My personal favorite about 7 Days is that the store is very well presented, a mixture of enticing, well stocked shelves and bright, funky oriental pop culture.
Open:
Wednesday, 31 August 2011
7 Days Oriental Supermarket
7 Days is an oriental food store near The Gate. It's small but packed full of oriental treats. Stocking chilled drinks like Aloe-Vera juice, oriental fizzy-pops to Soybean Milk (60p, not soya milk funnily enough). They have shelves of sweet treats like sugared Cuttlefish(£1.20), green-tea cakes and dried mangoes(£1.99). In their basement floor are shelves of instant noodles (35p-80p per pack) from all across the orient. They are so tasty and full of flavour compared to SuperNoodles and cardboard flavored supermarket brands. They stock a range of jarred sauces and sushi ingredients too. Anyone who's ever been to the orient can appreciate what 7 Days has to offer. Don't be intimidated by all the oriental writing and packaging, most items are labeled in English somewhere on the pack and the staff are friendly and helpful. The ingredients and products here are often cheaper while more flavorsome than big store brands, so experiment with what they have to offer.
My personal favorite about 7 Days is that the store is very well presented, a mixture of enticing, well stocked shelves and bright, funky oriental pop culture.
Open:
My personal favorite about 7 Days is that the store is very well presented, a mixture of enticing, well stocked shelves and bright, funky oriental pop culture.
Open:
Tuesday, 30 August 2011
Intermezzo
Intermezzo is a cool cafe-bar packed neatly into the corner of Tyneside Cinema. It has an Italian cafe/bar charm with the red leather, patio doors and shelf of liqueurs behind the counter. They open late every night and offer wine, beers and a menu of almost fifty cocktails (£5). Their cocktail menu competes with any of the cocktail bars in town with an added bonus of a range of coffee cocktails. They have a small selection of panini's and pastries available too.
It's a tight fit inside Intermezzo, but they have plenty of outside seating which adds to the Italian atmosphere. It's a smokers paradise. The music is cool and contemporary which very much defines intermezzo. The coffee is rich and strong (Americano £2.10), served in the smaller continental style cups. There is a very arty atmosphere which is odd as there is very little art work, mainly due to the fact that there isn't much wall space.
Intermezzo is perfect for an after work coffee or glass of wine, depending on the day you've had I guess. Any visit to Tyneside Cinema should either start or finish with a trip to this cool little coffee shop.
Open:
Monday-Saturday: 8am-11pm
Sunday 11am-11pm.
Wifi available, Cocktails & Wine, Smoker Friendly.
It's a tight fit inside Intermezzo, but they have plenty of outside seating which adds to the Italian atmosphere. It's a smokers paradise. The music is cool and contemporary which very much defines intermezzo. The coffee is rich and strong (Americano £2.10), served in the smaller continental style cups. There is a very arty atmosphere which is odd as there is very little art work, mainly due to the fact that there isn't much wall space.
Intermezzo is perfect for an after work coffee or glass of wine, depending on the day you've had I guess. Any visit to Tyneside Cinema should either start or finish with a trip to this cool little coffee shop.
Open:
Monday-Saturday: 8am-11pm
Sunday 11am-11pm.
Wifi available, Cocktails & Wine, Smoker Friendly.
Friday, 26 August 2011
Ma Provence French Bakery
On Grey Street right next to Monument Metro is Ma Provence. A small cafe that serves a selection of french baked goodies. Firstly for me, they make fresh Crepes, which made them a winner already, the mouth watering provincial french menu also includes fresh croissants, pizza slices, tasty flans, chunky stews and soups with a new selections of waffles. My crepe was a Ham & Cheese (Savory £3.50, Sweet £2.50) crepe which took a little longer to arrive than expected, but when it did, it was a simple but eye-pleasing square parcel, the ham & cheese filling was rich and creamy and it was quickly wolfed down. The coffee (Americano £1.35) was a not the greatest, served in small cups like the continent, it was little bit flat like the coffee beans were stale.
