As the days become chillier and the leaves turn ruby red,
it’s the perfect time to find a cosy corner in the heart of Durham for a moment
of mid-day hibernation or a quaint coffee date. Here are three of the best independent
cafés to sip a piping hot drink and indulge in a luxurious little nibble this
Michaelmas…
Be Tempted
In the shadow of Durham’s beautiful cathedral, Be Tempted
is the best spot for charming tea and cupcake dates. Beyond the candy-floss
exterior you will find shelves of plump cushions, covered in hand-painted
pheasant prints (made by one of their lovely waitresses, and for sale inside),
and walls of exposed brick-work, making it half pretty-little-café and half
countryside-house. Their red-velvet cupcakes (which are unbelievably £1) and
marshmallow-topped hot chocolates are wonderfully sweet and adorably
picturesque, making them the most delightful afternoon treat. Plus, Be Tempted
is the number one stop for a quick early morning sip as - from 10-12pm - they
serve tea and coffee for only 99p a cup.
Chapters Tea Rooms
The low-lit Chapters provides an enchantingly dark
ambience, perfect for little low-key gatherings. Just across the cobbles from
Jimmy Allen’s, Chapters is located at the top of Elvet Bridge, making one’s pre-coffee
stroll both scenic and serene. With plenty of generous cake slices and
practically the entire range of Twinings tea on offer, Chapters is great for
catch-ups, and for trying a more unique flavour of tea; their individual silver
pots of fruity strawberry and raspberry or autumnal salted caramel tea are
recommended… and the large front-of-house windows are top-notch for
people-watchers.
Flat White Kitchen
Flat White, opened by two former Durham students, is one
of the most popular café brunch spots in the city, meaning that it is buzzing
with lively student chatter every day. Located in the centre of Saddler Street
and famed for its gigantic buttermilk pancakes, it is one of the busiest
bistros going, so popping by early is essential if you want to miss the queue.
Hot lattes in their rustic Hobbity mugs and overflowing blueberry pancake
stacks are brunch favourites.
Which café is your favourite?
Sapphire xx
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