The South Shields musician and cafe owner who is striking the right chord in both worlds

Musician Sam Clarke pictured in Cafe 42 before the lockdown.

The 23-year-old from South Shields is co-owner of Cafe 42 which is back open every day of the week, for the first time this week after the pandemic shutdown.

Sam and his dad Alan, who also owns the business, have seen massive success with their cream scones which are selling out fast each day. The Chapter Row cafe is also doing a roaring trade in paninis and toasties.

But life is double busy for Sam. As soon as he finishes in the cafe, he heads for the recording studio where his music career has done well during lockdown.

Cafe 42 owner Sam Clark with his cream scones.

He said: “I can finish at the cafe at 4pm and do music until the early hours of the morning.”

He used his spare time during the coronavirus restrictions to build a music studio at home and has no complaints about the shutdown.

"Everything came to a standstill for people but for three months, I was able to concentrate on just music. I have got a lot of recording done.”

His single Run Away Girl was released last month and a second called Just Not Over You is on the way soon.

In October, he is scheduled to go on a live music tour where he supports his pal Danny Wright with gigs in London, Manchester, Glasgow and Newcastle.

But despite the double commitment, former Call On Sunday band member Sam admits he would not have it any other way.

The cafe and the music side ‘work hand in hand’ and Sam said: “I am planning to go on a UK tour and I have big bookings for next year as well.

"I have put put new music and had tons of radio play.

"I do the cafe from 9 to 4 and then go straight into the recording studio but I would not change it.

"The cafe has been busy since we opened it and people have to book tables. It is slowly getting back to normal, but it has also given me the chance to perfect my own original sound.”

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