Café W Newcastle in Newcastle upon Tyne

I'm afraid I've had to reduce my rating in light of the recent "improvements". Since the changes, it is a much less welcoming place, seating too cramped and lighting too bright. The best seats have been removed. Focus now seems to be wholly about churning through customers, and less on the experience. The one thing that could have done with sorting, namely the toilet, hasn't been improved.

I have been to this Caffe numerous times in the past and I have seen people taking the seats only to read books or chat with friends. I was seated on one of the chairs in the back where the books are and was reading something and this barista comes over telling me if I don’t buy a drink I cannot be using the seat and not allowed to have a drink that I bought in somewhere else! There were several free seats so it wasn’t that I am occupying someone else’s space, plus as I’ve said above I’ve seen people on most occasions I’ve been to the floor of the building taking the seats to only read things, if those seats are only for people drinking coffee bought from that caffe then why would you allow other people? It was quite divisive and discriminatory of her to approach me in such a way. Alternatively, it wasn’t my first time at the Caffe to sit and read and no one in the past has said anything. She told I can’t that have coffee since it wasn’t bought there and can’t use the seat if I don’t have the service! I would like to ask for a complaint to be logged and a proper response to this issue.

You can drink your coffee in peace amidst the scent of books.

Lovely place for coffee, can get a little busy on the weekend

What could be better than a café in a bookshop? Thus is definitely a place worth visiting...

Decent coffee for a good price, surrounded by books. No downside. Staff great too.

Great busy cafe in lovely surroundings

Great place for a coffee and a book to read

Lovely to drink coffee surrounded by an excellent choice of Waterstones books. No canned music!!

Lovely atmosphere, lovey staff, very reasonably priced drinks, 4 stars for food as there weren't very much gluten-free options ... a choice of 2 pre packaged cake bars today, so where my daughter had a large choice of savoury or sweet options I had a choice of 2 small cakes!

Nice café - bought a book and read there for a long time with a Cappuccino and a good slice of cake.

Good service and Lisa is a great host:)

As always, a great choice of drinks, sandwiches and sweet treats. Choices available for children too. Staff are always lovely and super helpful.