In fact, the experience is miles away from the sophisticated ideal of cafe culture. Drinking a coffee tucked away in the corner of a Dr Who exhibit is paramount to attempting to enjoy one at the side of a indoor swimming pool full of scremaing, hyperactive children. Mind you, I don't think 'cafe culture' is exactly what they were aiming for when they put it there.
One wall is painted with prehistoric animals accompanied by names and dates of origin of extinction so eating can also be an educational experience. The rest of the decoris a brash red and yellow which, along with the acoustics, adds to the swimming pool experience.
Standard cafe food is available at a reasonable price: sandwiches, cakes, wraps and pastries are all edible and affordable, but the pre- packaged food is a bit hard to swallow.
The coffee is actually surprisingly good. Fairtrade Starbucks coffee is served so you at least know what to expect (but seriously, just go to a Starbucks).
The clientele is inevitably families stoppping to relax during a visit to the museum, and there is a lot to keep the kids entertained. In addition to the educational interior design, there is a table with a few small games on and a gift shop which sells lots of things to play with.
The saving grace of the Times Square Cafe is definitely its outdoor area. On a sunny day, sitting under an umbrella amongst the flowers and greenery can feel almost continental and a far cry from the atmosphere inside.
The cafe can be found in the Centre for Life in Times Square, Newcastle City Centre. It is open Monday to Saturday 10am - 6pm and 11am - 6pm on Sunday. Being so family orientated, the cafe is not lisenced and there is easy access for wheelchairs and prams.
Overall, Times Square Cafe is cheap, convienient and family friendly - as a simple museum cafe, it does the job. If you happen to be visiting in the museum then by all means stop in, but if you're looking for a cafe culture experience you should probably find somewhere else.
Not my cup of tea.
3/5
Times Square Cafe
Life Science Centre
Times Square
Newcastle upon Tyne
Tyne & Wear
NE1 4EP
T: (0191) 243 8210
