How do you like your coffee? Milk, sugar, just black perhaps? Well, have you ever wanted to try it with a taste of vegetables? I got a beetroot latte from this brand-new Darlington cafe- here's what I thought.

I like to think of myself as someone who can try new things. During my time as a barista before I began my career as a journalist I became well-versed in the coffee world. You name it - I've tried it.

I learned how to make everything from flat whites to frappes, cortados to cappuccinos - yet the one thing I had never heard of was a latte made with vegetables. That was, until this week.

@thenorthernecho Would you try a beetroot latte from Viking Coffee in Darlington? Let us know in the comments! #coffee#beetrootlatte#darlington#northernecho#latte#coffeetiktok ♬ Coffee for You Head - Vinyll

Viking Coffee, an independent coffee shop has today (March 11) opened its doors on Tubwell Row serving up a wide variety of traditional and specialty hot drinks including an item I had never seen before - a beetroot latte.

In a previous chat with former rugby player and owner of Viking Coffee, Ignas Darkintis, he said that the flavour is more popular with coffee drinkers down south, in London.

For me, this made the prospect of trying it that much more interesting.

What was this mysterious southern beverage which I had never, in my natural life, seen on any coffee menu in the North East? I had to try it.

Heading down, I was given the option of having a simple beetroot latte or a dirty beetroot latte (with a shot of espresso). Eager not to muddy the beetroot experience, I went for the original for £3.20.

Made using bright purple beetroot powder, the mix is stirred into hot water before steamed milk is poured over the top - and it comes out looking bright pink.

Taking my first sip, I was surprised at how earthy it was. But, the beetroot taste was smoothed out quite nicely by the milk which also brought out the vegetable's sweetness.

I thought it was unique and a really valuable choice for those who want to join friends for a drink but may not be a huge fan of coffee. 

But, if a beetroot latte isn't your vibe, don't fret. The menu has a variety of other drinks which we tried too. 

Some of my fellow Echo reporters were also intrigued by the menu's variety and went down with me to check it out.

Audience & Engagement Editor Amy Smith went for a chai latte - and was hugely impressed.

She said: "I'm no Chai Latte connoisseur, but it is up there as one of the best chai lattes I've had."

Fellow reporter Daniel Hordon chose a hot chocolate with oat milk and was filled with praise for Viking Coffee.

He said: "The chocolate was perfectly combined, delicately swirled into creamy oat milk to produce a  chocolatey taste concoction.

"Being particularly sweet toothed I asked for extra chocolate, which meant for an intense chocolate flavour, with a slight bitterness, which melted into the mouth."

Patrick Gouldsbrough, one of our Digital Reporters took a walk on the wild side and chose a Spanish latte - unsure of what to expect.

He said: "A unique order - I was intrigued by what a 'Spanish latte' was and was pleasantly surprised to be greeted by a drink that featured condensed milk - giving it a sweet zing; a great addition to a latte and the condensed milk perfectly paired with the coffee."

Coffee lover and our own Business and Commercial Editor Mike Hughes went for his usual.

He said: "With so many choices from Viking Coffee – really…beetroot latte? - I thought I would test out a traditional cappuccino.

"Good decision. This was a real treat, a creamy texture with just the right amount of caffeine ‘hit’ to do the job. Good luck to the Viking – it’s a busy market out there, but this was a strong start and a clear signal for the competition."

And lastly, our Print Editor Nick Gullon sampled the flat white.

Recommended:

Get more content including the stories that matter to your community from The Northern Echo for just £4 for 4 months for a limited time only here.

He said: "Having been warned (thanks to Patrick’s earlier order) that a Spanish flat white meant a cup of condensed milk, I didn’t know what I was letting myself in for.

"But the creamy sweetness mixed with a strong espresso hit worked perfectly and was the ideal luxury treat I needed to start the week." 

So, it's a thumbs up for Viking Coffee from The Northern Echo - We'd definitely head back to try another one of their other drinks.