Check out our Top 5 hidden lunch spots in Newcastle!
Half term shoppers are certainly spoilt for choice when it comes to lunchtime in Newcastle city centre. From Northumberland Street to the Quayside, everyone knows somewhere to go. However, we have uncovered the top 5 cafes off the beaten track that are more than worth taking a detour.
Tucked neatly away across from Central Station, it’s easy to miss this little gem -yet after one visit you’ll definitely remember to come back. Containing a quirky interior with copper piping spelling out its name and a plush Chesterfield sofa in the entranceway, Pink Lane screams all things Hipster. There are fewer places you could get a coffee this good as the small café boasts its own roastery, parading itself in the form of Colour Coffee. From toasted sandwiches to deluxe cakes, this café sources all of its produce from local suppliers cementing its value as the perfect dwelling to grab a light lunch.
Pink Lane Coffee is open Weekdays 7:30am-6pm
Newcastle’s Grainger Market has been a pillar of the city for over a hundred years but it is perhaps not the most obvious place you might think of visiting for a sit-down lunch. Fez Food however, offers a haven to rest your feet and grab some delicious grub. The Turkish eatery sells tasty Kofta wraps for £3 and a wide selection of Mezze for only 50p a pop. Bold tapestries clad the walls, giving customers an authentic encounter with Turkish street food. What was once a traditional market has been revolutionised by places such as this, demonstrating the city’s ability to celebrate diversity within its bustling centre.
Fez Food is open Weekdays 8am-5pm
Located on the edge of china town, Settle Down describes itself as ‘a very nice café’. We’d more than agree with this statement – in fact, we’d go as far to say that the lovely staff and laidback atmosphere make for a delightful lunch out. The rainbow array of tea pots and mismatched furniture go with the poster filled walls to create an effortless kind of boho charm. On the menu, you’ll find soups, sandwiches and homemade pizzas, opt for a salad and your plate will be piled higher than you can imagine! The retro board games invite visitors to stick around and with the lure of homemade cakes, we’re sure you won’t be in a rush to leave.
Settle Down Café is open Weekdays 8am-6pm
With more than 100 varieties of tea to choose from, Tea Sutra is the perfect place for a loose-leaf connoisseur. This tea house is somewhat concealed by its rather unassuming doorway and first-floor setting but it is distinctive on the inside. The oriental interior encourages customers to sit cross-legged and fully embrace the influence of Zen in a more traditional way to enjoy a cuppa. The vegan and gluten free menu caters for everyone as meat lovers are sure to find something to tickle their fancy, both savoury and sweet. The café also sells its delicious blends of tea, giving customers the opportunity to enjoy part of this unique experience in their own front room.
Tea Sutra is open Weekdays 11am-7.30pm
This quaint patisserie definitely merits a stroll towards the picturesque Leazes Park. As the name suggests, this café prides itself on its wonderful range of pastries. A ham and cheese croissant is a fail-safe portion of lunchtime joy alongside the amazing flatbreads, salads and sandwiches on offer. With prices from as little as £3 and large portions, this deli is exceptional value for money. If you’re too full for a sweet treat, the friendly staff are more than happy to box one up so you can enjoy it on the go. Away from the busy shops Les Petits Choux makes a welcome adjustment to coffee shop chains and, to a certain degree, can be perceived as a little Parisian cove on the Tyne.
Les Petits Choux is open Weekdays 7.30am-4pm
So there you have it, take a break from your usual haunts and switch things up, whether it's one of the above, or any of the myriad other amazing little gems throughout the city. Have a browse through our Offers section and you may even find some cracking deals to really make your mind up!
