A new coffee shop has opened in Newcastle city centre, fusing an iconic emblem of British culture with a focus on local produce.
Black Hack Coffee on Newgate Street is a mobile unit serving delicious hot beverages from the interior of a black cab.
On offer is locally roasted Tynemouth Coffee, luxurious melted hot chocolate and brownies from Heaton-owned 'Brownie Bar'.
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It's the first business venture from Wallsend-born Peter Milne, who splits his time between the city and his full-time job in student recruitment down in London.
The 35-year-old explained: "During the pandemic I saw a massive increase in mobile coffee units, often using converted horse carts or vans, so I wanted to do something a little different.
"Black cabs are iconic across the UK, so I wanted to bring that classic British image and put a local twist on it."
After purchasing the vehicle in the capital, he and his friends decked it out with a full coffee machine.
"The project has been in the pipeline for about 15 months" said Peter. "It's taken a lot of research to get the right suppliers and the perfect location."
Based just outside St Andrew's Church, he said it's a "great place to ensure we are helping serve the community".
"We've got a great relationship with Reverend Michael who is the Chaplain for the city centre - and when we start turning a profit we want to make sure we give back to the people in the area."
Peter has taken on two members of staff so far, and has "bold and ambitious" plans to expand into a fleet of black cabs providing drinks and snacks to the region.
"It's been going well so far, because of the unique nature of the unit" he added. "But as with any new, independent business, we need as much support as possible to get off the ground."
Price-wise, a coffee costs between £2-£2.50 and chai lattes, hot chocolates and brownies are £3.
Alternative milks and gluten free and vegan snack options are available, and there's a 10% discount for key workers and students.
The stall is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 7.15am - 2.15pm, Wednesday 7.30am-1am, Saturday 10-4pm and Sunday 10.30am-2pm.
It will also be open for longer hours on NUFC matchdays.
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