‘It’s been a massive success’ Black Sheep Coffee on the opening of their Newcastle store

Black Sheep Coffee has opened up a Newcastle store, which can be found on Grainger Street.

The city centre coffee shop promises a unique, modern experience while their slogan “leave the herd behind” encourages customers to embrace their individuality.

We spoke with the manager of the brand-new Newcastle store, Jude Bryson to find out how the people of Newcastle have taken to the speciality coffee company.

“It’s been a massive success, an amazing week to start with.” Jude explains.

Black Sheep Coffee opened its doors to the people of Newcastle on February 8, and in just over a week has managed to attract many curious new customers, looking to see what the coffee shop was all about.

Jude explains that the store has become “a bit of a student hub”, with many students grabbing a coffee and using the space to work. However, Jude explains that many different types of customers have visited the store in its opening week.

“I’m so overwhelmed, in a positive way of course,” Jude says, adding: “It has been incredible.”

The trendy space has floor to ceiling windows, large artwork on the walls and a neon sign which reads: “Ain’t no coffee without beans.”

But one section of the coffee shop that has gathered the most attention is the Free Coffee Board, which is currently filled with handwritten cards pinned to the board. As we speak, someone is currently pinning a message to the board.

Jude explains: “We are just encouraging people to try and give back to the community.” The Free Coffee Board gives customers the opportunity to buy a coffee for someone who may not be able to afford to buy one themselves. All customers need to do is purchase, then pin a card to the board with a message.

“It has been used a lot. People are keen to write their own messages, and leave a little bit of their own personality along with the donation.” For those who would like to accept the donation, all they need to do is enter the store,  take the card from the board and hand it to a staff member as they order their coffee.

It seems the opening week of Black Sheep Coffee in Newcastle has been a roaring success, and Jude hopes that it will continue. “We want to create a connection with our customers, where we see as many familiar faces as possible, as well as still meeting new people who come through our doors.”