We pay a visit to some of the best delis, cafés, restaurants and food producers of North Tyneside, chosen as one of the five emerging food and drink destinations for a short UK break by The Guardian
31 The Quay
Located on the banks of the Tyne at Smith Dock in North Shields, 31 The Quay occupies a spectacular setting, its glazed frontage treating diners to amazing views to Tynemouth and the sea. The food here is always seasonal, with fish starring throughout the year alongside local meat, poultry and game in season.
31 The Quay, Smokehouse Two, Duke Street, Smith’s Dock, North Shields, NE29 6BZ, tel 0191 257 5310, www.31thequay.co.uk
Baristocracy Coffee
Aussie coffee roaster Alex Forsyth and his Tyneside-born partner Kate Hudson have a big reputation for great coffee. A taste of Australian coffee culture, Baristocracy is popular with lovers of a seriously good brew, while cafés, restaurants and retailers make Baristocracy their roastery of choice. Pay them a visit for great coffee and some coffee know-how.
Baristocracy Coffee, Unit 2, Larch Court, West Chirton North Industrial Estate, North Shields, NE29 8SG, tel 07908 007 726, www.baristocracycoffee.com
The Deli Around the Corner
Home to fresh bread and patisserie, local meat and poultry, more than 50 cheeses and hundreds of products from local artisans, The Deli Around the Corner has been a must-visit since 2005. Just off Front Street, regulars enjoy the fresh sandwiches, homemade soups and salad boxes, cakes, scones and much more.
The Deli Around the Corner, 61 Hotspur Street, Tynemouth, NE30 4EE, tel 0191 259 0086, www.thedeliaroundthecorner.co.uk
Dil and the Bear
With two quirky café’s on Tynemouth’s Front Street and at Whitley Bay’s Metro station Dil and the Bear is home to homemade cakes, bakes and sweet treats alongside a global menu of breakfast, brunch and lunch dishes. The all-day breakfast menu features cornbread and bacon, and New York-style bagels, while lunch includes Thai-inspired rice bowls, Cuban pulled pork ciabatta, feta fattoush salad and more. Cakes can be eaten in with great coffee or packed up for cakeaway, and the Whitley Bay venue is available to hire for parties, baby showers, weddings etc. The decor reflects owner Dilaila’s work as an interior designer before turning her creativity to baking show-stopping cakes, which are available to order. Follow on social media for updates on upcoming events.
Dil and the Bear, 18 Front Street Tynemouth, NE30 4DX, tel 07709 178 721, www.dilandthebear.com
Dil and the Bear at the Station, units 4-7, Station Square, Whitley Bay, NE26 2QT, tel 0191 447 1313, www.dilandthebear.com
Di Meo’s
Ice cream isn’t just for sunny days, which is why every visit to Whitley Bay, rain or shine, must include a visit to multi-award-winning Di Meo’s for traditional Italian gelato. Drop by for a proper Italian pizza, top-notch coffee and one of the friendliest Italian family welcomes you’ll find anywhere.
Di Meo’s, 9 Marine Avenue, Whitley Bay, NE26 1LX, tel 0191 252 3814, www.dimeos.co.uk
Fisherman’s Bay
This seafront restaurant and takeaway serves great fish and chips and ice cream Tuesdays-Sundays. 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.
