We pay a visit to some of the best delis, cafés, restaurants and producers of North Tyneside
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Baristocracy Coffee
An established and highly respected taste of international coffee culture, Baristocracy is popular with lovers of a seriously good brew, while cafés, restaurants and retailers make Baristocracy their roastery of choice. Aussie coffee roaster Alex Forsyth and his Tyneside-born partner Kate Hudson have built a reputation for sourcing and roasting some the region’s best coffee, while their events are sure to offer something for novices through to coffee connoisseurs. Unit 2, Larch Court West Chirton North Industrial Estate, North Shields, NE29 8SG, tel 07908 007 726, www.baristocracycoffee.com
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Crab & Waltzer
A stone’s throw from Whitley Bay links and beach, Crab & Waltzer is home to great food and a fun atmosphere complete with real waltzer cars. There are traditional breakfasts as well as all-day pancakes and waffles, while, as the name suggests, fresh crab stars on the main menu. Dogs are made so welcome, they each get a free sausage, and for the humans you’ll also find hearty burgers and sandwiches. Scones, coffee and deluxe hot chocolate are all a welcome reward after a walk along the beach. The team can also cater for private parties, weddings, engagements, and funerals. 5-7 Marine Avenue, Whitley Bay, NE26 1LX, tel 0191 429 0734, www.facebook.com/crabandwaltzer
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Di Meo’s
Rain or shine, a visit to Whitley Bay isn’t complete without popping into the multi-award-winning Di Meo’s for traditional Italian gelato. Drop by for a proper Italian pizza or top-notch coffee too, and one of the friendliest Italian family welcomes you’ll find anywhere on Tyneside. 9 Marine Avenue, Whitley Bay, NE26 1LX, tel 0191 252 3814, www.dimeos.co.uk
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Hinnies
Head to Hinnies for a rustic Geordie-influenced menu on the seafront. Lunch and dinner are served Tuesday to Saturday as well as weekend brunch and Sunday roasts, and on the menu you’ll find favourites including North Sea soup; forager’s tart with wild leeks, garlic, mushroom and Northumberland cheese; pan haggerty, summer greens and poached egg; and slow-cooked belly pork, sauerkraut, new potatoes and Brown Ale jus. Hinnies strives to reduce environmental impact and the chefs head to North Shields fish market in their electric van almost every day. 10 East Parade, Whitley Bay, Newcastle, NE26 1AP, tel 0191 447 0500, www.hinnies.co.uk
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Fisherman’s Bay
This seafront restaurant and takeaway, named in the top 10 in the National Fish and Chip Awards 2023, serves great fish and chips and ice cream which you can order in person or via the app. Headed by the Dhillon family, the team draws on more than 25 years of fish and chip experience to deliver a new twist on old favourites. 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 its takeaways in biodegradable packaging. 6 East Parade, Whitley Bay, NE26 1AP, tel 0191 447 4774, www.fishermansbay.co.uk
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Pranzo
Pranzo Trattoria & Deli is authentically Italian, offering regional nights on Wednesdays and Thursdays with tastes of the different areas of Italy with starters, pastas and pizzas and homemade desserts. There’s a newly extended wine list and co-owner Pablo has fantastic knowledge of the wines and their history. Whether it’s a drink after work with friends or a meal out, join the team and owners Pablo and Louise to enjoy the best of Italy inside and out on the terrace. 16 Station Road, Whitley Bay NE26 2RA, tel 0191 676 7062, www.pranzopizzeria.com
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PureKnead
A cornerstone of Whitley Bay’s food scene, PureKnead artisan bakery remains a gem of North East baking brilliance. Home to artisan breads and cakes and a very warm welcome, the bread is excellent while the beautifully crafted cakes, exquisite patisserie and sweet treats are worthy partners for a cup of excellent Square Mile Coffee. No visit to the coast is complete without popping in. 111 Park View, Whitley Bay, NE26 3RH, tel 07964 864 181, www.pure-knead.co.uk
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The Deli Around the Corner
The Deli Around the Corner has been a must-visit since 2005 for fresh bread and patisserie, local meat and poultry, more than 50 cheeses and hundreds of products from local producers. Just off Front Street in Tynemouth, the team are renowned for their excellent outside catering and buffets, while inside the shop we love the fresh sandwiches, homemade soups and salad boxes, cakes, scones and everything else we’re able to carry. 61 Hotspur Street, Tynemouth, NE30 4EE, tel 0191 259 0086, www.thedeliaroundthecorner.co.uk
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The Roxburgh
Roxburgh owner and head chef Gary Dall has won high praise for his modern British cooking since setting down roots in Whitley Bay after a career as a touring chef and working in leading kitchens overseas. Seasonal, sustainable, and innovativbe dishes (such as the innovative kids’ cereal and artichoke dish in the photo above) are the order of the day here, with good food reared locally, caught in the North Sea or picked from the garden. There’s also great wine, and an eclectic playlist. Park Avenue, Whitley Bay, NE26 1DJ, tel 0191 253 1661, www.theroxburgh.co.uk