Ashington cafe proving a hit after opening with coffee, cocktails and community events
A cafe that set out to bring quality coffee and a community space to Ashington is proving a hit with customers.
The Tipsy Bean opened its doors on Station Road in May and has since enjoyed a busy first two months.
Bringing a taste of European cafe-culture to the town, the business serves breakfasts, lunch, coffee, matcha alongside evening wines and cocktails, with a focus on locally-sourced produce.
The business is being run by Michelle Henderson with the help of her family, including her husband Kelvin who brings with him a wealth of experience in the hospitality industry.
"It's a very European concept to have a café that's licensed,” Kelvin said. “It was about utilising the space and keeping the doors open a bit longer,
"Everything we offer is from local suppliers where we can. It's all about creating good, simple things but done really well, with a bit of care."
Alongside food and drink offerings, the cafe serves as a space for community events including regular book clubs, buskers nights and post-run club meetings.
"What Michelle wanted was somewhere you could get a good cup of coffee, but also have a bit of a community aspect where everybody feels welcome,” Kelvin added.
The community-side of the business has proved particularly popular with locals, resulting in the family adding even more events than were initially planned.
"Since opening, it's been really well received by the local community,” Kelvin said. “People are travelling down from Amble and Morpeth, booking tables and bringing their friends.
"The feedback has been great. It's shown there was a need for something like this.”