Café 21 at Fenwick Newcastle has launched Coffee, Cake and Bubbles, a new afternoon ritual reimagining the traditional concept of afternoon tea.
The new concept draws inspiration from the European Kaffee und Kuchen tradition, typically enjoyed between lunch and dinner.
Developed by restaurateur Terry Laybourne, Coffee, Cake and Bubbles celebrates the simple pleasure of taking time during the day to enjoy 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.
The concept has been inspired by Terry’s early years working as a young chef in Southern Germany and Switzerland, where 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.
That same spirit has now arrived at Café 21 through a freshly stocked cake counter, prepared each day by the restaurant’s pastry team.
Guests can choose from generous cakes, elegant pastries and seasonal bakes, designed to be enjoyed throughout the day, whether meeting friends, taking a break from shopping or 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.
The offer will also include an evolving range of seasonal creations showcasing the pastry team’s creativity and craftsmanship.
While cakes will be available throughout the day, the experience is particularly suited to the traditional Kaffee und Kuchen hours of 3pm to 5pm, offering an inviting alternative to formal afternoon tea.
Guests looking to add a celebratory touch can also enjoy Cakes and Bubbles, pairing handcrafted cakes with a glass of sparkling wine from 3pm to 5pm.
Terry Laybourne said: “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.
“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.