It’s rare that I go for brunch and I’m actually blown away, but this little gem tucked inside The Old Fire Station in Gosforth, did just that. Run by Smile of Life Children’s Charity, their mission is to support young people with learning difficulties and disabilities, providing them with a work placement so that they can develop work and life skills. I for one, think this is absolutely incredible and there is not enough out there to help those who need it learn life skills.
Cafe Beam is a short walk away from South Gosforth metro station, on Gosforth High Street. The cafe itself is beautiful, with luxe interiors, think rich dark forest green and wooden features. It’s a beautiful cafe with a cosy feel and a beautiful velvet sofa.
The menu is for breakfast and lunch, with lots of cake options and things to drink. I’ve been to Cafe Beam twice, once was to meet with their PR to chat about all of the work they do, and the second time was with a friend, Jen. This review is based off the second time I attended, paying for it myself. I wanted to go back with my camera and get some lovely pictures and hopefully do the fantastic food justice.
I am a bit of a creature of habit, and so I opted for the same dish both times I went to Cafe Beam. It is toast, bacon, eggs, sun-dried tomatoes, asparagus, hollandaise sauce and chilli. It is a lovely twist on the standard Eggs Benedict and oh my goodness, it’s better. So flavourful and a really well put together dish. Kate, the Chef, really nails all of the dishes. She is really incredible and so lovely too! This dish cost £5.50 and was a rather large portion. It is fantastic value for money and even more so that the proceeds go to such an incredible cause.
Jen opted for the (vegan) hummus, avocado and sun-dried tomatoes on toast, which looked utterly divine. She said that the hummus was incredible and judging by the silence and rate of in which she ate it, she loved it. We were both surprised at how much avocado that you got, as usually places can be pretty stingy but Cafe Beam were not. I believe this dish was also priced at £5.50.
My justification for ordering the pancakes as well as the two dishes for breakfast, was that they are SO BEAUTIFUL. I mean, look at them? Topped with edible flowers, berries, coulis and elderflower syrup, they are little fluffy delights. The half a stack is £3 and well worth the little extra on the side. Simply beautiful.
In addition to the meals, we got two lattes with milk alternatives and in total it was £17. Extremely good value for money, in fact, I do believe they should inflate their prices a little! I know it will be my new favourite brunch spot and I don’t mind that it’s a little out of my way (I live about 45 minutes away on public transport).
Cafe Beam have also just started doing Afternoon Tea, which I was invited to try but unfortunately was unable to attend, so hopefully I can pop back soon and try it out! It looks lovely. It is priced at £14.95pp and is being served Wednesday – Fridays from 2pm-3pm and I imagine will be extended in time.
There is no compromise on food quality here. It is a fantastic place for breakfast and lunch, and I imagine on a weekend it will get fairly busy so I’d arrive early to avoid queues. Definitely check this place if you’re looking for somewhere lovely. South Gosforth has a lot of places to eat, but knowing that I was enjoying incredible food and supporting a charity that is changing peoples lives, made it taste a little sweeter. I am a firm believer in equality and that everyone should have a chance at living their life to the fullest, and Cafe Beam provides that. So please, next time you’re thinking of a place to eat, considering supporting an amazing cause. Please do let me know by leaving a comment/tweeting/direct messaging me if you visit because I’d love to know your thoughts!
Oh, and I’ll be back soon to try their sandwiches and cakes, because they look incredible.
Cafe Beam is open Monday – Saturday, 8.30am to 4.30pm (closes 2pm Saturdays) and their kitchen shuts at 2pm, however cakes and coffees are available after that. It is suitable for children.
Facebook Page: Cafe Beam Newcastle
I can’t believe I didn’t know about this place, I must walk past it all the time …. clearly have my eyes shut!
The food looks so so good and I’m very curious about their afternoon tea! Thanks so much for sharing your experience, definitely going to pop in soon!
I can’t believe you didn’t either, Chloe! You must try it and let me know what you think. I think you’ll love it x
What a lovely post! I have visited Café Beam and eaten exactly the same brunch. It was delicious. I am looking forward very much to going again perhaps for afternoon tea this time.