Simply Cheesecake and Friends opens on Dean Street, Newcastle

Sometimes, usually when I least expect it, Simon can be so thoughtful and romantic. My very first birthday in Newcastle he wanted to organise me something very special and stumbled across local lady Alyson who makes the most beautiful cheesecakes. Knowing how much I love my sweet treats he ordered me a custom made Toblerone cheesecake complete with birthday message and it was there that our love affair with Simply Cheesecake began.

Photo by Simply Cheesecake

If you're a regular visitor to the region's markets or a self proclaimed pro in the best cakes in the North East I'm sure you'll be familiar with Simply Cheesecake who make the very best cheesecakes in the region. If you don't believe me then keep an eye out for them next time you're at a local foodie market, I promise you wont be disappointed.

So, as you can imagine, I was very excited when I recently discovered that Alyson has been secretly working on an amazing project that I know you're all going to love. Alyson is opening "Simply Cheesecake and Friends", a coffee shop on the beautiful Dean Street in Newcastle, which will be dedicated to bringing the region's best food to the people of the Toon.

Photo by Simply Cheesecake

Opening early next year, Simply Cheesecake and Friends will serve breakfast (think Greek yoghurt, porridge, sausage sandwiches and smoked salmon), lunch (including homemade soups, made to order sandwiches and proper toasties), afternoon tea and, of course, plenty of cheesecake. Street food pop-ups will be appearing every Friday and Saturday where you'll be able to enjoy a set menu (hopefully including alcohol!) at evenings hosted by some of your favourite local street food vendors.

Alyson hopes to have all of the furniture for the coffee shop made locally and to get as many local businesses involved as possible -  this promises to be a real passion project for the local community.

Photo by Simply Cheesecake

So, how can we help get this amazing project off to a flying start? Just head over to the Simply Cheesecake and Friends Crowdfunder where you can pledge money and also get yourself some rather fantastic goodies when the new shop opens:

£5.00 - a slice of cheesecake and a hot drink

£10.00 - breakfast for two

£20.00 - lunch for two

£35.00 - afternoon tea for two

£50.00 - a sausage making course for 2 people with the Northumberland Sausage Company including bangers and mash

£100.00 - an evening pop up for 6 people

£150.00 - advertise your business in the coffee shop for 6 months

Full details of each reward can be found on the Crowdfunder page and make sure you keep an eye on New Girl in Toon over the coming months as I eagerly queue up outside on opening day!

This post is not sponsored, I'm just very passionate about cheesecake and helping lovely local people to do amazing things!