The Sage Gateshead, St Mary’s Square, Gateshead Quays, Gateshead, NE8 2JR.

I saw this building and took a photo of it before I knew what it was, just because the shape of it was so pleasing to look at. It’s near the BALTIC and after going there I decided I would head to this strange building to find out more.

It turned out to be The Sage, an ‘international home for music and musical discovery’. It’s a venue for music as well as having learning programmes and also a branch of the public library, specialising in music. It’s also got a restaurant, some bars and a cafe! I didn’t have much time before I needed to go back to the hotel and meet people for dinner, but a cafe, how could I pass up the opportunity to drink tea in this snail shell of a building? So I decided to risk it.

The servery bit of the cafe is tucked between some stairs, but the tables go almost all the way to the vast windows. I apologise for the appalling picture quality of the tea at this cafe, I wanted to get the huge windows in the shot but the tea is so dark in comparison you can’t see it. It’s an inspiring place to drink tea, I’d recommend it. While I was there I could hear an orchestra playing, very relaxing.

Teapot? No.
Leaf tea? No.
Milk jug? Big jug and you help yourself.
Price? £1.20.
Cake? Yes and sandwiches etc.
Go again? Yes.