We visit Tynemouth, Whitley Bay and North Shields to sample the very best of the coast’s delis, cafés, restaurants and food producers
Boda Home
The appetite team love nothing more than a mooch around an independent shop full of local produce and unusual goods, and Boda Home in Whitely Bay is a favourite for its selection of local food, organic wines, craft ales and quirky home accessories. If, like us, you struggle to make up your mind when you’re surrounded by choice, pick up one of the fantastic hampers filled with carefully chosen selections from the likes of Allendale Brewery, Durham Gin, Whitley Bay Gin, Snowdonia Cheese Company, Tracklement Co condiments and more. An absolute gem. Boda Home, Whitley Road, Whitley Bay NE26 2NE, tel 07542 244 716, www.bodahome.co.uk
Brown’s Salt House
There’s something for everyone at Brown’s Salt House in Cullercoats, from light lunches to quality fish and chips. For those walking the coast, there’s good coffee and plenty of cakes on offer too, while Sunday lunch here comes highly recommended. Brown’s Salt House, Victoria Crescent Cullercoats, NE30 4PN, tel 0191 251 1699, www.facebook.com/brownssalthouse
Coast Kitchen & Bar
This cool seaside kitchen is home to a delicious range of bar bites, small plates and flatbreads. The brunch menu features eggs served every way imaginable, healthy granolas and indulgent American waffles. The weekly changing daytime specials menu may include smoked haddock with sag aloo and coconut cream sauce, and in the evenings you’ll find fresh fish and seafood alongside flatbreads, Aberdeen Angus and vegan burgers, and sharing boards stacked with hams, sausage, olives, cheeses, oysters and more. Coast Kitchen & Bar, Front Street Tynemouth, NE30 4BP, tel 0191 257 7257, www.coastkitchenandbar.co.uk
COOK & BAKER
The wonderful Cook & Baker delicatessen is filled with local produce including rustic breads and bakes from the brilliant FAB Bakery, whose range includes an amazing New York deli rye, a wonderful panmarino and cinnamon buns. Fresh produce includes local free-range eggs, heritage tomatoes, local fruit and veg, Northumbrian cheese and masses more. Cook & Baker, Queensway, Tynemouth, NE30 4NA, tel 07905 367 457, www.facebook.com/pg/cookandbakertynemouth
The Cottage Kitchen
The Cottage Kitchen in Whitley Bay is home to proper home cooking and has been a go-to for comfort food on the coast for 50 years. The menu is full of hearty fare including all-day breakfasts, hot stottie dips and mini stotties alongside sandwiches and daily specials. Listed in Trip Advisor’s Hall of Fame having won a Certificate of Excellence in each of the last five years, it also serves up a top-notch cuppa. The Cottage Kitchen, Countess Ave , Whitley Bay, NE26 3PN, tel 07530 101 186, www.facebook.com/Cottage-Kitchen-150235811683424
The Deli Around the Corner
The Deli Around the Corner is filled with treats, from fresh bread and patisserie to local meat and poultry, cheese and hundreds of carefully chosen products from local artisans including TR Johnsons, North Chocolates, Tynemouth Honey and Mordue Brewery. Fresh sandwiches, homemade soups and salad boxes make for a lovely lunch while the traybakes, cakes, scones and treats are perfect with afternoon coffee. The Deli Around the Corner, Hotspur Street Tynemouth, NE30 4EE, tel 0191 259 0086, www.thedeliaroundthecorner.co.uk
Di Meo’s
Every trip to Whitley Bay must include a visit to Di Meo’s for traditional Italian gelato. If it’s a bit nippy for ice cream, this family-run retreat serves up good food and coffee too. A coastal gem with a proper Italian family welcome, it’s a must-visit. Di Meo’s, Marine Ave, Whitley Bay, NE26 1LX, tel 0191 252 3814, www.facebook.com/DiMeosIceCream
Dil and the Bear
This quirky café on Tynemouth’s main street serves fabulous homemade cakes, bakes and sweet treats alongside a host of unusual and globally inspired dishes across breakfast, brunch, lunch and afternoon tea. These include the wonderful all-day breakfast pie with layers of spinach, sausage, egg, roast onion and tomatoes in puff pastry and a fabulous all-day breakfast mezze featuring feta, za’atar, mint labneh and homemade falafel bites served with lavosh. The cute and moreish baby carrot cakes topped with Cape gooseberries are a Dil and the Bear original. The idiosyncratic decor reflects the fact the owner worked as an interior designer before turning her creativity to baking show-stopping cakes, which are available to order. Soon to be serving a selection of wine and beer. Dil and the Bear, Front Street, Tynemouth, NE30 4DX, tel 07709 178 721
Dodgin’s Yard
