Celebrate Small Business Saturday in Newcastle

Food

Grainger Market is packed with iconic local business – especially when it comes to food! The independent and family-run Snackwallah is a particular stand-out, with a delicious menu that showcases their love of authentic Indian food. Its cosy, colourful corner of the market is perfect for savouring some samosas, or munching on a Mumbai sandwich.

If it’s early morning treats you’re after, Pablo Eggsgobao on Blandford Street is quite simply the trendiest place to be for breakfast, and is the place to go for some alternative eggy goodness. At the central part of their menu is their super-soft bao bun, a warm and fluffy edible hug which envelopes sausage, hash browns and the eponymous eggs. They even do sausages for your dog!

Indie cafes aren’t hard to come by in Newcastle, but Olive & Bean on Clayton Street stands out due to its comfortable and contemporary décor, superb menu (which must include every sandwich combination known to man) alongside salads, soups and simply irresistible cakes and traybakes. They’ve got loads of gluten-free and vegan options on the menu and they can do custom orders too.

From first selling their delicious churros on the Quayside, to the opening of their city centre restaurant, Delicious Churros (a.k.a. Deli Churros) has been bringing a taste of Venezuela to the Toon for over ten years. Of course their menu includes some delicious sweet treats – churros covered with Nutella and caramel, anyone? – but traditional Venezuelan food too, including arepas with a wide range of fillings and pabellón criollo (rice, shredded beef in stew, and stewed black beans).

Back to Grainger Market now, where sweet treat lovers can get their fix at Pet Lamb Patisserie. Founded in 2009 by besties Katie and Kay, their shop in the heart of the city centre opened back in 2012, serving up freshly baked goodies ever since. From layer bakes and tray bakes, to cupcakes and cookie pies, there’s plenty of delicious delicacies to enjoy here!

From humble beginnings as a street food vendor, to a super-successful stint in the Grainger Market, Meat:Stack are the peddlers of real American cheeseburgers located in the Bigg Market, and they don’t mess about when it comes to flavourful, quality burgers. ‘Smashed, steamed and served fast’ is their motto, and with an assortment of toppings from streaky bacon and hash browns to griddled jalapeno relish and Nashville hot sauce, you simply can’t go wrong!

For over twenty years, Ridley Place hotspot Frankie & Tony’s has been the Toon’s staple sandwich spot. Don’t be surprised to see queues round the corner when everyone’s on their lunch break, with a huge number of sandwich fillings to pick from and customisable options. Early risers needn’t worry – there’s a breakfast menu to enjoy as well, including delicious toasted bagels and hot breakfast rolls.

If it’s a lunch or evening menu you’re after, then Kafeneon is your go-to. The Greek kitchen and cocktail bar has been dishing up everything from Souvlaki and Stifado to Pastitsio and Pitas since 1998. There’s a mouth-watering happy hour to make the most of (two courses for £15.95, where do we sign up?!), as well as vegan and gluten-free menus so no-one has to miss out.

Drinks

Pumphrey’s Coffee in the Grainger Market have a history in Newcastle which can be traced back to 1750, and the Blaydon-based roastery is regarded as one of the finest purveyors of coffee and tea in the region, winning prestigious awards including Best Espresso and Cappuccino in the UK by the Beverage Standards Association. Established in the Grainger Market since 1983, it’s here you’ll find all their signature blends, as well as equipment including grinders, storage and barista tools so you can make that perfect brew at home.

There’s more caffeinated goodness at Pink Lane Coffee, where they’re proud that their single origin coffee is ethically and responsibly sourced as they actively work with growers all around the world to procure the best seasonal beans available. They roast their own coffee with the lightest possible touch, allowing the flavours to shine through, meaning you get a superior cup of joe every time.

If you’re quackers about craft beer, then micropub The Wonky Duck is a must-visit! With ten craft keg lines, five real ales, as well as real cider, wine and local spirits, there’s loads to enjoy here. They even have a shop in Central Station (aptly named Wobbly Aleways) if you’re looking to stock-up your at-home collection, or grab a gift.

The very epitome of all that is great about the spirit of independent businesses, individuality is a mantra at Mean-Eyed Cat on St Thomas’ Street. The cosy micro-pub describes itself as ‘left of centre’, and the no-nonsense owners and staff are proud to serve brews from around the world on an ever-revolving menu of cask and keg offerings, backed up by a dizzying array of cans and bottles. Cider, wine and spirits have been equally as carefully chosen, and the Mexican-themed décor and country and Americana music policy adds to the allure.

Arts, Crafts & Gifts

If you’re looking for something unusual and quirky for your home, or a gift for that picky pal, your first stop should be North East Art Collective’s wonderful shop in Eldon Garden where you’ll find beautiful and original works by local artists. There’s something to suit every budget, and a range of artistic styles that’ll look perfect on any wall, from photography and watercolours to oil paintings and sculpture.

On another arty note, The Glamorous Owl is a jewellers in Old George Yard run by master silversmith Claire Chapman who also hosts workshops where you can make bespoke wedding rings and learn the art of silversmithing. The shop features work from over 40 artists, including jewellery and leatherwork.

Buying for the record connoisseur in your life, or just want to scope out the latest releases? Reflex Records has you covered. As well as stocking a huge range of vinyl and CDs, they also play host to live performances, signings and listening parties too.

Or if there's a rare record pressing you're after, then head to Vinyl Guru on Westgate Road. They've got thousands of new and pre-owned records (as well as pretty much everything you need to keep them in good shape too!), making it a veritable feast for music lovers to explore.

The wonderfully quirky Elula on Ridley Place is a treasure trove of unusual fair trade gifts from around the world. You could spend hours perusing their shelves, stocked with everything from gemstones and silver jewelry to healing crystals, tarot cards, incense, meditation CDs and fun statues and figurines.

For something more magical, head to The Geordie Witch in Eldon Square. Crystals, gemstones, and jewellery are just some of the treasures in this trove – but there’s tarot cards and a magic book nook to explore too!

If it’s something uniquely Geordie you’re looking for, UpSide Down Presents on Side at the bottom of Dean Street is renowned for Northern-themed greetings cards, Toon-themed souvenirs and local art. Stop by to pick up design-led treats, hilarious cards, signed prints and thoughtfully sourced creative goodies!

Fashion

Friday Vintage in Old Eldon Square takes wardrobes back through the decades, stocking vintage clothes and accessories from the '50s to the '90s. Buying for a mate, but not sure what they’ll like? Don’t sweat it, they offer gift vouchers too, but there's a limited number so we'd head over there ASAP if you want one!

If it’s sartorial elegance you’re looking for, head straight to Leaf Clothing on Pilgrim Street where owners Brian and Josie man the racks and are on hand to advise you on stylish men’s and womenswear collections, which include unique brands and exquisite tailoring.

Having recently celebrated 35 years in business, Union Clothing on High Bridge is a real Newcastle success story. Stocking denim and workwear, alongside a host of trendy brands like Carhartt, EDWIN, Lee and Hawskmill Denim Co, the shop has become a must-visit for lovers of surf and skate brands like Obey, Brixton and Dickies.

There are more original styles at family-run Waceland in Central Arcade where you’ll find streetwear and vintage clobber including tees and hoodies, sweatshirts, denim and accessories all handpicked from around the globe by their knowledgable and fashionable team.

Supporting local businesses is essential to the health and vitality of the city’s shopping scene, so next time you’re heading out on a shopping spree, or are simply looking for something different and unique, don’t forget to pay Newcastle’s wonderful independent retailers a visit!