We’ve got some EXCELLENT news for you. This week is Cake Week. Yes, it’s really a thing and it’s really an excuse to eat, and make, cake. All week. You’re welcome. What’s even better, is that Newcastle is practically the cake king of the North (if there was such a thing), as there are a smorgasbord of businesses selling delicious sweet treats across the city. Get ready to loosen your belts, here’s a celebration of cake in all its forms and where you can enjoy it in Newcastle...
Image: Great British Cupcakery
Great British Cupcakery, 15 Queen Street
Mother and daughter team Carole and Leoni founded Great British Cupcakery on the Quayside in 2013, and their smart and sophisticated pretty pink cafe, The Parlour, is the place to come for seriously decadent and beautiful works of edible art. Enjoy freshly baked cupcakes, cakes and bakes, plus they serve a great breakfast and sandwich menu, and there’s an Afternoon Tea to die for!
Image: Pet Lamb
Pet Lamb Patisserie, Grainger Market
The Pet Lamb lasses are the very epitome of sweet, and their legendary Grainger Market shop is the place to come for delicious small batch treats including brownies, blondies, cookie pies and cupcakes. They also specialise in gorgeous layer cakes which offer a dizzying array of sponge and frosting options, all designed with panache and style. They’re currently running an offer on four cupcakes for £7, so there really is no excuse!
Pink Lane Bakery, Pink Lane
You’ll know when you’ve found this tiny bakery because you’ll see the queue outside first. The artisan bakers are passionate about superb ingredients and delicious bakes, from sourdough bread to sausage rolls, pies and pastries. Their cake selection covers everything from vegan chocolate beetroot cake to blackberry honey friands, plus plenty of cookies, brownies and tarts.
Kaspa's, Clayton Street
We honestly can’t think of anything that could be better than a restaurant which only sells desserts. Kaspa’s range of hot and cold puds will have you salivating on entry, whether you’re in the mood for a golden salted caramel tart, a triple chocolate fudge cake or American pecan pie, they’ve got the lot. Plus they do a great range of sundaes, waffles and crepes.
Image: Mason + Rye
Mason + Rye, Fenwick Food Hall
Mason + Rye’s sweet selection look almost too good to eat (we said almost, we’re not daft). Their beautiful displays offer up bite-sized fancies and inviting desserts. Relax in their comfortable cafe for a bite of lunch (and cake obviously), or takeaway for a treat at home. Plus, they offer celebration cakes made to order, complete with a personalised message.
Olive & Bean, Clayton Street
A wonderful spot for lunch, with an extensive sandwich and savoury menu, Olive & Bean is a real indie treasure. We dare you to peek into their fridge counter and come away empty handed, such are the delights on offer! From decadent cakes to moreish traybakes and delicious cookies, there’s something for all tastes.
Creams, Grainger Street
This dedicated dessert parlour is the place to come for big, flamboyant desserts! Think piled-high hand-crafted gelato and sorbet, giant sundaes, sinfully good crepes, doughnuts galore, thick shakes and giant plates of cookie dough with all kinds of topping options, not to mention cakes like traditional apple pie and carrot cake, vegan chocolate cake and their signature cookie bombs!
Image: PureKnead
PureKnead, Dean Street
We wish we could bottle the smell of PureKnead’s freshly baked bread, but we’re here to talk about cake, and that’s pretty special too! Their extensive range of freshly made cakes, slices and pastries are as great to look at as they are to eat. Whatever you have in mind for a celebration cake, they can more than handle it.
Sweet Dreams Dessert Café, St Andrew’s Street
This vintage dessert and chocolate cafe offer up a host of sweet treats, from pancakes laced with your favourite chocolate bar to shakes, waffles and ice creams. Recent additions to the menu include authentic Neapolitan cheesecake and pretty French fancies. Plus, they’re open until late so you can indulge your sweet tooth right up until 11.30pm!
Heavenly Desserts, Newgate Street
Pitched as an upmarket dessert cafe, Heavenly Desserts know a thing or two about decadence. Their lovingly created cakes and desserts are creative and distinctive, and their menus will satisfy any craving, from mouth-watering chocolate shots, to their signature creation waffle and pancakes. For something different, give their Mochi ice cream balls or kunafah pastry a try.
Image: Les Petits Choux
Les Petits Choux, Leazes Crescent
Lovingly handmade on site by the members of this family-run coffee shop, Les Petits Choux's emphasis is on freshly made treats served in a cosy and comfortable location. Don’t leave without trying their speciality choux pastry cakes, and their scones and cheesecakes get high praise too!
John Lewis, Eldon Square
If you’re more of a cake maker than eater, head to John Lewis’ homeware department and feel like a kid at Christmas. As you’d expect from the quality retailer, John Lewis’ cookware range has everything you need to create your own masterpiece. For added joy, invest in cute baking tins, afternoon tea-worthy cake stands or designer tableware.
Lakeland, Eldon Square
If there’s a gadget that exists to make your baking life easier, Lakeland will stock it. With everything from digital mixers to churro makers and chocolate fountains, the Eldon Square store is a treasure trove of cooking and baking delights, and they stock all the small essentials like rolling pins and cupcake trays too.
So, whether you fancy a cupcake, muffin, tart, gateau, pudding or pastry, you’ll find something to indulge that sweet tooth in Newcastle!
