Grounds for pride at new coffee shop

Jun 27 2009 The Journal

FOOD miles are set to help local products stand out to customers at an expanding North East coffee shop chain.

As backing for The Journal’s Think North East First campaign Great Coffee plans to add stickers to all of the goods on offer at its Newcastle quayside shop.

The store, opposite Newcastle Crown Court, has only been open for nine weeks but already is set to be joined by a second branch, due to open on Gosfoth High Street on August 4.

After moving into the old Sanderson Young offices by the banks of the Tyne, coffee shop owner Stephen Deakin is basing his second outlet in another of the property agency’s branches – sharing floor space in their office opposite Gosforth’s County pub.

Stephen, former general manager of the Copthorne Hotel, says the success he has found so far with his emerging brand has presented the ideal opportunity for reinvesting in the region.

The entrepreneur believes the best way for him to do this is by showcasing how close at hand are all of his quality products.

Stephen, of Dissington, near Stamfordham, Northumberland, said: “Business has been going really well and there’s been great interest in the first store. A lot of local people and suppliers have been very helpful, so it’s meant we’ve been able to offer weekly, locally produced specials – sandwiches and coffees.

“I came up with the idea for the stickers at my local butchers – they always have signs telling you where the meat comes from. I think customers really appreciate that. It’s reassuring they ingredients are fresh.

“When we started thinking about it we realised just how many of our suppliers are based within just eight or ten miles.

“We have 15 main suppliers and they are all from the region. I think the furthest afield we go is Berwick. Even our coffee is roasted locally by Ringtons.

“Above everything it helps keep the pound here. I think people around here appreciate that. People in the North East are very passionate about their community and doing what they can to preserve it.”

The move closely matches the aims of The Journal’s Think North East First campaign. Launched in January, it aims to encourage spenders to buy locally.