Baristocracy Coffee
Pay a visit to Baristocracy in North Shields for seriously good coffee. Aussie coffee roaster Alex Forsyth and Tyneside-born Kate Hudson have built a reputation across the region and beyond for sourcing and roasting exceptional coffees from well-known locations as well as some more obscure ones. Alex also 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. Regular events in the North Shields roastery offer something for novices through to coffee connoisseurs – see the website for details. You can also now find Baristocracy Coffee at Newcastle’s Theatre Royal and in its café – 100 Grey Street. Unit 2, Larch Court West Chirton North Industrial Estate, North Shields, NE29 8SG, www.baristocracycoffee.com
Buy the Kilo
A fantastic shopping experience in The Sidings at Tynemouth Station, Buy the Kilo is home to dried foods, household cleaning products and toiletries to help cut your single-use plastic at home. Run by interior designer turned artist Jackie Sewell, Buy the Kilo opened in February 2019 and today the shop 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 Estate Tea Co in Heaton, 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
The multi-award-winning Di Meo’s is our go-to place for traditional Italian gelato, fabulous pizzas and great coffee. 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
Fisherman’s Bay, a regular in national chippy rankings, is home to 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 decades of industry experience to deliver traditional favourites, modern takes on classics, and extensive gluten-free and vegan options. 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
High Tide
High Tide is home to bistro food and a relaxed, informal dining experience – and has become a real favourite when walking along the coast or spending the day on the beach and in the water in Cullercoats Bay. The menu changes with the seasons, and the dinner menu features great seafood along with popular bistro classics. There are also pizzas, and Sunday lunch is served every week along with regular pop-up breakfasts and brunches. 5 Victoria Crescent, Cullercoats, NE30 4PN, tel 0191 251 3065, www.facebook.com/HighTideCullercoats
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 a highly talented team of 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 owns the multi-award-winning Blackfriars and Dobson & Parnell in the heart of Newcastle. 10 East Parade, Whitley Bay, NE26 1AP, tel 0191 447 0500, www.hinnies.co.uk
The Library
A cosy and quirky bar in the heart of Whitley Bay, The Library is home to a range of local craft beers along with big name favourites. There’s also a strong selection of international wines, and an enviable cocktail menu to suit all tastes. Enjoy a drink outside in the sunshine in summer, or grab a seat by the log fire in the evenings. There’s also regular live music from local musicians and a wide selection of weekly specials to offer something different on every visit. All the art is by local artists too, and it can be purchased at the bar with 0% commission. 17-19 South Parade, Whitley Bay, NE26 2RE, www.librarywb.co.uk
Meet me on the Corner
Whitley Bay café-bistro Meet me on the Corner, which moved just along the road to Whitley Bay Golf Club in March, is home to fantastic breakfasts, lunches and afternoon teas (pre-booking required), plus a fantastic Sunday lunch. Launched in 2022 by Kris and Laura Campbell – a chef and baker respectively with more than 20 years’ experience between them – Meet me on the Corner has won an enviable reputation for its high-quality food, including vegan and gluten-free options throughout the regular menu – with celebrity visitors including comedian Jason Manford, Lindisfarne musician Ray Laidlaw, author Ann Cleeves, and Robson Green. Inside Whitley Bay Golf Club, Claremont Road, Whitley Bay, NE26 3UF, Instagram @meetmeonthecorner_cafe, Facebook @meetmeonthecorner
PureKnead
A trailblazer of Whitley Bay’s transformation into a food destination worthy of national recognition, PureKnead artisan bakery remains 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 Assembly Coffee. Having found fantastic success here, the team now also has shops in the heart of Newcastle and in Gosforth Shopping Centre. 111 Park View, Whitley Bay, NE26 3RH, tel 07964 864 181, www.pure-knead.co.uk
