Baristocracy Coffee
This North Shields roastery is home to seriously good coffee. Aussie coffee roaster Alex Forsyth and Tyneside-born Kate Hudson have built a great reputation for sourcing and roasting exceptional coffees from well-known locations as well as some more obscure ones. Alex continues to travel the world to expand his knowledge and learn more from those who grow, process and ship the beans which go into every cup. Meanwhile, regular events in the roastery offer something for novices through to coffee connoisseurs. Check out the website for details and booking information. Unit 2, Larch Court, West Chirton North Industrial Estate, North Shields, NE29 8SG, www.baristocracycoffee.com
Buy the Kilo
Home to a fantastic shopping experience in The Sidings at Tynemouth Station, Buy the Kilo sells dried foods, household cleaning products and toiletries to help cut your single-use plastic at home. Run by interior designer turned artist Jackie Sewell, the shop opened in February 2019 and today it is home to produce and products from flour and baking ingredients to cereals, grains, nuts and seeds, and pasta. You’ll also find loose leaf tea from Love Leaf Tea, coffee from Baristocracy in North Shields, and products from Zenote Soaps – plus lots more from local small businesses and makers as part of the weekly pop-up programme. Buy the Kilo also has an art gallery in-store, promoting artists who are working to highlight the blight of plastic on our land and oceans. No 3 The Sidings, Tynemouth Metro Station, Tynemouth, NE30 2TF, www.buy-the-kilo.com
Di Meo’s
Di Meo’s multi-award-winning ice cream parlour is our go-to place for traditional Italian gelato, fabulous pizzas, and great coffee whenever we’re in Whitley Bay. Home to one of the friendliest Italian family welcomes anywhere in the region, the team are experts at what they do – and popping in will always brighten your day, whether you’re getting pizza for lunch or walking down to the beach with an ice cream. 9 Marine Avenue, Whitley Bay, NE26 1LX, tel 0191 252 3814, www.dimeos.co.uk
Fisherman’s Bay
A regular in national chippy rankings, Fisherman’s Bay in Whitley Bay is home to great fish and chips and ice cream – which you can order in person or via the app. Led by the Dhillon family, the team has decades of industry experience and delivers traditional favourites, modern takes on classics, and extensive gluten-free and vegan options a stone’s throw from the North Sea. As well as serving great food, the team is passionate about the local area, supporting environmentally conscious initiatives including regular beach cleans and serving all takeaways in biodegradable packaging. 6 East Parade, Whitley Bay, NE26 1AP, tel 0191 447 4774, www.fishermansbay.co.uk
