Totoro’s Teahouse is a new little cafe in the heart of Newcastle, and the amazing news is that it’s all vegan.

They had their official opening launch last night, and were serving yummy hommus with Turkish bread ($5), dhal ($5) and amazing cupcakes ($4). And various teas and chais of course (no coffee).

Pip and I split two cupcakes – banana with peanut butter frosting, and Oreo. I like the Oreo the best and I think Pip liked the peanut butter one. And then Pip got up and sang a few numbers. She is gorgeous and her music is amazing.

Totoro’s Teahouse was set up by a few lovely young girls with the assistance of the Renew Newcastle program.

Another new shop in Newcastle that was formed as a part of the program is the zine shop A Bird In The Hand. You know you’ve reached the store when you see this sign:

It’s a wonderful little shop, packed to the rafters with zines, and also a good selection of non-zine vegan cooking books. The store also runs an online distro if you can’t make it to Newcastle.

Renew Newcastle has a close relationship with This Is Not Art (both were the brainchild of Novocastrian Marcus Westbury), and you can read more about what events are being run this co-run between TINA and RN this weekend here.

Totoro’s Teahouse, Shop 1, 111 Hunter St, Newcastle
Bird in the Hand, 100A King Street, Newcastle