The atmosphere is really relaxed, I have the feeling they have a small but highly loyal clientele with an appreciation for french culture. There were even a couple of french accents I heard while tucking into my crepe. However, it is a small cafe, so be warned if there are more than a few of you going, you may have to wait for a seat.
Ma Provence is a lovely little coffee house, if you have ever visited France, it will be sure to bring back all those fond memories.
http://www.maprovence.co.uk/
The atmosphere is really relaxed, I have the feeling they have a small but highly loyal clientele with an appreciation for french culture. There were even a couple of french accents I heard while tucking into my crepe. However, it is a small cafe, so be warned if there are more than a few of you going, you may have to wait for a seat.
Ma Provence is a lovely little coffee house, if you have ever visited France, it will be sure to bring back all those fond memories.
http://www.maprovence.co.uk/
Tuesday, 23 August 2011
Central Bean Coffee House
Near the center of town by St James Metro is Central Bean Coffee House. It's a coffee shop that in my eyes has combined all the strengths of chain coffee shops but has retained the passion and values of a local business.
Firstly in the design, as you walk in, it has all the professional sleek and organisation of a large chain coffee shop, but the love is evident in its details. No expense has been sparred, the high quality in the furniture and decorations shines through, from the totem-pole at the entrance, wooden ceiling above the coffee counter to the coffee ring wallpaper in sofa lounge area. It is so simple and tasteful in design.
The coffee menu matches the design, providing a full coffee range like a Starbucks or Costa but with passion and quality at heart, each coffee is Perfect. This cannot be stressed enough. Each Americano has a beautiful golden crema and each latte is a silky, milky delight with either a tulip or fern-leaf pattern on top (a small latte is £2.35, cheaper than a Costa flat-white). A testimony to the expertise and dedication of the staff, who are friendly and attentive.
There is also a small but tasty selection of sandwiches (average £2.90), panini's (£3.95) and a selection of quality tray bakes and cakes.The Yum-Yums are a personal recommendation £1.75.
The atmosphere is relaxed and people are chatting away happily or getting stuck into books or laptops. So if you love the style of large chains coffee shops and great coffee but want to take the "I Buy Newcastle" attitude, I highly recommend Central Bean Coffee House that has branches in Jesmond and Morpeth with a new branch in the new business park coming.
Open:
Monday-Friday 7.30am-6pm.
Saturday 9am-4pm.
Sunday 10a-2pm.
WiFi available, Great coffee.
Sunday, 21 August 2011
Heaton Perk
Heaton Perk is a cosy coffee shop on Heaton Park Road. It's a little treasure trove of vintage chic. The cool mismatching furniture and the walls of used books (that are available to browse or book swap) are mirrored in their range of drinks, using local Pumphrys coffee and fashionable Canada Hot Apple tea that is complimented by cookies, panini's and cakes topped by a great selection of classic sweeties and treats from back in the day. So hats off to the staff for being patient while we take five minutes to order!
Heaton Perk has all its strengths in its casual retro style, great atmosphere and its community spirit. They support a variety of community events and host a bunch of their own fun little clubs. Pop in for a coffee and browse the fliers and posters of all the events going on.
Open:
Monday to Wednesday: 8am-6pm
Thursday: 8am-9.30pm
Friday & Saturday: 8am-6pm
Sunday: 11am-4pm
WiFi available. Book Swap. Board Games. Baby Friendly.
Heaton Perk has all its strengths in its casual retro style, great atmosphere and its community spirit. They support a variety of community events and host a bunch of their own fun little clubs. Pop in for a coffee and browse the fliers and posters of all the events going on.
Open:
Monday to Wednesday: 8am-6pm
Thursday: 8am-9.30pm
Friday & Saturday: 8am-6pm
Sunday: 11am-4pm
WiFi available. Book Swap. Board Games. Baby Friendly.
Salsa Amor
It's Friday night and time to celebrate the end of the week. So what can we do while wearing the "I Buy Newcastle" badge?