Fisherman’s Bay, 6 East Parade, Whitley Bay, NE26 1AP, tel 0191 447 4774, www.fishermansbay.co.uk
Hinnies
On the prom in Whitley Bay, Hinnies takes Geordie-inspired dishes like pan haggerty and singin’ hinnies to the next level with local ingredients sourced and prepared by its talented chefs. An informal setting for great food while walking along the coast or shopping in Whitley Bay, Hinnies is run by restaurateur Andy Hook, who also runs the multi-award-winning Blackfriars and Dobson & Parnell in Newcastle. Hinnies, 10 East Parade, Whitley Bay, NE26 1AP, tel 0191 447 0500, www.hinnies.co.uk
Lobo Rojo
An informal, California-inspired Mexican restaurant and bar, Lobo Rojo is home to top-notch tacos and burritos. Corn tortillas are made fresh daily along with a selection of fillings packed with flavour, from thinly sliced pork with lime and coriander to crispy fried cod with pico de gallo. The cocktail menu is filled with classics and headlined by fantastic margaritas and tequila-based drinks. You’ll also find Little Lobo – a condensed version of Lobo Rojo in a small taqueria-style venue serving Cal-Mex tacos, burritos, frozen margaritas and more to dine in and takeaway at Starbeck Avenue, Sandyford and Percy Park Road, Tynemouth (coming soon!).
Lobo Rojo, 40 Fish Quay, North Shields, NE30 1HB, tel 0191 257 6986, www.loborojo.co.uk
Nicholson’s Butchers
A local institution, Nicholson’s has been in the heart of Whitley Bay for more than 100 years. Now in its fourth generation, the family-owned shop, which was one of the first members of the national Butchers Q Guild, is home to great local produce and expert advice on preparing it. The award-winning produce ranges from traditional cuts and innovative sausages to pies and pasties from the deli, and groceries from the shop. You can also order online for next day local delivery and collection.
Nicholson’s Butchers, 140 Park View, Whitley Bay NE26 3QN, tel 0191 252 5250, www.nicholsonsbutchers.co.uk
Park View Deli Bar
Another essential stop on Park View in Whitley Bay (there are a lot on this one street!), Park View Deli Bar is home to beautiful produce and ingredients from the best producers. The shelves and deli counter feature goods from artisan producers including Northumberland Cheese, Tracklements condiments, Cherry Tree jams, Sloemotion gin and vodka and more. Food is made to order to eat in or take away, and cakes and sweet treats are essential purchases. The café is licensed and dog-friendly, and be sure to browse the homeware and gifts when you visit.
Park View Deli Bar, 188 Park View, Whitley Bay NE26 3QP, tel 0191 252 8236, www.parkviewdelibar.co.uk
Phil’s Plaice
Fish doesn’t get fresher than at Phil’s Plaice on North Shields Fish Quay. The best of the day’s catch is landed yards from the front door and is inside the shop within 10 minutes. Beautifully displayed, the range can include as many as 30 varieties of seasonal fish and prepared shellfish.
Phil’s Plaice, 3 Cliffords Fort, North Shields, NE30 1JE, tel 0191 257 1555, philsplaice.com
Pranzo
Family-run Pranzo Trattoria and Deli in Whitley Bay is home to authentic Italian food and the best local and Italian ingredients. The wine list is sourced directly from Italian vineyards, while Tuscan-born owner Pablo has spent more 20 years in the industry in order to offer the finest breakfasts, cicchetti (small plates), pizza and fresh pasta indoors or out on the terrace. The deli is stocked with some of the ingredients used in the kitchen so you can use them at home too. Keep an eye on Pranzo’s social media for weekly specials and tapas menu updates as well as news from the trattoria and deli.
Pranzo, 16 Station Road, Whitley Bay, NE26 2RA, tel 0191 676 7062, www.pranzotapasbar.com
PureKnead
One of the trailblazers of Whitley Bay’s transformation into a food destination, PureKnead artisan bakery is a gem. 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.
PureKnead, 111 Park View, Whitley Bay, NE26 3RH, tel 07964 864 181, www.pure-knead.co.uk
SaltHouse
Inspired by the food and restaurants of Ibiza, SaltHouse sits high above Cullercoats bay and is home to delicious tapas and cocktails. Local meat and fish is matched with Spanish charcuterie, cheese and wine as cocktails including their famous margaritas make this a must-visit for long lunches and late dinners.
SaltHouse, 6/7 Victoria Crescent, Cullercoats, NE30 4PN, tel 0191 251 1699, www.salthousecullercoats.co.uk
