Story centre reopens with pavement cafe
ATTRACTION SET TO OPEN DOORS AFTER LOCKDOWN
A NEW pavement cafe is opening in Newcastle this week as Seven Stories welcomes back its first visitors since lockdown.
The national centre for children’s books in the Ouseburn will be serving up story-theme traybakes, muffins and cakes in the sun as well as offering a barrista service of hot and cold drinks as it opens its doors for the first time this year.
And another draw for visitors will be its fully-revamped bookshop which it calls the ‘icing on the cake’ of its new socially-distanced attractions. For now, Seven Stories’ opening hours will be 11am until 4pm from Thursday to Sunday and during that time visitors will be able to enjoy al fresco takeaway snacks for the first time at the cafe, although social distancing means that outdoor seating will be limited.
The cafe is among an extra 45 new pavement pop-ups around Newcastle thanks to new licences being fast-tracked as venues seek ways to draw back customers following the easing of lockdown. Seven Stories’ bookshop has been refurbished and its layout changed to make best use of floor space while returning visitors also will notice that original features of the building – which used to be a mill – are now exposed.
The range of books it houses will be available for “socially-distanced browsing”, says Seven Stories which “can’t wait” to welcome back families.
It says research in 2020 suggested that 31% of people were reading more during lockdown, with a spike seen among younger readers, and it hopes this new interest will help bring children and young adults to its upcoming summer exhibitions, which will be out to bring “the magic of reading to the Ouseburn”, said Seven Stories’ new chief executive officer Mairi Kidd.
“We can’t wait to welcome people back to Seven Stories after what has been a long and challenging year,” she said.
“Our team are eager to see visitors again and are on hand to help all children explore the magic of
reading.”
The venue’s ‘storysellers’ will be available to talk about books and recommend new publications and authors.
Mairi added: “We’re promising experiences that young people can immerse themselves in both on and off the page.
“We’ve something very special based on an escape room, which we think will appeal to adults and children alike.”
Seven Stories’ opening hours may be subject to change so visitors are being advised to double check its website here before planning a visit.