Artisan Express, Gateshead

Tucked away in the railway arches on the Gateshead side of the high level bridge, it is quite the little gem of a coffee shop.

Artisan Express is my kind of place – it is cosy, welcoming, and the service comes with a smile. Contrary to national chains (which have their place, don’t get me wrong) this is a one off with a unique & local flare.

Of course it didn’t hurt that I happened to visit on a lovely sunny afternoon which gave it an extra warm & friendly glow.

The Mars Bar Slice and the Caramel Shortbread Square arrived at our table on sweet little china plates, while the Levu Latte(a latte with 3 shots) was served in a large white ceramic cup.  In contrast, my dainty Macchiato came served in a funky silver & glass espresso cup.  

I watched as other drinks were skilfully made at the espresso bar and each drink had its own individual personality.

The unique decor is reflected in the furniture as well combining large comfy cushions, cosy couches and wicker chairs with leather foot rest cubes. Whatever your mood may be, there is plenty of seating to choose from to suit.

I envision many an afternoon will be spent by folks relaxing, reading their newspaper or chatting whilst sipping their handcrafted coffees and tasting some local treats. 

Worth a visit for sure the next time you are near Gateshead!

Coffee at The Basement

A sign in the window advertises that this interesting looking coffee shop has “Pumpkin Lattes”.  Who am I to deny myself from taste testing the one and only pumpkin latte available in Newcastle upon Tyne?

Located in Carliol Square, the relaxed atmosphere is apparent as you walk downstairs into the spacious coffee shop.  Music quietly plays in the background as the friendly barista greets you.

It feels like I’ve been transported back in time to my teen years and landed in a suburban basement to hang out on a Friday night complete with a pool table and combinations of random furniture dotted around.

There is even a little stage in one corner with a musician’s stool and a microphone which must be for “Live Music Fridays” advertised on the blackboard. 

I was very excited to have my pumpkin latte and was indeed quite impressed with it.

I was even more impressed with the “London Fog” (Earl Grey tea with steamed milk and vanilla syrup) that I had the pleasure of tasting for the first time.

That drink is definitely going on my list of things to order again, yum!    

Tyneside Coffee Rooms

Far: Banoffee Cake with Caramel Frosting

Fact: there are some fantastic places to have coffee in Newcastle.

I can appreciate the technical skill and extreme dedication to customer service that it takes to create a half-caf extra shot, extra hot, skinny caramel macchiato to the same standard each and every time, and I do indulge in a handcrafted beverage from the worldwide chains every so often quite happily. 

However, I can also appreciate a uniquely cosy one-off coffee shop that makes a helluva cuppa served in a chunky painted mug and whose decor comes complete with mismatched chairs, lumpy throw pillows and a take one/leave one book shelf in the corner. 

One of these wonderfully unique places is the Tyneside Coffee Rooms on the second floor of the Tyneside Cinema.

Blueberry cake with cream cheese frosting

Ok, so it doesn't have mismatched chairs or lumpy pillows, but it has fabulous red velvet seats with a greatly varied menu and they always seem to have a delicious selection of cakes (which come in very satisfyingly large portions!).  

Not only do they serve coffee but they also have a wide variety of tea and the loose teas are even served in funky tea cafetieres that perch on top of your cup.

It’s a great place to pop in and grab a cuppa to sip over good conversation, or to have lunch before a big shopping expedition in town.

I especially like the fact that there is movie memorabilia, factoids and photos in an exhibition in the corridor on your way into the coffee shop. 

The Tyneside Coffee Rooms is definitely a one-off coffee & cake experience.