But times have changed and there is a real buzz around the coffee scene.
Here are the best 10 coffee shops in north Northumberland (as far south as Alnmouth) according to TripAdvisor reviewers.
5. Pilgrims Coffee House, Holy Island
Pilgrims Coffee House, Holy Island. 899 out of 1,348 reviewers rated it 'excellent'. Photo: supplied
6. One Coffee 1, Seahouses
One Coffee 1, Seahouses. 237 reviewers out of 380 rated it 'excellent' and it has a decent proportion of 'very good' ratings. Photo: Google
7. Northern Edge Coffee, Berwick
Northern Edge Coffee, Berwick 106 out of 120 reviewers rated it 'excellent'. Photo: Ian Smith
8. Wyndenwell, Bamburgh
Wyndenwell, Bamburgh. 157 out of 226 reviewers rated it as 'excellent'. Photo: Ian Smith
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