Post Box is the brand new café that has just opened on Main Street, Ponteland. Sandwiched in-between Bridgfords and Ponteland Tandoori, Post Box really stands out – it might be something to do with the pretty red bench outside, freshly painted front and kilner jar lights hanging in the window.

My friend Sarah and I have had this in the diary for quite some time and went along this morning – on their opening day.

Inside, the decor is cosy and inviting. Exposed brickwork, a wall made from scaffolding boards, wooden floorboards and loads of natural light from the lovely big windows. Next time I go, I’m definitely aiming for one of the window booths.

We had a quick look at the menu and made our choices, I hadn’t eaten breakfast so ordered Eggs Benedict whilst Sarah picked a slice of Victoria Sponge. Post Box serves Ouseburn Coffee (readers of my blog will know this is my favourite) which I was already thrilled about… imagine how happy I was when my cappuccino came with a little square of chocolate tiffin. On the second page of the menu there was a “Clean Eating” section which Alex (whose exciting venture Post Box is, along with business partner Hayden) explained would appear on the blackboard on the wall, in the next few weeks and options would change every few days. Loving this idea. The team will also start serving Afternoon Tea in the next couple of weeks. YESSS.

Just like us, lots of people have been waiting for Post Box to open, so I wasn’t surprised to see a steady stream of excited customers coming in for a peek & a cuppa. The team have been posting teasers on their Facebook page for a few months now so it almost felt like I’d been there before.

The staff were helpful, attentive AND they offered to pose for a photo when they spotted me awkwardly trying to take a picture of the counter. Thank you!

I went to school in Ponteland and lived there for about 10 years, working in Safeway (RIP) after school and at weekends. People in Ponteland still recognise me from my Safeway days. Ha ha. MEMORIES (although, that stripy white and green uniform should be forgotten). That was over 15 years ago and very little has changed in Ponteland Village in that time, so I’m sure locals will be very happy about this new venture. I am.

The opening hours are 8am-8pm, every day, which suits me just fine. Quite often after work I really fancy a nice cup of coffee and somewhere cosy to catch-up with friends… this is just the ticket. Alex also told us that they’ll be hosting a variety of classes in the evenings, creative writing and origami were mentioned amongst others (which I’ve forgotten).

It’s clear Alex and Hayden are perfectionists, have put loads of work into this and have thought about every last detail. They’ve spent over a year doing their research, looking at cafes at home and abroad as well as working with their chef and coffee roasters to create something that really fits in Ponteland. It’s paid off. I like that they’re not rushing to do everything at once. The team are brand new, getting used to their new surroundings and the service was already great, I look forward to my next visit!

I’d love to hear your thoughts if you decide to pop in.