IT is a sunny Sunday morning and Scone Spy’s heart gladdens at the sight of such a lovely spring day.
I’m in bonny Newcastle and a wander along the Quayside is just the ticket.
But you know me. Soon the sun and the stroll start to lose their appeal.
Scones are calling me.
I’m not familiar with this part of the world, but luckily a tip-off from a lovely reader springs to mind.
The Baltic Kitchen had been suggested to me and I’d tucked it away in my mind.
It’s in the Baltic Arts Centre in Gateshead.
A quick wander across the Millennium Bridge takes me there in no time at all.
Now, if you were asked to describe me in a few words, art-lover probably wouldn’t spring to mind as one of your choices.
In fact, when the Baltic Kitchen was recommended, I did think it was a little odd.
It being all arty, maybe not my kind of place.
But sometimes I think my fantastic readers know me better than I do.
Because the Baltic is in the old Gateshead Flour Mill. It’s an amazing old building that looks roughly the same from the outside, but go in and it’s obviously completely different from its floury days.
Maybe my cheeky reader thought I’d appreciate seeing an old wreck restored.
Could give me hope!
But life is all about new experiences, so I have a wee wander around the art centre before heading for the cafe.
Hmm. Maybe I’m just a bit too silly to appreciate it, but the bonniest art I can see is the view from the rooftop gallery.
My, what a view.
Right down the Tyne as far as the eye can see, it’s truly spectacular.
The Baltic Kitchen is handily located on the ground floor. There’s a mixture of high stools and tables and chairs.
The customers are a mixed bunch, too, from elderly ladies to families to young ’uns trying a burger as a hangover cure.
It’s not working, judging by some of the sorry sights!
Trust me, a cafe that attracts a wide variety of people like that is always a good sign.
It’s table service, which is music to this lazy Spy’s ears.
I’ve stood at enough counters, behind enough dithering customers, to last me a lifetime, thank you kindly.
There’s a decent selection of scones and cakes.
I’m in traditional mode and opt for a fruit scone and a latte.
Happily, the scone is warm and comes with a generous dollop of cream and jam. Nice.
I’m enjoying my seat by the window so much, I decide to have a pot of tea and a big, old slab of chocolate loaf thingie.
It’s fresh and full of flavour.
I’m glad I hung around as I get to see a fascinating sight – the Millennium Bridge opening to let a ship through.
People of all ages pile outside to watch and kids gaze, open-mouthed in awe.
May they never lose their sense of wonder.
READ MORE
Scone Spy: Garvie and Co’s handcrafted pastries are big and fruity
Scone Spy: Edinburgh’s Rabbie’s Cafe is an oasis of peace on Princes Street
Enjoy the convenience of having The Sunday Post delivered as a digital ePaper straight to your smartphone, tablet or computer.
Subscribe for only £5.49 a month and enjoy all the benefits of the printed paper as a digital replica.
Subscribe