ChronicleLive writers have selected their favourite cafés in the North East, celebrating the region's vibrant food and drink scene despite a challenging hospitality climate. From coastal retreats to city-centre hangouts, these five spots offer unique experiences and top-quality fare.
Kalimera, Gosforth/Newcastle
Reporter Georgia Cuthbertson chooses Kalimera, a Greek bakery with locations on Gosforth High Street and a second shop opened this spring on Nelson Street in Newcastle city centre. She praises the baklava and phyllo pies, noting that miniature pies at 90p each make a perfect summer snack. The café offers authentic Greek pies, cakes, and pastries for sit-in or takeaway.
Laneway & Co, Newcastle/Tynemouth
Community Reporter Emily Gray recommends Laneway & Co, with cafes on High Bridge in Newcastle and Front Street in Tynemouth. She enjoys flat whites and oat lattes, and highlights the brunch menu, including French toast with matcha mascarpone and strawberries, scrambled eggs, homemade hashbrowns, and a cheese and leek sourdough toastie. The menu caters well to vegetarians, and the relaxed environment suits quick stops or longer stays.
Fausto Coffee, Roker
Local democracy reporter Daniel Holland picks Fausto Coffee in Roker, Sunderland, opened in 2017. Named after Italian cyclist Fausto Coppi, it's popular with cyclists at the end of the C2C route. It serves top-class coffee, wood-fired pizzas (fennel sausage is a favourite), baked treats, cocktails, and beers from local brewery Vaux. The standout feature is the stunning view of the North Sea and Roker Pier.
Sea You There, Cullercoats
Crime reporter Sophie Doughty chooses Sea You There on Cullercoats seafront, formerly the Italian restaurant Mama Rosa. The beach-inspired makeover creates a light, bright space for relaxed coffee or lunch. The menu offers a huge range including scones, cakes, toasties, jacket potatoes, and burgers, with children's meals like chicken goujons with fries and beans. It also serves cocktails and alcoholic drinks, and has an ice-cream counter with options for vodka or gin shots in slushies.
Wombat Wisdom, Whitley Bay
Rural tourism reporter Daniel Hall selects Wombat Wisdom on Park View in Whitley Bay, a small café with a laid-back atmosphere. He recommends the hot chocolate with blowtorched marshmallows, available iced in summer, and grilled cheeses made from homemade Japanese-style milk bread. The café has a quiet back room with one table, offering a hidden escape from the bustle.