An alternative to a meal at Zizzi's then a visit to the cinema or a few pints at the Weatherspoons, is dancing the night away at Salsa Amor. It's a Salsa evening at the Black Swan pub in the center of town near the O2 Academy, through a charming entry way into a small continental style plaza and down the stairs. It starts at 7.30pm with a beginners class, followed by a intermediate class at 8.45pm (they also run the beginners class again in the bar, really useful for first timers and improvers!) then the floor opens to everyone from 9.30pm. It's a friendly and lively environment where anyone can ask anyone to dance, men asking women and women asking men. The dance floor is buzzing and there is always space on the edges for new dancers. The night is made to cater for experienced dancers, but is truly enjoyable for beginners. There is lots of space to sit and watch or hang out and enjoy the music at the bar with new friends.
There is no need to bring a partner or book, it's a casual affair. Wear smooth soled shoes and something light, salsa dancing the night away gets surprisingly warm. The charge is £6 (£5 Student) for the class and the rest of the night, if you don't need the class or come after 10pm it's £4 (£3) Student.
Visit the website for more information.
http://www.salsa-amor.co.uk/
An alternative to a meal at Zizzi's then a visit to the cinema or a few pints at the Weatherspoons, is dancing the night away at Salsa Amor. It's a Salsa evening at the Black Swan pub in the center of town near the O2 Academy, through a charming entry way into a small continental style plaza and down the stairs. It starts at 7.30pm with a beginners class, followed by a intermediate class at 8.45pm (they also run the beginners class again in the bar, really useful for first timers and improvers!) then the floor opens to everyone from 9.30pm. It's a friendly and lively environment where anyone can ask anyone to dance, men asking women and women asking men. The dance floor is buzzing and there is always space on the edges for new dancers. The night is made to cater for experienced dancers, but is truly enjoyable for beginners. There is lots of space to sit and watch or hang out and enjoy the music at the bar with new friends.
There is no need to bring a partner or book, it's a casual affair. Wear smooth soled shoes and something light, salsa dancing the night away gets surprisingly warm. The charge is £6 (£5 Student) for the class and the rest of the night, if you don't need the class or come after 10pm it's £4 (£3) Student.
Visit the website for more information.
http://www.salsa-amor.co.uk/
Thursday, 18 August 2011
The First Step
I Buy Newcastle is an idea born from a mixture of pride in Newcastle and wanting to support local businesses struggling in the wake of economic downturn. As a normal consumer I realize that I could easily do more to support them. The little extra that we spend with local business makes a big difference to them. To us it is an extra 15p for a loaf of bread but a £1.15 extra revenue to the corner shop.
Using local traders as much as possible has opened my eyes as a consumer to a whole new world of local products and services. I realize that often our local business' don't have the large marketing budget that the large companies. However they do have friendly faces that care about thier product instead of call centre voices that care about their commission.
We can really support our local shops with a combination of spending a little to make a big difference, a keen eye to find local goods and making the time to get to the local shops.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not preaching that the large companies are all evil, but I don't want to lose local shops with unique Newcastle charachter to big chain stores that to be honest, verge on boring and unimaginative. I want to keep Newcastle original and to stand apart from every other usual big city high street mix of Topman, Miss Selfridge, Starbucks, Superdrug, PriceLess Shoes and HMV. BORING!
Becoming "I Buy Newcastle" does not happen over night, we must slowly wean ourselves off the corporate chain and convenience buying that we are all now accustomed to. My personal journey in becoming "I Buy Newcastle" will start with buying my caffine fix from local coffee shops instead of Starbucks or Costa chains. Try it with me.
Whatever we want as coffee consumers, I'm certain that ther is a local alternative to provide it. I personally want the best coffee with a buzz, i'm willing to wait and pay for it too, but that isn't for everyone I know. some want the coolest social hang out, some want the biggest cup of joe they can find, some want a quick coffee hit, no questions asked. Over the next month I will be reviewing locally owned coffee houses particularly.
If you have suggestions of coffee shops to try. Please post a comment.
Any questions or comments would also be greatly appriciated.
