Our Time at The Courtyard, Beadnell
The Courtyard is a lovely little spot in Beadnell, particularly on a sunny afternoon.
It's something of a sun trap after midday, nicely sheltered from the coastal breeze, so you can enjoy lunch outside without the usual Northumberland accompaniment of dust or sand in your baked beans.
The coffees and cakes are excellent, and there's a good choice for breakfast and lunch too.
Tom nearly always goes for a jacket potato. Apparently, they're becoming increasingly difficult to find when we're out and about. He has an elaborate theory involving the cost of electricity and the time it takes to bake a potato.
I've learned not to ask.
Inside, everything is clean, bright and comfortable. On warmer days, the large doors open right up, giving the whole place a lovely indoor-outdoor feel.
Prices are fair, the food is consistently good, and we've usually managed to find somewhere to sit without any fuss.
Our Heather & Sand verdict: A friendly, comfortable little café with good food, lovely coffee and a sunny courtyard that makes you want to linger a little longer. Exactly the sort of place we're happy to return to.