Yes, I've been on tour today, and what with railways, sun and cakes a day out feels like a month's holiday! I have to confess that on my previous visit to Saltburn I wasn't over-impressed (I think we arrived late and it was closed). Today it was vibrant - queues for fish and chips, yarn bombed pier, a better shopping experience than I remember, and the Valley Gardens. We certainly didn't venture down into those the last visit.
After a little local difficulty (signposting isn't all it should be), I managed to negotiate the steep, unmade paths to the valley floor. Lots of play equipment for the kids - I was particularly impressed with the miniature watermill, most educational! And then a few more false starts and dead ends (and a chain link bridge!) until I finally made it to the tearoom.
The tables were set out in a pleasant grassy area, and I honestly only intended to have an icecream - until I spotted the Victoria sponge. When the book of Victoria sponges comes to be written, this will feature highly. Homemade, of course, thick layer of jam in the middle, thick layer of buttercream icing on top. The spaniel from the neighbouring table eyed the cake longingly but he didn't get a look in. The British may be a nation of animal lovers, but this Brit ain't sharing any cake!
Wednesday, 19 June 2013
Traveller's Rest cafe, Middlesbrough railway station
To me it's always a railway station, never a train station. And railway stations are always exciting places, an air of purpose, arrivals from adventures, departures to visit old friends, somehow the romance of steam lingers on in diesel.
And the cafes, now they used to be known as the buffet, when did that change? And when did the stale sandwich and slopped cup of stewed tea poured from a huge pot combo change? 1964? Ah, nostalgia! The Traveller's Rest shows us the modern face of railway catering. We're talking privately run, with wooden floors, with sofas, with neat little tables from those of us who like to do things properly, with newspapers to read. We're talking light and airy. We're talking special offer on toasted teacake and hot drink AND they bring it to your table so you don't have to struggle AND both teacake and drink were lovely.
It was just so civilised, so railway! And on a quirky note, a pigeon walked (yes, walked) in, roamed round the sofas and finding not so much as a crumb to tempt him, he walked out again. They train their pigeons well down in Middlesbrough,
And the cafes, now they used to be known as the buffet, when did that change? And when did the stale sandwich and slopped cup of stewed tea poured from a huge pot combo change? 1964? Ah, nostalgia! The Traveller's Rest shows us the modern face of railway catering. We're talking privately run, with wooden floors, with sofas, with neat little tables from those of us who like to do things properly, with newspapers to read. We're talking light and airy. We're talking special offer on toasted teacake and hot drink AND they bring it to your table so you don't have to struggle AND both teacake and drink were lovely.
It was just so civilised, so railway! And on a quirky note, a pigeon walked (yes, walked) in, roamed round the sofas and finding not so much as a crumb to tempt him, he walked out again. They train their pigeons well down in Middlesbrough,
Bill Quay Community Farm cafe
The sun is out! The first time for about 18 months, it seems. I'm on holiday! And here is the first of a crop of new cafes!
I discovered Bill Quay a few weeks ago when looking for a secondhand book shop (another story, possibly another blog) and was quite taken with the views down the river and the general atmosphere of the place.
Going back to explore further on a fine summer's day, I strolled round the community farm (free entry) and felt totally relaxed in beautiful countryside. And after a stroll I needed refreshment, so luckily there was a cafe...
The cafe boasts that it uses fine local ingredients, has a low carbon footprint and so on. This translates into Ringtons tea in your cup and homemade cakes. I was tempted to try the rhubarb cake (never had that before) but in the end played safe with a rather delicious carrot cake. There were a few tables inside but on such a gorgeous day there was only one place to be - out in the sun admiring the wonderful view down the Tyne.
The tables were in great demand as families came to enjoy the farm and the cafe. There was a picnic area too for those who like to bring their own.
What more can I say? I've already recommended it to anyone who'll listen. And as if the atmosphere, animals and view weren't enough to draw me back, I'm still intrigued by the thought of rhubarb cake...
I discovered Bill Quay a few weeks ago when looking for a secondhand book shop (another story, possibly another blog) and was quite taken with the views down the river and the general atmosphere of the place.
Going back to explore further on a fine summer's day, I strolled round the community farm (free entry) and felt totally relaxed in beautiful countryside. And after a stroll I needed refreshment, so luckily there was a cafe...
The cafe boasts that it uses fine local ingredients, has a low carbon footprint and so on. This translates into Ringtons tea in your cup and homemade cakes. I was tempted to try the rhubarb cake (never had that before) but in the end played safe with a rather delicious carrot cake. There were a few tables inside but on such a gorgeous day there was only one place to be - out in the sun admiring the wonderful view down the Tyne.
The tables were in great demand as families came to enjoy the farm and the cafe. There was a picnic area too for those who like to bring their own.
What more can I say? I've already recommended it to anyone who'll listen. And as if the atmosphere, animals and view weren't enough to draw me back, I'm still intrigued by the thought of rhubarb cake...
Wednesday, 8 May 2013
Mr Wood's Coffee, Railway Street, North Shields
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!
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!
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!
Tuesday, 30 April 2013
The Banks of the Tyne, Wallsend
It's holiday time! That means coffee time! And so it was off to the north side of the river (I must not say the dark side. I must not say the dark side) to meet a young friend. We chose TBOTT because it was near and I was late, having parked in completely the wrong place and what did we find? Well, it was a down to earth workaday place. Very well used and obviously a lot of valued customers which always gets a gold star in my book. We had coffee and hot chocolate respectively but forswore the cake. Not because it didn't look nice, but just because the lady serving us took our drinks order and then didn't ask if we wanted anything else. Not that I'm a shy bairn or anything like that, but it just proves the customer service point - always ask it there is anything else!
Would I go back? Well, if I ever find myself on the dark side again I might be tempted by the £1.99 all day breakfast!
Would I go back? Well, if I ever find myself on the dark side again I might be tempted by the £1.99 all day breakfast!
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