Five riverside cafes worth spending an afternoon in Newcastle

On either side of the River Tyne, you’ll see lots of people walk, jog, run and cycle along the riverside paths. Watching the world go by here can be quite interesting, but it’s all the better with a hot, steaming cup of something frothy and a slice of cake in front of you.

In this article, we’ll pick out five riverside cafes in Newcastle that allow you to do just that, all without having to brave the elements.

Long Play Cafe – 48-52 Sandhill, Quayside, NE1 3JF

Situated just off the Tyne on Sandhill, this is a cafe for those who love their music. As the name suggests, it plays and sells vinyl, not to mention all sorts of music memorabilia, making it stand out from the crowd.

When it comes to the menu, Long Play Cafe serves good old-fashioned Full English breakfasts and, with a nod to local cuisine, a pulled pork stottie. For a long, leisurely lunch, you could do worse than spend a few hours here.

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BALTIC Kitchen – Baltic Mill, South Shore Road, Gateshead NE8 3BA

Across the Tyne in nearby Gateshead, the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art is a local landmark which is just as great for a quiet cuppa as it is for seeing some world-class artworks. The menu features sumptuous milkshakes, homemade scones and, if you’re in the mood, something a little stronger.

BALTIC Kitchen has the advantage of being right at the southern end of the Millennium Bridge, connecting Gateshead with Newcastle. At the busiest point of the riverside area, it’s an ideal spot for people watching.

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The Cycle Hub – Quayside, NE6 1BU

It might be a little out of the way, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. For those among us who like to fit in a little bike ride during our holidays, this friendly little cycling shop and cafe is a great place to spend a mid-afternoon.

Parking your bike here, you can enjoy a cup of coffee from local suppliers alongside something to keep your energy up – a bacon sandwich, perhaps. As for the views, you can look out onto the Tyne without much fear of interruption, just before you get back on your bike.

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Quay Ingredient – 4 Queen Street, Quayside, NE1 3UG

Pun-tastic name aside, this cozy little cafe is in an idyllic spot nestled underneath the railway arches, just a few minutes’ walk from the Tyne. What makes Quay Ingredient special is that, uniquely for a cafe, it has its own Cake of the Day, available for just £2 a pop.

It has a full lunch menu, complete with salads, hot and cold sandwiches, soups and specialities including Croque Madame. A range of specialist teas from Rington’s are on offer, as well as a few unusual coffees such as bulletproof coffee, made with butter.

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Great Coffee – 81 Quayside, NE1 3DE

Just on the corner of Quayside and Broad Chare, this modern cafe has all you could ask for – great views of the river, easy access to the city centre and a menu stacked with light bites and strong brews. On a warm summer’s day, an iced frappe or espresso might be up your street.

If you’re planning a night at the theatre, Great Coffee happens to be within a few minutes of Live Theatre, so you could fill up on a hearty sandwich or salad before taking in a show.

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