Laneway & Co, Independent Coffee Shop in Newcastle

Most mornings I'm in such a rush that I don't have time for breakfast and just make do with downing a mug of badly made instant coffee before speeding out of the door. Not the greatest start to the day!

So when I heard that new independent coffee shop, Laneway & Co had opened in the centre of Newcastle and that it was on my morning route to work, I was very keen to get myself there for a nose around and, of course, try out some coffee.

The independent coffee scene in Newcastle is growing and with Pink Lane Coffee and Flat Caps both hugely popular with coffee lovers in the Toon there's definitely room for somewhere new for those of us that prefer to keep away from the coffee chains if we can.

Tucked away on the cobbles of High Bridge just down from the Motel One, Laneway is perfectly positioned between the shops of Monument and the famous Quayside. Very convenient for those of us that spend our days madly dashing around Newcastle and appreciate great coffee to go.

If, however, you have a little more time on your hands Laneway provides such a beautiful place to relax with a cup of coffee and a leisurely peruse of the morning's papers. Simply decorated in white and light wood it's a great place to escape the busy bustle of life or catch up with friends.

Sitting down to enjoy a deliciously sweet cup of coffee I had a little chat with owner Nick Briss about his inspiration for Newcastle's newest coffee shop. Nick's story is pretty inspirational (and, I warn you now, it'll make you want to book a holiday!). Moving to Australia for work, Nick found himself falling in love with the coffee culture in Melbourne where drinking coffee in independent cafes is the way of life.  When Nick returned to the North East at the end of last year he knew he wanted to bring the buzz of the Melbourne coffee shops to Newcastle and Laneway & Co was born.

Talking to Nick about coffee it's hard not to get swept up by his infectious enthusiasm. He is so knowledgeable and passionate about coffee and I learnt loads from the hour that I spent in the shop. If you are keen to learn more about coffee and try out some different blends then head over to Laneway.

I was interested to hear about the coffee that Laneway & Co are serving and they are currently showcasing Allpress Redchurch and Square Mile. Of course I also couldn't resist a nose at the food on the counter. The delicious looking baked egg tarts looked like the perfect breakfast and the cakes which Nick fell in love with during a trip to London definitely need to be tried.

If coffee really isn't your thing then Laneway & Co also serve a great selection of tea and my friend Sarah hasn't stopped talking about how amazing the hot chocolate is.

Something tells me I'm going to become a bit of a regular!

I was invited to Laneway & Co to sample their coffee, all opinions are my own. All photographs in this post were taken by OPR.