By Simmie Harper
Can you share the story behind rplace?
Ray and myself met in college studying photography and became very best friends! As our friendship grew, we decided we wanted to go into business together, our initial idea was to actually start a rock music venue in Newcastle, but as we pondered the intricacies of it and settled on coffee, Ray has always been a huge coffee lover and I have a background as a chef, while Ray’s background is in customer service so it was the perfect mix!
Is your establishment dog-friendly, and do you offer any amenities or special treats for furry companions?
We are, we are massive animal lovers, dogs are always welcome, hell you can even bring your gerbils in if you want, haha! In fact, some of our regular customers did bring their molted tarantula in, we’ve also had a cat in! Everyone and everything from all walks of life are welcome here, just as long as you’re kind and lovely!
What is the most affordable item on your menu, and what makes it a popular choice among customers?
We have such a vast range of drinks and treats and they truly are all affordable, we have cookies from £2.00 and drinks from the same price too. We pride ourselves on affordability whilst being able to truly indulge and treat yourself!
On the flip side, what is the most luxurious or expensive menu item you offer, and what makes it worth the splurge?
That has to be our baklava cheesecake, it sells out quicker than I can make it, haha! It’s layers of buttery phyllo pastry with crushed pistachio, walnuts and biscuits with a cheesecake filling, more pastries and crushed nuts topped with cream cheese frosting, more pistachio and delicate rose petals.
Could you share a memorable success story or anecdote about one of your best-selling menu items?
Back in 2017 when we started, our gorgeous friends at Tynemouth Coffee handed us an opportunity on Pilgrim Street, smack bang in the centre of Newcastle.
This stint was from October to December and Ray was manning the kiosk while I went to grab lunch, I walked by Lakeland and noticed some lovely sprinkles in the shop, bright pink and blue and I had a thought – a bright pink hot chocolate, marshmallows, whipped cream, edible glitter and these gorgeous sprinkles, and there it was born – The Unicorn Hot Chocolate.
How does the local economy impact your business operations, and how do you adapt to economic changes in the community?
We are very dependant on people having a disposable income as we are of course not a necessity, we are a luxury. This is why we have something to offer for everyone too as we all deserve to have a little luxury!
What factors influenced your decision to choose North Shields as the location for your business?
Ray and I both live here in North Shields and where we are now was actually our kitchen while our shop was in Monkseaton. We noticed North Shields was missing a shop like ours and we really love being part of the community here, it truly is a place like no other.
Are there any community initiatives or partnerships you participate in to support the local area? We run a lot of workshops from our bakehouse, we have people from all over the North East coming in to demonstrate their skills such as jewellery making, painting classes, sculpture workshops and so much more. We feel like we have become ingratiated in the community with customers and businesses alike. All of our meat is supplied by North Shields Butchers, our fresh produce and dairy comes from Barry’s Eggs & Veg, we also supply wholesale to businesses in the north east!
Can you describe any unique or special features of your business that set you apart from competitors in the area? We are huge lovers of rock and country music, so you always have a lovely ambience when you’re with us. Our produce is fresh and baked lovingly by hand and each item is thought out so much, our coffee is the best in the game and is also local. We are two local girls supporting everyone we possibly can, we also have shelves where other businesses can sell their works from, right now we have Witchy Woman Wax, a vegan wax melt business selling with us, profits go to three different charities though the profits of her sales, Guide Dogs for the Blind, Newcastle Cat and Dog Shelter and Bloody Good Period, a charity who donate feminine hygiene products for asylum seekers, refugees and those in need. We also are in talks with other local business people to supply our shelves and we can’t wait to let you know who they are!
What do you hope visitors and residents alike experience when they visit your establishment in North Shields?
We want them to feel safe and welcome, this is an environment for people from all walks of life. We welcome you and your stories and of course, your kindness. After all this is “our place”.
R Place
11 Nile St
North Shields
NE29 0BD