Using local traders as much as possible has opened my eyes as a consumer to a whole new world of local products and services. I realize that often our local business' don't have the large marketing budget that the large companies. However they do have friendly faces that care about thier product instead of call centre voices that care about their commission.
We can really support our local shops with a combination of spending a little to make a big difference, a keen eye to find local goods and making the time to get to the local shops.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not preaching that the large companies are all evil, but I don't want to lose local shops with unique Newcastle charachter to big chain stores that to be honest, verge on boring and unimaginative. I want to keep Newcastle original and to stand apart from every other usual big city high street mix of Topman, Miss Selfridge, Starbucks, Superdrug, PriceLess Shoes and HMV. BORING!
Becoming "I Buy Newcastle" does not happen over night, we must slowly wean ourselves off the corporate chain and convenience buying that we are all now accustomed to. My personal journey in becoming "I Buy Newcastle" will start with buying my caffine fix from local coffee shops instead of Starbucks or Costa chains. Try it with me.
Whatever we want as coffee consumers, I'm certain that ther is a local alternative to provide it. I personally want the best coffee with a buzz, i'm willing to wait and pay for it too, but that isn't for everyone I know. some want the coolest social hang out, some want the biggest cup of joe they can find, some want a quick coffee hit, no questions asked. Over the next month I will be reviewing locally owned coffee houses particularly.
If you have suggestions of coffee shops to try. Please post a comment.
Any questions or comments would also be greatly appriciated.
Wednesday, 17 August 2011
Cafe One 20
An afternoon stroll in the sun brings us to Cafe One 20 at 120 Heaton Road (do you see what they did there?), on the corner of Heaton Road and Cardigan Terrace. It's a tidy and trendy looking cafe with modern leather couches and chairs, arty photos of Newcastle and an enticing display of cakes and tray bakes.
The staff are cheerful and the coffee is tasty and strong.
A creative selection of paninis and sandwich available, both vegitarian (£3.95 with salad & coleslaw) and carnivorous (£4.25 with salad & coleslaw) with a wide breakfast menu providing toast (£1.25) to their Cafe One 20 take on the full English breakfast (£4.50).
Cafe One 20 offer the usual range of coffees using a local coffee brand complimented by a range of Canadian Hot Apple sweet-teas, other herbal teas and Chai Teas.
Cafe One 20 is open Monday to Saturday 9am til 5pm and Sundays 10am til 4pm.
wi-fi not available. Baby friendly.
A comfortable and professional cafe in the heart of a popular student area that ticks all the boxes. Perfect for a business coffee/lunch or break from the books. Drop in some time if your in the area.
The staff are cheerful and the coffee is tasty and strong.
A creative selection of paninis and sandwich available, both vegitarian (£3.95 with salad & coleslaw) and carnivorous (£4.25 with salad & coleslaw) with a wide breakfast menu providing toast (£1.25) to their Cafe One 20 take on the full English breakfast (£4.50).
Cafe One 20 offer the usual range of coffees using a local coffee brand complimented by a range of Canadian Hot Apple sweet-teas, other herbal teas and Chai Teas.
Cafe One 20 is open Monday to Saturday 9am til 5pm and Sundays 10am til 4pm.
wi-fi not available. Baby friendly.
A comfortable and professional cafe in the heart of a popular student area that ticks all the boxes. Perfect for a business coffee/lunch or break from the books. Drop in some time if your in the area.
Tuesday, 16 August 2011
Why "I Buy Newcastle"?
"I Buy Newcastle" is a campaign to support local commerce, community spirit and reputation within the Tyne and Wear County.
We promote locally owned businesses in an attempt to keep the Newcastle economy thriving. We believe in supporting local business because in today's poor economic conditions it is the small business' that suffer first. We want to prevent them from going under. We want to keep our unique Newcastle identity, self-respect and pride.
We are a campaign about Pride in Newcastle, Supporting our local Businesses and Maximising our Potential as a city.
This Blog will journal and discuss:
- the Local Alternatives to Big Brands.
- Review and Interview local business.
- Identify the difficulties of buying local and how to over come them.
- Reasons to say "I Buy Newcastle".
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