Over the last year or two, Middlesbrough has been inundated with new bars, restaurants and coffee shops. Most have opened in the Bedford and Baker Street area, or on Linthorpe Road, where much of the town’s recent regeneration has been concentrated.
But the new enterprise vibe is starting to spread. One of the town’s newest arrivals is Off the Ground Coffee House, which opened recently on Grange Road, just round the corner from McDonalds in what was once a betting shop.
Now it’s a funky, industrial chic space filled with light and shelves lined with books for the customers to read at their leisure.
Bigger than many of the new bars and eateries on Bedford Street, Off the Ground has plenty of space for coffee lovers to hang out.
I called in to chat to the two friends behind the new venue, Brad and Josh, who are running the coffee shop as a social enterprise with the idea that it will be able to give back to the local community, particularly the homeless.
Brad has moved from West Bromwich to open the coffee shop and was full of praise for Middlesbrough’s regeneration and the bustling new café and bar scene. He’s keen to work with local charities in order to support the homeless, offering ‘meet and eat’ sessions that will offer a free meal and a chance to meet with charity contacts.
After taking over the space last year, the friends spent several months renovating it and creating a bright, inviting place for people to spend time and enjoy a good quality coffee.
It’s only been open a few weeks, but the shop was already busy and has a number of regulars. Why not call in and see what the fuss is about?
You can find out more on the Off the Ground Coffee House Facebook page.