If you're in Newcastle city centre this week you may spot something unusual in the middle of Grey Street.
A brightly coloured bench, complete with phone chargers and music, has appeared on the street bearing the words, "fancy a cuppa, pet?"
The new addition to the city centre has been dubbed "the ultimate lunch bench" by Costa Coffee and M&S Food who came up with the idea as part of a campaign to get people to take a lunch break.
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It comes as new research from Costa Coffee shows that Geordies take one of the shortest lunch breaks in Britain lasting just 22 minutes.
To mark British Sandwich Week, which runs until May 28, Costa and M&S have placed a number of unique lunchtime benches across cities in the UK in an effort to encourage people to have a break.
Now Geordies are being encouraged to bring their own sarnie and take time out at lunchtime at the pop-up bench in the city this week.
Naomi Matthews, food and beverage commercial director for the UK and Ireland at Costa Coffee, said: “Taking a lunch break is so important to our wellbeing and with so many people now experiencing shorter lunchtimes or not taking a lunch break at all, we hope our unique benches give people an opportunity to unwind and recharge.”
Those who stop off for lunch at the bench will be able to enjoy relaxing sounds such as the waves along with refreshing scents like pine trees. The facility also includes fold-out tables, a condiment bar and phone chargers.
Newcastle's bench has been designed by artist Hazel Oakes who drew inspiration from the region's beautiful coastline.
Hazel, from Newcastle, said: "Many struggle to take the time to enjoy the present, which is why it was such a pleasure to collaborate with Costa Coffee and M&S Food to encourage my fellow Geordies to sit back, relax and reclaim lunch time. The theme of the bench draws on influences from the North East's many beautiful beaches - some of my favourite places to relax and enjoy a sarnie.”
Research by Costa Coffee has shown the top 10 UK cities which take the shortest lunch:
Newcastle – 22 minutes
Manchester - 23 minutes 48 seconds
Glasgow - 24 minutes 18 seconds
Birmingham - 24 minutes 54 seconds
Edinburgh - 25 minutes six seconds
Cardiff - 25 minutes 12 seconds
Leeds - 25 minutes 24 seconds
Bristol - 27 minutes six seconds
London - 28 minutes
Sheffield -28 minutes 48 seconds
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