Mac 'n' Alli's, Westoe Crown Village, South Shields

If you've ever wondered where all the yummy mummies in South Shields hang out, this is the place!  What could be better than a nice cafe close to the primary school and with free parking just outside?  I've had this one in my sights for a while and have hinted to a couple of friends that it would be good to try it, but no-one took the bait and so I had to go alone.  Here goes...

First impressions, perhaps a bit off the beaten track, but good parking and a good trade too by the looks of things.  When I arrived all the window tables and the sofas were taken and I had to sit at one of the tables near the counter.  Not that that was a bad thing as it gave me chance to examine the menu and the clientele without being too obvious.

Mac 'n' Alli's is part cafe, part gift shop, part community hub.  The menu is simple - they obviously concentrate on doing a few things well rather than lots of things indifferently.  I chose a cup of tea and a slice of Brooklyn black-out cake (no, I hadn't either) and enjoyed every last sugary bit of it at my colourful table, sipping tea from my vintage mis-matched china.  The gift shop bit does wellies, mugs with mottos, cards, fab patchwork upholstered armchairs and boasts its own knitted sign - really! - and vintage and upcycled bits and pieces adorn the walls (all for sale, I think).  Community hub?  Well the mummies use it as the village green, and there's a couple of shelves of paperback books labelled 'book swap' so the recycling idea  is carried on from the gift section.

Would I go back?  I would, and for the gifts as well as the coffee.  It's definitely one to bear in mind for a treat with a friend.  In fact while I was there in walked a friend of a friend and that same friend's cousin.  No excuses from now on!  If her cousin can go there, so can she!

Cafe Bar One, Harton, South Shields

While one part of my brain was well aware that Cafe Bar One was in Harton and was related to the lovely Cafe Bar One in Jesmond,  this information only clicked with the other part of my brain as I was slogging up Sunderland Road overdressed for the sunshine (for once!).  I called in.  There were tables outside but only the very hardy or ardent smokers will really want to sit at a road junction I guess.  Inside all is light and spacious with wooden floors, a couple of sofas in the window, modern dark wood tables and chairs elsewhere.  Yes,  they do have the same gorgeous chocolate cake that made my trip to CBO in Jesmond so memorable, but today I settled for a scone and tea.

Service was cheerful and prompt, some my-era music played in the background, there were a few people in mid morning, mid week.  An inspirational slogan on the wall advised me that retirement is only great big coffee break - can't wait!

I browsed the menu and there is certainly plenty of choice as well as special offers available.  And it's close to home!  Definitely be back!

Toney Minchellas, South Marine Park, South Shields

What with major religious festivals and royal weddings, Grace has had to go on tour this week to an exceptionally nice and sunny South Shields. 
The new Toney Minchellas cafe replaces the takeaway by the boating lake and was well patronised during the school holiday.  The selection of cakes was truly magnificent (my friend and I finally agreed to share a piece of apple pie with cream) and the coffees were served in glasses with a metal holder - very stylish.  I have to say they reminded me of Macaris on Torquay harbourside, memories of warm summer evenings, a holiday atmosphere, happy times.
The cafe itself is light and airy, the side facing the boating lake is almost entirely glass so you have a great view of the park, and there are tables outside too.  We sat at the far side, equally glassy but with a view of bluebells and the miniature railway track ('The Mountaineer'  will chuff by within feet of your table).  I also noticed birdboxes newly attached to the trees so soon it may be possible to watch avian antics as well.  The decor is fresh and clean, and the whole cafe has a nice open feel to it.  I am assured it is equal to anything that continental Europe can offer.  If there was a downside, it was the slightly too loud radio playing throughout.
Yes, I can recommend Toney Minchellas as part of a balanced day out in South Shields (other ingredients include fish and chips, curry, the beach and the funfair), visit soon! 
Grace will be back in the toon next week!!