Cafe 32 | Linskill Centre, North Shields - A review

Cafe 32 in the Linskill Centre, North Shields is a community cafe serving home-made food, indulgent treats, light bits and healthy options at bargain prices. The atmosphere is friendly and welcoming and there is FREE parking. We were invited along to sample their children's menu and afternoon tea.

The decor is modern and fresh with booth-style seating and wooden tables. There is also free wifi and if I lived closer it's certainly the type of place I could take my laptop and get some work done whilst enjoying one of their specialist hot drinks.

Afternoon tea is priced at just £13 for two people - this is their regular price! What a bargain. Everything is homemade and VERY filling. In fact we were provided with a box to take home our leftovers for supper. For £13 you will receive your choice of tea or coffee, a choice of sandwiches (we went for goats cheese and beetroot plus cheese and pickle), 2 HUGE scones with jam and cream, 2 slices of homemade quiche and a cake/tart of the day. Honestly, it is such a bargain. Whilst it may not have been the best afternoon tea I have ever been served (JDH holds this claim), it was definitely the best value.

I love that Cafe 32 really feels as though it is in the heart of the community and has a real community feel to it - they run a lovely little pay it back scheme where customers can donate a drink to one of the Linskill centre's volunteers - what a lovely gesture.

Although we were naughty and sampled afternoon tea, Cafe 32 prides itself on their healthy options. There are fresh salads (£3.95), homemade lean chilli (£3.95), bagels and homemade soups. There are options pointed out for those following the weight watchers diet too.

Children's Menu

Where I really think Cafe 32 has a unique selling point though is their children's menu. WOW it is a mega bargain. Jack went for the children's lunch box - just £2.50 for a sandwich of their choice, fruit shoot, a piece of fruit, chocolate bar and babybel. You normally pay £4-£6 for these so £2.50 is an awesome price.

Heidi went for the 'make your own' tortilla pizza. Also a bargain at £2.95 which included up to two toppings plus cheese and a carton of juice.

A quick word about the staff - they are a real credit to Cafe 32 and nothing was too much trouble. They were friendly, took the time to chat with our children and made us and all of the cafe's other customers feel very welcome.

Harry ordered the 'create your own wrap' - you can choose up to 2 fillings and are provided with a side salad and juice drink too. All for the bargain price of £2.95.

Our total bill would have been £21.40 for the five of us including drinks. I have yet to find a homemade lunch that is as much of a bargain as this is! It really is a tremendous deal.

Northumberland Park is just along the street and across the road from the Linskill Centre and as it was such a lovely day we decided to head over for an hour or so after lunch. The walk through the woods would have helped to burn some of those scone calories I am sure.

Need to Know

• Cafe 32 is open Monday-Thursday 8am-7pm  |  Friday 8am - 5pm  |  Saturday & Sunday 8:30am - 3pm
• Afternoon tea should be booked in advance - call 0191 257 8000
• The cafe serves breakfast, lunch, sandwiches, salads and light bites alongside drinks and homemade treats
• Find Cafe 32 in the Linksill Centre, North Shields (NE30 2AY). Turn right as soon at reception as you enter the building
• View the Cafe 32 menu here (opens PDF)
• There is FREE parking at the Linkskill centre itself and surrounding streets
• Follow Cafe 32 on Facebook here

Disclosure: We were provided with a complimentary family meal in return for an honest review.