Seven independent cafes to try in Tyne and Wear
Tyne and Wear residents are lucky to have an excellent range of coffee shops to meet, work, and socialise in. Chain cafes have always had the appeal of speed and familiarity, however in a post-covid economy, more and more people are looking to spend their money in support of locally-owned businesses. Here is a list of some highly-rated local independent cafes to help you do just that.
Otto Coffee- Stockton Road
Foda - Front Street, Monkseaton
Only a short walk from Monkseaton Metro station, this lifestyle café offers an amazing range of brunch and dinner options, such as toasties, acai bowls, and soups. Disability access is excellent and, similarly to many cafes on this list, dogs are welcome. On top of the excellent food, Foda has an impressive drinks menu spanning from coffees to cocktails- an option for everyone to enjoy!
Pelaw Coffee Co- Fairfield Terrace
A lovely, dog-friendly coffee shop situated in Pelaw, directly across from Aldi. Serving hot beverages, an array of baked treats and hot meals; this includes full English breakfasts, the popular mince dumplings and many more hearty meals. Accessible from Pelaw Metro station, this is a must visit in the summer.
Pop Recs - High Street West
Pop Recs is by far one of Sunderland’s’ most popular coffee shops, and for good reason. Any of the regulars, including England Lioness Jill Scott, will tell you that the café offers fantastic food, including the famous cinnamon rolls and pink slices (a Sunderland classic). As well as being a bouncing café, pop recs doubles as a gig and performance space of local artists, popular with organisations such as the young musician’s project. The café can be found about a four-minute walk from Sunderland station.
Pink Lane Coffee - Pink Lane
A Speciality coffee shop just across the road from Central Station in Newcastle upon Tyne. Amazing coffee, tasty sandwiches made fresh daily and indulgent cakes and treats to tempt you, including regular deliveries from Proven Goods Co. With empty coffee sacks transformed into soft furnishings and old crates doubling up as coffee tables, Pink Lane’s urban-inspired, quirky atmosphere fits in well with the assortment of trendy food and drink establishments clustered around the cobbles of Pink Lane.
Cole Kitchen - St George's Terrace
Located a short walk from either the Stadium of Light Metro station, or accessible easily by many bus routes in the city, this hole-in-the-wall type café is immensely popular with both visitors and residents of Roker. The menu includes classics such as toasties and cakes, but seasonal or limited treats are often available on the counter for people looking to try something new. Our favourite thing is the proximity to the beach, only a few minutes and you end up on the sunny sands or the sea front, why not grab a drink and wander down to watch the waves come in with some friends this summer?
Love Lily Roker - Marine Walk
Since opening in 2017, this pier point café has flourished and has been a huge hit in Sunderland. Love Lily takes proximity to the beach to the next level, locating mere meters from the sand, making it the perfect place to pop for brunch or a cuppa when visiting the sea front. This café is also easily accessible for all, being only a short, scenic walk from either St. Peter's or the Stadium of Light Metro stations. A personal favourite for many in the city, this spot has a lot to offer, such as hot meals, Prosecco brunches, and take away food - be sure to allow plenty of time in your visit for exploring the beach as well.
Don't forget when you're out and about in Tyne and Wear you can Take the Kids for Free on Metro and the Shields Ferry, and you'll save money on your journey if you use a Pop Pay As You Go card.
