We'd just finished the North Shields Heritage Trail when we spotted this one nestling near to the metro station. Inside: muted colours, rounded armchairs, wooden floors. Outside: cafe-style tables and chairs on the pavement, and on this day drenched in golden sunshine.
We sat out - unusual for us - and enjoyed our tea and cake all the more for the sunshine and for knowing that two teas and a caramel slice cost us only £2.50!
Wednesday, 8 May 2013
Washington Old Hall, National Trust
A Bank holiday weekend means cafes galore! This is the first one. Big Bro and I headed here as he hadn't ticked the property off on his National Trust list. I'd been before but found it better this time somehow. We enjoyed the rooms and the nuttery gardens before heading for the tearoom.
Now, I'm sure Big Bro won't mind me saying that he often refers to the 'usual National Trust chaos' in a NT property tearoom. Often we are talking lots of ladies in mob caps falling over each other and getting confused about who's made the tea (or not).
However, the tearoom at Washington is run by volunteers. There is a cheery outside eating area and inside the room is light and bright. No sofas! Mismatched china just like your granny had! Bargain ornaments, jewellery and books! The tea and cake slipped down very nicely. Everything was reasonably priced. There was no chaos to be seen, and what's more you can visit the tearoom and gardens for free, so there really is no reason not to visit.
Now, I'm sure Big Bro won't mind me saying that he often refers to the 'usual National Trust chaos' in a NT property tearoom. Often we are talking lots of ladies in mob caps falling over each other and getting confused about who's made the tea (or not).
However, the tearoom at Washington is run by volunteers. There is a cheery outside eating area and inside the room is light and bright. No sofas! Mismatched china just like your granny had! Bargain ornaments, jewellery and books! The tea and cake slipped down very nicely. Everything was reasonably priced. There was no chaos to be seen, and what's more you can visit the tearoom and gardens for free, so there really is no reason not to visit.
Sunday, 5 May 2013
Cafe Cenno, Durham Indoor Market
It's ages since I've been to Durham, but recently I was there with a friend who I'm discovering shares my views about browsing shops and cafes. Did she choose to go to a cafe she already knew? No sir, she suggested the cafe in the Indoor Market! And as I'd never been there either, it was a voyage of discovery all round.
OK, so it's upstairs but you can get the lift up. OK, so there are sofas but they are more kind of corner seats and very comfortable. And you can look over the whole market - it's a great atmosphere. And the food was great and there was plenty of choice. We opted for beef mince pie with mushy peas and chips and we weren't disappointed.
There was a notice too stating that free cake could be had with every large coffee purchased while stocks lasted. I don't know if that's a daily thing or just for special occasions but I'd keep an eye out for an offer like that.
It's a good 'un!
OK, so it's upstairs but you can get the lift up. OK, so there are sofas but they are more kind of corner seats and very comfortable. And you can look over the whole market - it's a great atmosphere. And the food was great and there was plenty of choice. We opted for beef mince pie with mushy peas and chips and we weren't disappointed.
There was a notice too stating that free cake could be had with every large coffee purchased while stocks lasted. I don't know if that's a daily thing or just for special occasions but I'd keep an eye out for an offer like that.
It's a good 'un!
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