This bustling place is a Fairtrade, independent coffee house in the centre of Newcastle.
In its promotional literature Kaffeccinos is described as “Newcastle’s Premier Independent Coffee House”. It’s an indication of the strange blend of business-like bravado (not unlike Starbucks or any other chain) and Kaffeccino’s self professed “local roots”.
I suppose this means it’s just an old fashioned coffee house trying to keep up with the chains. And while it does sacrifice a little character to get there, it retains a friendly atmosphere and a distinct feel.
The walls are jam packed with art and there are seats everywhere, including comfy sofas and stools by the windows for watching passers-by.
There is lots (and lots) of food available in this busy place but coffee is top of the menu, and with all those seats you shouldn’t have trouble settling down for a quiet mug or two. There are cakes, muffins and so on as well. It has counter service.
Kaffeccinos isn’t quaint, but it still has plenty of the things I like to see in a coffee house. It’s one of the best in Newcastle.
Amended August 2008
Thank you for your observations of Kaffeccinos.
Both myself and my wife Theresa work very hard to make Kaffeccinos a place where courtesy and respect is the norm and excellent customer service is a prerequisite. We take comments very seriously and constructive critiscism is most welcome. Thank you once again and next time you visit Kaffeccinos we would be delighted to meet you
Kaffeeccinos is great but not the only good coffee shop in Newcastle. Check out Cafe de Vie on Saville Row, does a really good line in French cakes as well as lovely coffee and cosy surroundings.
I’ve not been to Kaffeccinos, but my wife (a coffee lover) visited recently and agreed with your review – must go soon. Willi’s is a bit of a disaster – pretty ordinary coffee and food is overpriced.
Try
Cafe/Bar Secco in Pilgrim Street in the city for the best coffee in town (same owners as the now demolished coffee institution Intermezzo) and free wifi http://www.gustouk.com/secco-bar.htm
Cafe Royal, Nelson St near monument for good coffee and food
Kitschen in Acorn Rd Jesmond
Newcastle is in need of more independant cafes – Gateshead is even more – get in before the internationals move in!
The now demolished Intermezzo coffee bar is back and better than ever, for the BEST coffee and cocktails in town this is a must. I love this place!
Just to echo Stu’s thoughts on Cafe de Vie – on an unpromising looking street they do a nice job. Nice vibe about the place and a top class ristretto!
I quite enjoyed my visits to Kaffeccinos in Newcastle when I visited the city, I thought the layout and neutral design created a most relaxing atmosphere, but as I review coffee shops as a personal hobby I guess maybe I just spent too much time paying attention to the staff behaviours. I sat on a cosy sofa (which I was lucky enough to find in the busy cafe) but whilst waiting on my friends ordering food and drinks I was unfortunate enough to witness a member of staff watering down a carton of milk to pass as skimmed. Needless to say Kaffeccinos has most certainly gone down in my estimations and has posed as a complete scandal. Unimpressed, and custom lost.
Haven’t been to Kaffeccinos for ages, just redecorated and is so kool better than before. Is definitely the place to hang out after Uni. The food is great and the wild mushroom soup is simply the best. The staff are georgous and a mixture of locals and Europeans who are very pleasant and attentive to detail. They use Fairtrade and locally sourced organic milk which is definitely creamier. You gotta try this place highly recommeneded