Breaktime News chats with consultant Mike Turner about News Café.
A very cute, albeit mischievous, dog is currently looking up at me from the front page of the News Café newspaper. His name is Albus and the image shows him with a copy of The Times held securely in his mouth. It’s beyond endearing.
I’m currently sitting in the corner of the News Café in Plymouth’s Royal William Yard. My eyes are hungrily devouring the contents of the menu, writes Duncan Little.
It would be hyperbole to say that I’m famished but I sure am feeling peckish. I’m hoping the portion sizes are generous.
One burger ordered. One burger arrives. And the portion size is definitely generous. Good value too: a beef burger (with fries) is only £15.75 and I’ve also decided on a Cherry Poppins smoothy at £6.50.
This is the perfect combo for a hot day and the smoothy is packed with lots of health giving goodies, including: strawberries, cherries, mango, banana, blackcurrents and raspberries.
Albus is at my feet and is looking at me out of the corner of his eyes. His thought message is clear: are you sure you want to eat all that food by yourself?
His owner, Mike Turner, News Café Consultant, isn’t telepathically communicating with me but is in chatty mood as another rather full plate of food arrives at our table.
Since you ask: it’s the Full English and includes bacon (two rashers), sausages (two), eggs, hash brown, black pudding, roast tomato, large mushroom, beans and a choice of white (or brown) toast. Mike’s opted for white toast. All for less than £15.
Just typing up my notes is making me feel peckish (again). Focus, Duncan, focus. The News Café is in the corner of the harbour area of the Royal William Yard. Indoor and outdoor seating with the most incredible views.
‘Best sunset views in Plymouth’
‘Very few places in Plymouth have this view,’ explains Mike. ‘It has the best sunset views in Plymouth.’
It’s quickly clear that News Café Plymouth (there is also one in Salisbury) is a major focal point for the local community. Here is a place where you can come to read the papers. It’s also a place where you can attend business networking events.
‘We have all the main national and local newspapers alongside magazines so you can catch up with current affairs.’
But it’s not all news, news, news. Perhaps, you would like to come along to meet other singles? Or maybe bring along your dog to one of the café’s Waggy Wednesdays?
Eight to 12 dog walkers regularly meet up with Albus (and Mike) to go on a potter before engaging in a light repast (dogs receive free treats).
In short, there’s a lot happening at News Café and you can read all about it in its own in-house newspaper – it also doubles as the food and drink menu.
It’s regularly updated with what’s happening in the area. This edition includes a piece on The Loop Social Group for women over the age of 50 and details about the News Café’s VIP membership card.
If you’re a freelancer, entrepreneur or company director then this is the perfect place to ‘meet and greet’ or to simply relax – to get away from all the hustle and bustle.
‘People do come in here and work from the café so we have electrical points to help them to do so. We have fast wi-fi and we’re keen to support local businesses.’
‘We run breakfast networking events with around 30 people registered for the next one and we have up to 40 people come along to an evening business event.’
‘Very few places in Plymouth have this view. It has the best sunset views.’
‘Lots of moving parts’
‘Business networking has been a crusade of mine for the past ten years to support independent businesses as we firmly believe in it as small companies underpin the economy.’
Unlike a number of business breakfast clubs, it’s free to attend (you only pay for what you eat and drink). Not bad for a business which only started here last year but now employs 20 people with its’ own regular array of patrons.
‘Running a restaurant has lots of moving parts and we’re pleased with what we’ve achieved. We opened at the end of the summer and my expectation is this year’s going to be great. We’re confident about the future.’
We’ve now moved onto the dessert menu and Albus is happily ensconced with a pup cake (aka the greatest dog treat in the world, apparently).
I’m torn between tiramisu (£8.95), sticky toffee pudding with double cream (£10.50) or the chocolate brownie with vanilla ice-cream (£7.95). I opt for the latter but there was plenty of additional options that also caused my taste buds to gently stir.
‘The place provides a local economy boost. It’s very much a focal point for the local community and is right in the middle of the tourist area but attracts the immediate community for their brunch and evening meal,’ explains Mike as he tucks into an Apple Crumble (with custard).
‘We designed the menu to incorporate (Royal William) Yard news along with Features and Sports. It’s all part of the local community vibe and supporting businesses in the area.’
It’s time for Albus to walk off his treat so Mike and I part company on the steps of the News Café restaurant.
By the way, the chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream was very tasty. It really was a perfect choice of dessert to compliment a rather sumptuous main course.
I’ve already made a mental note for the fish dishes, pizzas, sandwiches and sharing plates for my next visit the News Café (minus my notebook and pen though).
