"Drove from Newcastle for a lovely walk in Hulne Park to work up an appetite for the light lunch we had booked at Bari. Temperature taken at the door, all hygiene precautions followed. Social distancing strictly observed, including taking contact details. Soup with a cheddar and mustard scone was delicious. I had sweet potato and leek a combination I would never have thought of, but now may need to make it. Absolutely delicious. The roasted veg was equally delicious, and very filling. The cheese and mustard scones are to die for and huge! Nor do they skimp on the butter, which is always a (not so secret) niggle of mine. Be warned we booked for 1.15pm, and the soup was almost gone. Be early or be disappointed! For those with a sweet tooth, a delicious selection of cakes was on offer and ice cream is locally sourced. The menu includes tasting notes on all the teas on offer, which can also be bought in the little shop. The tea is served complete with tea bag tweezers and disposal container, and an egg timer. Customers are given instructions on the best amount of time to allow for the brewing of their chosen tea. The shop has testing jars so you can smell the teas to aid your purchase. If you are not a tea lover, other drinks, including filter coffee, are available. Perhaps not the best note on which to end, but the hygiene in the loo is amazing. Sanitising wipes are provided so you can clean the essentials after use (and before, if you wish) AND it is twinned with a loo in Africa. A fabulous touch so to speak. I highly recommend Bari for a real tea experience"
