Coffee lovers, listen up! We’re giving you the lowdown on Newcastle’s most Instagrammable coffee shops, cafés, and bakeries…
Newcastle Upon Tyne, the home of the stottie and the birthplace of Greggs, is as renowned for pastries as it is for brown ale these days. In fact, it’s hard to turn a corner in the city centre or surrounding suburbs without seeing a window full of sausage rolls.
That being said, there’s more to the city than steak bakes. There’s a vibrant, delicious community of artisan coffee shops with dedicated customers visiting every day. These bakeries and cafés are locally famous for their brunches and coffee that not only tastes great but goes down a storm on Instagram.
North East business Anglo Scottish Finance works with hospitality businesses across the country to provide coffee machine finance – here, they offer the lowdown on the Newcastle’s most Instagrammable coffee shops, cafés and bakeries.
Pablo Eggsgobao
The first one on our list for Newcastle’s most Instagrammable coffee shops and the current king of city’s brunch spots, Pablo Eggsgobao serves something that you never knew you needed in your life until now – an English sausage and egg muffin in an Asian steamed bao bun.
In short, the results are mesmerising. With plenty of locations to choose from – spanning Whitley Bay, Byker, Newcastle city centre and even Sunderland – the coffee and food on offer here is not to be missed.
All the cafés serve the same delicious menu, but the Whitley Bay spot serves the best Instagrammable views. It is located only a short walk from the sea.
Northern Rye
Tucked away in trendy Ouseburn, this quaint bakery is home to some of the UK’s finest pastries. Featured in The Telegraph and recognised by British Baker as the fourth-best bakery in the entire country, Northern Rye has become a community hotspot for friends and families to catch up and enjoy a treat.
With a yummy selection of sandwiches (made with their in-house sourdough or baguette, of course), indulgent sweet and savoury pastries and delicious coffee, it’s a must-visit to put a smile on your face and your Instagram feed. Just get down early – they’ll be sold out by the afternoon!
Aidan’s Kitchen
Over the last few years, Sandyford has gradually acquired some of the city’s most forward thinking eateries and Aidan’s Kitchen is at the heart of it all. Expect brunchtime classics done right alongside some more exciting stuff, like the Korean Short Rib Sando, Masala Toastie and Moroccan Eggs.
Everything is made with an emphasis on fresh, quality ingredients. As if one fantastic location isn’t enough, the masterminds behind Aidan’s Kitchen have also brought their break-spertise to Gosforth, under the name ‘Little Aidan’s’.
Pink Lane Bakery
Clocking in at fourth place is Pink Lane Bakery, one of the Toon’s most iconic and beloved artisan bakeries. From their shops in Newcastle city centre and Gosforth, to their Jesmond café on Acorn Road, Pink Lane Bakery has become a North East institution, renowned for its pies,pasties, sandwiches and coffee.
To avoid the queues, click-and-collect at the Gosforth or city centre bakeries. Nobody wants to see you waiting in line on your Insta story!
Dot Bagels
Dot Bagels seemingly exploded onto the scene with their Instagram-ready experimental bagels. And you know what, they taste as good as they look.
Recently nominated for the Uber Eats Restaurant of The Year 2024 award, this colourful café serves up smoothies, inventive bagels, fresh coffee and more.
They recently opened a second café in Jesmond to accompany their Heaton branch across the way. This is great news for locals on the other side of town. Besides, did we mention there’s a vegan version of their delicious NFC (Nashville Fried Chicken)? It’s to die for!
Dog and Scone
We wouldn’t normally judge a café based on its occupants, but for Dog and Scone we have to make an exception. Found on Pudding Chare, just off Bigg Market, this snug café offers delicious tea, cakes and coffee. And in the company of its seven resident dogs – all of which are well-trained, friendly and LOVE visitors.
If you’re looking for food for the soul as well as your stomach, this is the place to get it.
Ernest
Home to a café, restaurant, bar and well-stocked artisan farm shop (humbly titled Ernie), Ernest’s people-first approach, shabby-chic vibe and cosy backroom brunches have made it a firm local favourite. Its claim to fame is the best Bloody Mary in Newcastle – try it for yourself!
Stop by even later in the day and you could end up part of one of their community-led parties, soundtracked by the finest local DJ talent.
Mog on the Tyne
Don’t despair, cat lovers! There’s a dedicated café for you to enjoy the company of your four-legged friends, too. Mog on the Tyne is conveniently located next door to Dog and Scone. It accommodates rehomed and adopted kitties, who you’ll find exploring their climbing frame or curled up in a nest.
The perfect place for a relaxing panini.
Tiny Tiny
Formerly known as Flat Caps Coffee, Tiny Tiny can be found in town on Carliol Square. Airy, spacious and a great place to bring your laptop and catch up on work, Tiny Tiny’s carefully curated Brew Bar menu features coffees from around the world.
It’s not all about the drinks! Although their latte art promises the perfect Insta image, you can also grab a delectable brunch. We recommend the homemade sausage rolls.
FAB Bakery
In Fenham, FAB Bakery leads the way when it comes to Insta feed- friendly food. Known for its signature bakes, like croissant cubes and fougasse – a stunning flatbread of French origin resembling focaccia – FAB is famous among locals.
You’ll love the variety of inventive pastry concoctions. Just follow the smell of cinnamon!
Fork in the Rose
One of many exciting establishments in up-and-coming Heaton, Fork in the Rose might just be this list’s most Instagram-friendly location! This breakfast café and florist combo is dog- and family- friendly and packed to the rafters with lush greenery.
The café serves up a classy brunch menu consisting of seasonal classics.
Olive and Bean
Handmade baked goods, breakfasts, brunches and lunches – Olive and Bean has it all. Maintaining a cosy feel with a deli counter, this quaint Clayton Street eatery is the perfect place for a catch-up.
You can even get a custom cake made for collection by the O+B bakers. Perfect for those special moments or as a fabulous, self-care treat!
CatPawCino
Another cat café? Looks like this one is a win for the cat people! Down on the Quayside, just a stone’s throw from the iconic Tyne and Millennium bridges, CatPawCino boasts rolling river vistas and a family of resident kitties in a bright, relaxing space.
Pumphreys serves up local coffee. Ringtons offers classic local teas. The Pudding Parlour provides delicious cakes. You can also enjoy specialty Chinese drinks like Oolong and Jasmine tea. There’s something for everyone!
So, whether you’re in the city centre, Gosforth, Heaton, Jesmond, or Fenham, there’s an amazing café, coffee shop, or bakery for you. If you’re on the hunt for Newcastle’s most Instagrammable coffee shops, you’ll find plenty of picture-perfect spots. All while supporting some of the Toon’s best local businesses and enjoying some truly delicious food!