The only way I can describe the atmosphere at the Baltic Café Bar in the Baltic Contemporary Art Gallery is paradoxical-in a good way, that is.
Looking out over the Millennium and Tyne Bridges, you have the choice to sit outside on a cute little terrace, or inside the bold, modern, open spaced room, which uses block red and lime colours along with stainless steel furniture. As it’s quite a windy day, I opted for the latter and chose a seat by the large windows so that I could still enjoy the view and the relaxing tones of Macy Gray that were quietly filling the Café.
The menu is full of mouth-watering high-calibre Hot food such as the ‘Chicken, Pinenut, Basil, Parmesan and Cream Linguine’, which is a fair £6.25 and the Breakfast Menu’s ‘French Toast with Crispy Bacon and Maple Syrup’ (£5.25). There is also a selection of Baked Potatoes costing around £4 and various Salads and Sandwich options as well as Paninis and the usual cake stand, which are all reasonably priced, especially when you take into account the fact that this is a Gallery Café.
With regards to drinks, Coffees range from £1.75 up to around £3 for a fancier liqueur coffee should it take your fancy. There is also a variety of wines, champagnes, beers and spirits to choose from, again at reasonable prices (£3,60 for a small glass of wine, £3.20 for a beer and £2.20 for a Vodka).
What surprised me the most about the Baltic Café Bar is that where you might expect to see trendy, hippy, Art student-esque sorts of people, that the majority of customers sat in the Café were 40 years and over. There were also a few toddlers, again sitting quietly (I think that’s the point that adds to why I describe the atmosphere as paradoxical)- not that I’m complaining; if the strange calming effect the Café has can quieten children, then it’s a winner in my eyes already.
To add to the ambience of the tranquil Café, the staff are friendly but not overtly so, and there is obviously the novelty of the various exhibitions and (most importantly) gift shop to add to its character.
One last USP that grabs my attention as I leave the Baltic Café Bar after enjoying a pot of Tea, is the Loyalty Card scheme, in which for every six points collected, you are rewarded with a free item from the breakfast menu and a coffee. Although points are distributed once you spend over £5, it’s well worth it-I will definitely be back to pick up my free Eggs Benedict.
Location:
Gateshead Quays,
South Shore Road
Gateshead NE8 3BA
Star Rating:
****
