There’s a caffeine kick on every corner in Newcastle from numerous big brand cafes such as Starbuck’s, Pret a Manger, Cafe Nero and Costa Coffee. But they serve a disappointment in every cup if you’re a coffee connoisseur, as the British seem to have failed to learn the art of making a decent coffee. However freshly ground, Fairtrade or organic your coffee beans are, it makes no difference once it’s in the hands of an amateur. Every sip tastes bitter, as they either use too many ground beans, scold the mixture or use days old stale water from the bottom of a limescaled coffee machine.

“I’m not a big drinker, I’m a virgin in recreational drugs and I don’t smoke – coffee is my vice of choice”

I’m not suggesting I am a connoisseur, but – as I’m not a big drinker, I’m a virgin in recreational drugs and I don’t smoke – coffee is my vice of choice so I know a good cup when I have one. If you’ve been to Spain, France or Italy, you’ll have experienced the smooth, velvety taste of a coffee brewed to perfection, no matter where it’s served it’s always good. Not so back in the UK. We’re led to believe the likes of Starbucks and Costa Coffee are as good as coffee gets. I’d beg to differ, I’m not a fan of the strange chemical aftertaste in their ‘flavoured’ syrups and how even a plain latte leaves me feeling a little queasy. Perhaps it’s the full fat milk – maybe I should request a ’skinny’ cup, but now I’ve gone off the taste I’m adverse to going back.

I was beginning to think that I’d have to arrange my annual leave around getting a pleasurable caffeine fix from the sunnier side of the continent – I’ve already been to Paris and Barcelona this year and I’m heading to Ibiza in a couple of weeks time. But not so long ago my bad coffee days ended – I discovered Kaffeccinos on Newcastle’s Grainger Street, and it’s a revelation.

Its values are built around giving customers a real ‘European’ coffeehouse experience and true to form, the coffee is perfect. The café is sophisticatedly decorated, with high tables and bar stools for sitting in the window and people watching, plus a few sofas for lucky punters to snatch up as they become free, in
which to loll away an hour or two nursing a brew and one of their delicious muffins or pastries. They even provide a selection of books and tourist information leaflets to peruse while you relax. The lunch menu is fantastic if you’re after more than a sweet treat, with a selection of jacket potatoes, paninis, sandwiches, salads and organic soup made using local produce.

“crusty on top, soft chocolate sponge, white and chocolate chips and gooey chocolate sauce in the centre… drool”

If you’re in Newcastle, take a trip to Kaffeccinos for your coffee fix and whilst you’re there I recommend you treat yourself to one of their double chocolate muffins – crusty on top, soft chocolate sponge, white and chocolate chips and gooey chocolate sauce in the centre… drool. In fact, you’ll probably find me there – I’ll be the one slumped on a couch, with aforementioned chocolate sauce down my chin, looking crazed after a shot of caffeine.

I’m looking forward to getting to Wellington, where I hear the coffee culture is great and I’ll be spoilt for choice. If you’re Kiwi, leave the name of your favourite coffee places below, so I know where to head when I get there!