Mister Woods — Restaurant in North Tyneside

I had the worst coffee I’ve ever had here.

As a coffee enthusiast, I make it a point to try coffee in many places. But I have never been to a place where the coffee is made with such careless disregard for quality.

I queued up at the takeaway section and ordered an espresso, a cortado, and a black Americano. The coffee-making area is right in front of you, so you can see everything. Now, this would be a wonderful feature at a place that serves good coffee, but here it was a dreadful sight. Let me explain why.

While waiting for about 10 minutes, I noticed there were two portafilters to the left of the barista. He was grinding and brewing coffee for customers, always using the same portafilter. This, in itself, isn’t a problem, but what I found shocking was that he wasn’t using the cleaning brush located under the grinder. As a result, the burnt coffee grounds from previous orders were still in the portafilter. This, apparently, is how they make their coffee.

I watched as he prepared mine. He glanced at the portafilter, and I swear at least a third of it was filled with residue from previous brews. Without even bothering to clean it, he ground fresh coffee into the dirty portafilter, placed it in the machine, and served it to me.

Unsurprisingly, it was the worst coffee I’ve ever tasted. So bad, in fact, that after a sip of each of the three cups, I threw them straight into the bin.

In short, they make your coffee using some of the dirtiest portafilters you’ll ever see. Stand in the queue, watch the so-called ‘barista’ make the coffee, and you’ll witness their complete carelessness.

I wouldn’t recommend this place to anyone.

Note: This review is based on my experience on Sunday, 14th October 2024, between...

Woods Coffee Shop presents a paradoxical experience. Despite an enticing menu and cozy ambiance, the service leaves much to be desired. During my visits on both 04/01/2024 and a separate occasion, the inefficiency of the staff became glaringly apparent.

On my first attempt, after patiently queuing outside for 15 minutes, the staff displayed a lack of urgency. Upon reaching the front, I was redirected inside to join another queue, an unexpected inconvenience. Choosing an alternative nearby, Cullercoats Coffee Co., seemed the more viable option due to the sluggish service at Woods. Even upon passing by later, it was disheartening to see the same individuals I initially queued behind still waiting, highlighting the ongoing issue of slow service coupled with mediocre products.

A second visit confirmed the consistency of this disappointing trend. Enduring a 40-minute wait in line, only to face similar treatment and lackluster service, amplified the frustration. While the establishment boasts avarage at best ambiance but a promising menu, the sluggish service overshadowed any potential enjoyment.

Regrettably, despite the allure of their offerings, Woods Coffee Shop fails to deliver on timely service, leaving patrons disheartened and seeking alternatives for a more satisfactory coffee experience.

After purchasing a 500g bag of whole bean coffee, I found even through multiple proven brewing methods, the product lacked in quality and was over roasted. Comparable to Starbucks whole bean coffee.

Save yourself the sluggish service. It’s a shame to see so many members of staff standing around whilst other members...

First time I have left a review for a cafe or restaurant but feel it's important. Joined fairly slow inside queue (perhaps half a dozen in front) and after some 8/9 minutes when there was only a couple of diners in front I was approached by a very pleasant young guy asking if I would like to 'sit in'. I had intended to but was led out of the queue to find a seat and table, mistakenly thinking it was waitress service. Obviously not - once a table was found I was told to leave a bag or something (to reserve it) and rejoin the queue to order coffee and food. As I was alone there was no way anything was going to be left. Rejoined the queue way down the line and waited another 10 minutes before my turn. A simple coffee and pre-made sandwich ordered - coffee collected with promise for someone to bring sandwich to table (which I couldn't understand as already prepared). 10 minutes after sipping coffee 'for ever' with no sign of sandwich went to counter to see what the problem was - "it was being heated-up sir" which is not what I was after. Embarrassing scene in front of large queue. The whole episode really put a dampener on my lunch and really didn't enjoy the sandwich or the experience - wish I just walked. Plenty of staff but very slow service, I will not be calling...