines.
We squeezed into a table near the window. Some brave souls where sitting at the tables outside and hoping the rain held off. I chose latte and a piece of lemon drizzle cake - both tasty and very keenly priced. My friends shared a pot of tea - two good strong cups each - and slices of cake topped with muesli and honey (reported to be delicious).
Like The Heaton Perk, and Jack Spratts, this is definitely a community cafe. Through the week you can participate in sewing, philosophy, life coaching and even guerilla knitting (I have a pattern for a 1940s balaclava, if required). We all agreed it's a good venue, handy for town, not too hectic, excellent value for money. In fact, a cafe with a little bit more.
www.thesettledown.com
So, first impressions: delightfully chaotic, with just enough people fighting for just enough space, including children for whom there were toys provided. I'm guessing that more table space is available when the craft market is not on, also there was a 'quiet' room at the back which had a lovely retro look to it, so plenty of nooks and crannies to tuck yourself into while you enjoy your drink and cake and browse the papers and magazines.
We squeezed into a table near the window. Some brave souls where sitting at the tables outside and hoping the rain held off. I chose latte and a piece of lemon drizzle cake - both tasty and very keenly priced. My friends shared a pot of tea - two good strong cups each - and slices of cake topped with muesli and honey (reported to be delicious).
Like The Heaton Perk, and Jack Spratts, this is definitely a community cafe. Through the week you can participate in sewing, philosophy, life coaching and even guerilla knitting (I have a pattern for a 1940s balaclava, if required). We all agreed it's a good venue, handy for town, not too hectic, excellent value for money. In fact, a cafe with a little bit more.
www.thesettledown.com
Wednesday, 4 May 2011
Olive and Bean, Clayton Street
Before I wax lyrical about the delights of Olive and Bean, I should mention that they do do cakes. Very nice cakes. Unusual cakes. Cakes that make you wonder why they don't do a cake tapas so that you can have a little taste of several. I only mention this because their admirable website does not mention cake at all and it jolly well should! Honeycomb tiffin! Cranberry tiffin! Parsnip, lime and ginger! Millionaire shortbread about a foot thick (that's several centimetres to you young things)!
I must admit I had walked past Olive and Bean before thinking it was a deli, but several people have recommended it to me and so curiosity demanded it should be visited soon.
It was a bit like walking into a deli, what with the shelves of tea etc just inside the door, there were tables further round hidden from view and making a nice quiet venue. Upstairs is more seating, proper tables and chairs (hurrah!), sofas for those who must, and in-between bucket-type chairs for the indecisive. It's all beautifully clean and decked out in suitably olivey colours with lovely bright green walls. And situated on the corner as it is, it's a nosy parker's paradise as you can watch the world go by and into Eldon Square or Grainger Market while sipping your drink and munching the irresistable cake.
So, I can voucher for the tea (two good cups from a pot) and the parsnip, lime and ginger cake, and I am reliably informed that the coffee was good too. It's a little oasis in the heart of town. Yes, I will be going back!
www.oliveandbean.co.uk
I must admit I had walked past Olive and Bean before thinking it was a deli, but several people have recommended it to me and so curiosity demanded it should be visited soon.
It was a bit like walking into a deli, what with the shelves of tea etc just inside the door, there were tables further round hidden from view and making a nice quiet venue. Upstairs is more seating, proper tables and chairs (hurrah!), sofas for those who must, and in-between bucket-type chairs for the indecisive. It's all beautifully clean and decked out in suitably olivey colours with lovely bright green walls. And situated on the corner as it is, it's a nosy parker's paradise as you can watch the world go by and into Eldon Square or Grainger Market while sipping your drink and munching the irresistable cake.
So, I can voucher for the tea (two good cups from a pot) and the parsnip, lime and ginger cake, and I am reliably informed that the coffee was good too. It's a little oasis in the heart of town. Yes, I will be going back!
www.oliveandbean.co.uk
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