South Tyneside is a foodie’s gem, home to a seemingly endless collection of independently owned and run cafés, restaurants and outlets hugging one of the prettiest coastlines in the North East. Dean Bailey takes a foodie tour of South Shields, Cleadon and Whitburn and selects a few favourites
Happy Organic
The owner of the Happy Organic café and shop, Luisa Minchella, is passionate about the health-giving and eco-friendly properties of organic food, and as someone who glows with health, she is certainly a good advert for it.
Happy Organic’s cafe menus include only organic produce which is local wherever possible. Suppliers are chosen for the quality of their produce and for their accreditation to the Soil Association.
Open for breakfast, lunch and afternoon snacks, Happy Organic has a wide range of delicious green alkalising smoothies, fresh juices, organic teas and coffees, plus wine and beer (all organic, with gluten-free and vegan options too).
The shop is packed with quality organic produce, ethically sourced beauty products and a range of supplements, many of which are available on the Happy Organic website.
42 Front Street, Cleadon Village, Sunderland, SR6 7PG, tel 0191 536 3623, www.happyorganic.org
Colmans
Family-owned and run since 1926, Colmans famous fish and chips are one of the highlights of a day trip to South Shields and the object of national renown. Colmans fish and chips are widely known as some of the best in the country, and they’ve got the awards to prove it. This year Colmans has picked up a Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence and the Les Routiers Sustainable Restaurant of the Year award. It was also featured in The Good Food Guide in 2012 and its loyal following travel a long way to visit to try the wide range of fish and seafood dishes on offer alongside traditional fish and chips.
176-186 Ocean Road, South Shields, NE33 2JQ, tel 0191 4561202, www.colmansfishandchips.com
Cake My Day
Cake My Day creates amazing celebration cakes to order and supply cakes and cupcakes to cafes all over the North East.
Founder Carla Gray set up the business in 2012 and has always been passionate about baking.
“My parents originally instilled in me a passion for baking. We spent hours and hours in the kitchen crafting cakes for the family and it was something I carried on doing into adulthood,” Carla explains.
“It doesn’t need to be a special day to eat a cake, but a cake can certainly make a day special.”
Cake My Day designs cakes tailored to your needs, from a wedding cake to birthday cakes which reflect special hobbies
and interests.
Cake My Day, 12 Dean Road, South Shields, NE33 3PT, tel 0191 908 7008, www.cakemd.co.uk
Bistro Romano
Bistro Romano opened in 1999 and has since become one of the best-loved restaurants in the area.
Owners Romano and Paolo Minchella started their first restaurant in Seaburn over 30 years ago and have been delighting customers ever since. Situated in the heart of Cleadon Village, Bistro Romano offers fine contemporary Italian and Mediterranean cuisine in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
From simple Italian pasta and risotto dishes to fish and meat specialities, there’s something for everyone on the menu and the brothers source the best quality ingredients from field to fork. Their beef and lamb comes from local farms and the majority their fish is from sustainable waters.
63 Front Street, Cleadon Village, Sunderland, SR6 7PG, tel 0191 519 1747, www.bistroromano.co.uk
Toney Minchella
The Minchella family has been making and serving ice cream in the South Shields area since 1935 when Toney Minchella followed in his father’s footsteps by opening his own ice cream factory. The business still operates from the Maxwell Street factory today.
Toney Minchella now has four shops open year-round at Whitburn, Bents Car Park in South Shields, North and South Promenade Car Parks, and the Toney Minchella @ South Marine Park café. There is also a portable ice cream trailer which tours the area throughout the summer. This year Carlo and Aldo Minchella, who have run the business since their father’s death in 2007, were awarded a Gold Medal at the National Ice Cream Competition in Harrogate. The Minchella Cup is presented annually in memory of their father and uncles Louis and Freddie for the best in class at the Ice cream Alliance event.
Toney Minchella, 18-20 Maxwell Street, South Shields, NE33 4PU, tel 0191 455 4212, www.toneyminchella.co.uk
Bravi
Ristorante Bravi is regarded as one of South Shields’ best contemporary Italian restaurants with a great reputation for quality food and a buzzing atmosphere in the evening and for Sunday lunch.
Owned and run by Gino and Elaine Minchella, you are guaranteed a warm and friendly welcome.
Bravi can seat a total of 130 and is great for a big occasion. They also have an intimate, private dining room for up to 20 guests.
Bravi, 7 North St, South Shields, NE33 1HD, tel 0191 427 5400, www.bravirestaurant-southshields.co.uk
