Egg and cress sarnies and a cappuccino in the Binns cafe in Hartlepool

From first dates to a well deserved cappuccino - you all had lots of reasons to remember a hugely popular Hartlepool cafe.
The cafe in Binns.The cafe in Binns.
The cafe in Binns.

We turned the clock back to 1984 to the days when people enjoyed refreshments in the gelateria which was to be found inside the Binns store.

We posted a photograph on social media and asked how many of you remembered the popular spot.

Binns in Hartlepool. You had lots of memories of it.Binns in Hartlepool. You had lots of memories of it.
Binns in Hartlepool. You had lots of memories of it.
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Thousands of you did and plenty of you took time to remind us of the great times you had.

Val Simpkin was wonderfully descriptive with her step down Memory Lane.

“Remember the café but also remember the restaurant on the top floor - waitresses in black & white,” she said. “Businessman’s lunches where the choice of starters was either orange juice or grapefruit and choice of sweets was tinned fruit salad or, sponge pud and custard.”

Joan Tunnicliffe said: “I went every Saturday morning to meet my friends for coffee before going to work. We still meet just the same but retired now for a long time.”

Binns in Hartlepool. You had lots of memories of it.Binns in Hartlepool. You had lots of memories of it.
Binns in Hartlepool. You had lots of memories of it.
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Laura Johnson remembers enjoying a milkshake there while Judith Thompson was another with fond memories.

She said: “Used to love going to Binns cafe for a coffee and a cake with my dear old Mum. Happy memories.”

Claire Horner recalled the days of “ice cream sodas after school” while John Vayro said: “Yep, my big sis worked as a manager here and always gave me free Hot Chocolate.”

Carolyn Mandry said: “Loved it x I remember the cafe on top floor.”

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Nichola Bartram recalled: “The chip butties were amazing” while Vikki Lee loved “the umbrella cafe” and having banana milkshakes.”

She added: “Me dad used to take me I think.”

The memories got all romantic when Angie Reeve remembered: “First date with future hubby here xxxxx.”

Dave Storer recalled “going to see Santa on the top floor” and Alex Carter loved the place, remembering: “Egg and cress sarnies here every Saturday with me mam.”

Heather Chapman said: “I worked there briefly” while Ann Duncan chipped in with “My mam worked here about 65 years ago.”

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Sara Mcnally loved spending time there and said: “A cappuccino and I thought I was IT.”

And Pamela Murray told us: “Me and my mam use to go there. On a Saturday for dinner.” Darren Robson added: “Remember going the town with my mates and walking through Binns as part of a route every time.”

But both Shaun C Rogan and Paddy Horsley said the closure of Binns was a sad time for Hartlepool.

Thanks to everyone who responded.