Café 21 at Fenwick Launches New European-Inspired Coffee and Cake Ritual
A new afternoon ritual which reimagines the traditional concept of afternoon tea has been launched at Café 21 at Fenwick Newcastle.
Coffee, Cake and Bubbles draws inspiration from the European Kaffee und Kuchen concept, traditionally enjoyed between lunch and dinner.
Developed by renowned restaurateur Terry Laybourne, the new concept celebrates the simple pleasure of taking time out during the day to enjoy exceptional coffee, handcrafted cakes and good company.
Rather than reserving indulgence for special occasions, Café 21 is encouraging guests to embrace a more spontaneous afternoon pause.
It has been inspired by Terry's early years working as a young chef in Southern Germany and Switzerland, where the daily ritual of Kaffee und Kuchen has long been part of everyday life.
The custom brings people together over coffee and cake to relax, catch up and enjoy an unhurried moment before the day continues.
Now, that same spirit has arrived at Café 21 in the form of a beautifully stocked cake counter, freshly prepared each day by the restaurant's pastry team.
Guests can choose from generous cakes, elegant pastries and seasonal bakes, all designed to be enjoyed throughout the day, whether meeting friends, taking a break from shopping or simply treating themselves.
Paying tribute to its European inspiration, the selection will regularly feature classic German favourites including Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte (Black Forest Gâteau) and Versunkener Apfelkuchen (German Apple Cake), alongside an evolving range of seasonal creations showcasing the team's creativity and craftsmanship.
While cakes are available throughout the day, the experience is particularly suited to the traditional Kaffee und Kuchen hours of 3-5pm, offering an inviting alternative to the more formal afternoon tea.
Guests looking to add an extra touch of celebration can also enjoy the option of Cakes and Bubbles, pairing handcrafted cakes with a glass of sparkling wine from 3-5pm.
“During my time working in Germany and Switzerland, I loved the tradition of people simply stopping in the afternoon to enjoy coffee, cake and conversation,” explained Terry Laybourne.
“It wasn't about celebrating a special occasion - it was simply part of everyday life. We wanted to bring that same relaxed sense of enjoyment to Café 21, creating something that's easy to drop into whenever you fancy a great slice of cake and an excellent coffee.”
By replacing the traditional afternoon tea with a more accessible daily ritual, Café 21 is creating an experience that can be enjoyed whenever the mood strikes, without the need to book ahead or wait for a special occasion.
Coffee, Cakes and Bubbles is available daily at Café 21, Fenwick Newcastle. For more information, visit www.cafe21fenwick.co.uk.