Down on the quayside in North Shields, Dodgin’s Yard Café, Bar and Grillhouse is a fantastic destination for brunch or cocktails. You’ll find a great grill menu in the evenings, the choice including locally bred steaks and brisket. Drop by for cocktails and nibbles, enjoy Sunday lunch, or dine in style on an excellent midweek meat board for two – £26.95 with a bottle of house wine. Dodgin’s Yard, 50B Bell Street, North Shields, NE30 1HF, tel 0191 259 1992, www.facebook.com/DodginsYard
Grand Hotel
If you’re looking for dinner with a view, the Grand Hotel above Tynemouth Longsands is the place for you. The hotel blends Victorian and modern styles while offering excellent food and first-class service. The Brasserie Restaurant is led by Adam Hegarty and serves the fresh local ingredients across a modern British menu. You can also pop in for lunch and enjoy the grandeur of the Drawing Room. Or enjoy a drink in Copperfields real ale pub. Food is served noon-9pm daily. Grand Hotel, Grand Parade, Tynemouth NE30 4ER, tel 0191 293 6666, www.grandhoteltynemouth.co.uk
The Grind
Whether it’s a coffee pit stop on our way home or we’re in need of a light, healthy lunch, The Grind Coffee House is a fantastic stopping point. You’ll find coffee from the excellent Tynemouth Coffee Co alongside a daily lunch and breakfast menu including paninis, pittas, high-protein Pots of Gold meals, pasties, burgers, daily lunch specials and more. The Grind Coffee House, Foxhunters Trading Estate, Whitley Bay, tel 07733 100 784, The Grind Coffee House on Facebook
The Hastings Arms
The multi award-winning Hastings Arms in Seaton Delaval is home to good beer and great food with a very warm welcome. You’ll find plenty of British classics on the menu plus a few lighter twists like Mediterranean fish stew and there’s also a good Sunday lunch. Try the Geordie Tappaz too – it includes everything from a Saveloy Sarnie to Broon Ale Bhajis and Singin’ Hinnies. The Hastings Arms, Wheatridge Row , Seaton Delaval, NE25 0QH, tel 0191 237 6868, www.thehastingsarms.com
Longsands Fish Kitchen
With the North Sea a stone’s throw from the front door, it’s no surprise that renowned chef Simon Walsh’s restaurant is dedicated to the best the day’s catch. Walsh fills his menus with the best and the freshest produce of the North Sea, from Lindisfarne oysters to the pick of the day’s catch. Longsands Fish Kitchen is also home to what is officially one of the country’s best traditional fish and chip takeaways, serving up perfect fish and chips to take away at the front of the restaurant. Longsands Fish Kitchen, Front Street Tynemouth NE30 4DZ, tel 0191 272 8552, www.longsandsfishkitchen.com
Nicholson’s Butchers
A Whitley Bay institution, Nicholson’s has been here 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 the best local produce and expert advice. The award-winning produce ranges from innovative sausages to pies and pasties while the barbecue selection will rival any in the region. Nicholson’s Butchers, Park View, Whitley Bay, NE26 3QN, tel 0191 252 5250, www.nicholsonsbutchers.co.uk
Olives at the Station
Olives at the Station Bar & Restaurant is a wonderful spot for breakfast, lunch or drinks. Filled with charm, you’ll find the mismatched furniture creates the perfect atmosphere in this old train station, plus an extensive gin selection including some of the finest from the local area. There are also themed food and drink events planned throughout the summer on the large sun-trap terrace (see social media for info). Olives at the Station, Whitley Bay Metro Station, NE262QT, tel 0191 447 1313 , www.olivesatthestation.com
Papa Ganoush
If you’re in need of vibrant flavours and colours you’ll be delighted to find street food hero Papa Ganoush has set up shop with its own mezze bar in Whitley Bay. The family team of Tom, Tim, Sarah and Terri are serving an eastern Mediterranean menu packed with flavour and brilliant food. Book online via the website. Papa Ganoush, Park View, Whitley Bay NE26 3QX, tel 0191 253 555, www.papaganoush.co.uk
PureKnead
PureKnead artisan bakery in Whitley Bay is a gem, home to excellent artisan breads and cakes and a very warm welcome. The fresh bread – a white sourdough and a focaccia on our last visit – is excellent, as are the cakes. The Square Mile Coffee is outstanding and you can order a custom cake design, should the fancy take you. PureKnead, Park View, Whitley Bay, NE26 3QW, tel 07964 864 181, www.pure-knead.com
The Salutation
Recently refurbished, The Salutation in Tynemouth is home to the best of craft beer and pub food – whether you’re popping in for brunch or spending an afternoon by the coast. You’ll find something for everyone on the menu, from summer salads of rump steak and halloumi to tapas, stone-baked pizzas, burgers and pub classics. There are also daily offers available – see the website for more info. The Salutation, Front Street, Tynemouth NE30 4BT, tel 0191 296 3936, www.craft-pubs.co.uk/salutation-tynemouth
