Food for the belly AND for the soul
Richard and I left feeling replete and content after visiting the amazing Thought Foundation, which opened today in Birtley.
Located beneath the Cedrec offices in Clarity House on Durham Road, this new Community Interest Company (CIC) is packed full of creativity and inspiration.
Exhibition Space – Thoughtful Planet
Entering through a side door, visitors arrive in a vast exhibition area currently hosting the inaugural Thoughtful Planet exhibition. The exhibition showcases different art forms and artists’ responses to environmental issues and the fragility of our planet. It even features work from a Turner Prize nominee! Taking time to explore and appreciate the artworks was a truly enriching experience.
Think Shop
Next, we visited the Think Shop, which sells eclectic, sustainable, and thoughtful products. For Richard’s birthday, I picked up a Viking t-shirt from Joined In Life, a local business that produces recycled fabric clothing using water-based inks. Part of the sale supports Mary’s Meals, providing a daily meal to children in learning environments worldwide. From the £20 t-shirt, a child in need will eat well for a week.
Imagination Station
The Imagination Station is perfect for children to play and create while you relax with a cuppa. The area includes an extravagant waltzer seat, a fun switch wall, umbrellas with electronic rain, and a variety of toys and craft activities, all designed to spark creativity.
Brain Space & Workshops
Adjacent is Brain Space, a workshop area available for hire, ideal for learning new skills or hosting creative sessions.
Brain Food Kitchen
The Brain Food Kitchen impressed us with its menu. Richard chose the breakfast option of yoghurt, banana, walnuts, and honey (£2.50), while I opted for the home-cooked gammon and English mustard salad (£5). We enjoyed fresh orange juice and delicious homemade tray bakes for dessert. Tea was served in a charming cup with a mini milk bottle and hand-thrown honey pot. The presentation and flavours were exceptional.
Eclectic & Welcoming Atmosphere
The café offers a variety of seating options: church pews for intimate meals, bar seating for quiet time, or long tables for groups. We enjoyed chatting with Anna-Lisa Mills and Sharon Lashley of Climate Action North East, whose friendly company added to the warm and inviting atmosphere.
Final Thoughts
This was a truly delightful visit. The combination of inspiring surroundings, engaging activities, delicious food, and welcoming company makes Thought Foundation well worth a visit. I can’t wait for another excuse to return!
Explore more local CICs, like the Gateway Studio Project, which encourages young people to dance, stay healthy, and be creative.
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