I recently visited The Black Candle on Dean Road in South Shields and it’s one of those places you instantly know you’ll want to return to. From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere stood out straight away. The venue itself isn’t huge, but that adds to its charm. It has a cosy, welcoming feel with loads of character, stylish décor, and a relaxed atmosphere that makes you feel comfortable as soon as you sit down. It feels independent, unique, and completely different from your average café or restaurant.
I ordered the hash bowl which came with crispy cubed potato hash browns topped with smoked salmon and perfectly poached eggs, and honestly it was one of the nicest breakfasts I’ve had in a long time. The presentation was excellent — the kind of dish that looks just as good as it tastes. The potatoes were perfectly crispy on the outside while still soft in the middle, the smoked salmon worked so well with the eggs, and everything tasted fresh and full of flavour. It was a different and creative breakfast option compared to the usual fry-ups and brunch dishes you see elsewhere, and it was incredibly filling too. You could tell real thought had gone into both the flavours and presentation.
One of the biggest things that impressed me was how extensive the breakfast menu was. There was such a wide variety of options catering for different tastes, and I genuinely spent ages deciding what to order because so many things sounded good. It’s the type of menu where you already know what you want to try next before you’ve even finished your meal. Whether you want something indulgent, lighter options, or something a bit different, there’s plenty of choice.
The whole place has a great vibe to it and feels like somewhere that works for so many occasions. I noticed they also offer cheap steak nights and pizza nights, which makes it ideal not only for breakfast or brunch, but also for evening meals, date nights, or catching up with friends. It’s the kind of local place South Shields really benefits from — somewhere with personality, quality food, and an atmosphere that makes people want to come back.
Overall, I honestly couldn’t fault the experience. Great food, brilliant presentation, loads of menu choice, cosy surroundings, and a relaxed atmosphere all made it stand out. I’d happily return for another breakfast or visit later in the day because there are still so many dishes on the menu I’d love to try. A place I’d recommend to anyone looking for somewhere a little different in South Shields.
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