We’ve been going to Café Beam at least every 2 weeks since it relocated it’s Cafe on to Gosforth High Street. If I’m totally honest I didn’t even know they used to be in Ashburton Road, until recently.
Café Beam is ran by Smile For Life Children’s Charity. Their mission is to support disabled and disadvantage young people in the North East, making a difference in their lives. Running in line with this the staff at Café Beam have disabilities and learning difficulties. This gives them the opportunity to learn work and life skills. I feel that I need to start this off by mentioning the charities background as they are doing a fantastic job empowering these young people, but even without this they have created an amazing café on Gosforth High Street, that is slightly hidden in the Old Fire Station.
Café Beam, Gosforth High Street
Inside Café Beam it is light and airy with an eclectic mix of seating options. With a pair of relaxed green velvet sofas. Ideal for grabbing a coffee and chatting with friends. However, for me, the food is as much of the focus and a table is needed.
On the wall by the Sofa area is a huge old Gosforth Map. I believe the map was inside the property when they moved in, possibly from the old council offices that were in that part. It was fascinating trying to work out what had changed and where things are now.
So I took this photo showing what I thought was Salters Road and Church road, but I was a little bit too North. The photo does show the Gosforth Greyhound Stadium (top right), which is where Asda is now, plus the old layout of Gosforth Central Middle School (as it was when I went there.)
Café Beam Menu
Café Beam updates their menu on a seasonal basis adding new items while keeping the favourites. The Menu update in April seemed to expand their offering. One item that Imogen would love and I think is new is Bacon, Maple Syrup Pancakes.
Another item that I was glad to find still on the Menu is Eggs Florentine. When we first started to come here I always went for Eggs Benedict. I love the whole concept of hollandaise, ham & poached eggs. Then a few weeks ago I decided to try Eggs Florentine, the only difference being spinach instead of ham. OMG! (I don’t say this often), it has become my favourite. And to add further to this it has always been better than I have had in a “Posh” hotel!
On this visit, it was just me and my mother. Who being slightly awkward ordered a cappuccino “without the sprinkles”! I had a standard cappuccino (with the sprinkles). We both ordered Eggs Florentine.
Kate, the Chef knows exactly what she is doing. The quality of the food that comes out of that kitchen is so much more than you’d expect from a Café. The attention to detail is second to none. On a previous visit, Catherine had ordered Soup of the day, which had a perfect cream swirl on top. Check out their facebook photos to see the Afternoon Teas and cakes.
As expected it was perfect again. The poach egg runny in the middle and the spinach and hollandaise warm. I love it so much I’m tempted to order two lots next time!
Supporting Smile For Life
As I mentioned at the start of this review, we’ve been here several times and will return many more. For me not only do I enjoy their food offerings, but feel that their ethos giving young people opportunities needs recognition. Another reason I love it here is that they’ve created a venue that is accessible for some of the older residents of Gosforth.
My mother literally lives next door and it creates a location and an excuse to get out and be visible, instead of staying indoors alone. On a Thursday they’ve been running a sitted Zumba session and I’ve been told it is great fun and popular.
So, this year I’m running the Blaydon Race 2019 with the hope of raising some money for Smile for Life. If you would like to donate a small amount, my Just Giving page is
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/alan-hooper2
Or even better go and visit Café Beam in Gosforth and experience it for yourself. You won’t be disappointed.
Their opening Hours are
Tuesday – Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm
Saturdays 8:30 – 2:00pm
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