The Guardian names Northumberland's Drift Cafe among best beach bars in Europe
A popular Northumberland coastal cafe has been named one of the best in Europe by The Guardian.
The Drift Cafe in Cresswell was included in the newspaper’s list of the 27 best beach bars/cafes in the continent, published on May 9.
In the piece, journalist Phoebe Taplin described fond memories of the Northumberland seaside village, crediting the cafes homemade toasties, scones and brownies.
She added: “My first visit to the long, empty sands of Cresswell beach, at the start of the 62-mile Northumberland Coast Path, was memorable for coastal wildlife – and for homemade food at the Drift Cafe.”
Phoebe also gave a special mention to new owners Matt Bishop and Reece Gilkes – also known as the ‘Sidecar Guys’ – who hold the Guinness World Record for the longest journey around the world by scooter and sidecar.
“They offer sidecar passenger tours, sometimes including afternoon tea at the Drift, as well as punchy coffee, pies and fry-ups,” she added.
Co-owner Matt commented on the accolade: “We were over the moon to be featured by The Guardian as one of the top 27 beach cafes in Europe.
“To be included alongside some really iconic locations and see our little beach café recognised in that way is pretty special.”
Matt and Reece took over The Drift Cafe just seven months ago, following the retirement of local couple Duncan and Kate Lawrence who successfully ran the business for 12 years.
They have since built on the strong foundations of the cafe, expanding the venue’s events offerings by incorporating their own passion for adventure and the great outdoors.
"Since taking over the café, we’ve focused on creating top quality homemade food and drink while adding our own adventurous twist,” Matt added.
“Alongside the café, we’ve launched our adventure supper clubs, bringing some of the world’s most inspiring adventurers to Cresswell, as well as our sidecar experiences so visitors can head out on their own three-wheeled adventure along the Northumberland coast.”
This week, the pair are also celebrating the opening of their new pizza cabin with free pizza delivery by sidecar on Thursday evening (May 21) from 4pm – 8pm. More information can be found here.