The Best New Foodie Openings in the North East this Year
There's been so many great new openings in the North East this year
21 Social
This is a fun and community-driven spot where you can enjoy Detroit-style pizza and cocktails, surrounded by local art. Keep an eye on their specials for the latest creations, and they’ve expanded to include event evenings and bottomless brunch too.
21 Thomas Street, Sunniside SR1 1QD
07459 727139
@21socialsunderland
Culture Kitchen
This new no-waste community café at ARC, Stockton Arts Centre takes rescued food from local farms, factories and suppliers, and transforms it into delicious meals on a pay-what-you-can basis.
Dovecot Street, Stockton on Tees TS18 1LL
01642 525199
arconline.co.uk
Fiik
Expect a tasting menu with a difference at this cosy spot in Durham which has done away with the usual trappings of fine dining. The menu changes every four weeks to reflect what’s seasonal and fresh, and there’s always a theme with plenty of puns throughout. Stop by at lunchtime for a more streamlined tasting menu.
12 Elvet Bridge, Durham DH1 3AA
0191 380 0057
fiikdurham.co.uk
Savoy by Le Raaj
This cool and contemporary Indian restaurant right in the heart of Morpeth has an open-kitchen and roof terrace. Offering a blend of small and large plates, plus ‘vintage’ dishes, the restaurant is open for lunch as well as dinner, and has a good choice of wines too.
Elm House, Wellway, Morpeth NE61 1BJ
01670 719515
savoybyleraaj.co.uk
The Raven
This new cocktail and craft ale bar has a distinctly spooky vibe. Inside a former schoolhouse, the interiors are decked out with deep sofas, Gothic candles and an impressive mural of a raven on the back wall. Expect creative cocktails and excellent beers on tap.
3 Sunderland Road, Cleadon SR6 7UR
@theravencleadon
The Tulip Lounge
Norton has a growing number of fabulous spots for brunch and we’re loving it. The Tulip Lounge is a welcome option offering modern dishes with a twist – from Mediterranean breakfast plates to Turkish eggs and pancakes.
12 Harland Place, Norton TS20 1AL
@thetuliplounge
Midnight Pizza Cru
Keeping customers happy with their Detroit-style pizzas at pop-up events since lockdown, Midnight Pizza Cru now have their first restaurant space tucked behind The Bridge Hotel Vaults, accessed either through the pub or via its own entrance.
Sunderland Street, Sunderland SR1 1UW
@midnight_pizza_cru
The Garden Coffee House
A hidden green oasis in Hexham, The Garden Coffee House offers delicious light bites and hot and cold drinks. We love the parma ham, pistachio and fig loaded bagel. There’s a good outside space for a treat in the sunshine and the venue is dog friendly both outside and in.
20 Hallgate, Hexham NE46 1XD
@the_garden_hexham
Hjemmelavet
This adorable new spot in Ponteland specialises in homemade gelato and cakes. The name comes from the Danish word for homemade, and that’s exactly what you’ll find in this cosy café. The avocado and lime sorbet is to die for.
2 Darras Road, Ponteland NE20 9HA
@hjemmelavetncl
Angel’s Share
We’re loving all the wine bars that have been popping up recently, and Angel’s Share ranks highly among them. A wine bar with a difference, it’s self-service so you can simply tap and try whichever wine you fancy. Alongside the excellent selection of drinks, expect a streamlined menu of small plates and snacks.
53–55 St George’s Terrace, Jesmond NE2 2SX
0191 200 1975
angelssharejesmond.co.uk
Hjemmelavet
This adorable new spot in Ponteland specialises in homemade gelato and cakes. The name comes from the Danish word for homemade, and that’s exactly what you’ll find in this cosy café. The avocado and lime sorbet is to die for.
2 Darras Road, Ponteland NE20 9HA
@hjemmelavetncl
Ethos
This unique, motor-themed coffee shop, bar and retail space in Amble is a real hidden gem. Beginning as a great spot for coffee, Ethos has now expanded to include sessions from local musicians, a Sunday breakfast club and car meets for motor enthusiasts.
1–2 Foster Court, Amble NE65 0PE
@ethos_supply
Sana Soul Food
This new spot offers a healthy alternative to classic brunch options. Think sweet and spicy cottage cheese on sourdough, matcha glow bowls and avo toast with pickled onions, feta and pomegranate (plus plenty of sweet treats besides).
79B Ewesely Road, Barnes, Sunderland SR4 7PR
07903 826472
sanasoulfood.co.uk
Cantina
Finally setting down permanent roots in Heaton after running several successful pop-ups, the plant-based menu at this contemporary Mexican restaurant is perfect. Small and pared-back inside, it’s a proper neighbourhood haunt with an excellent cocktail menu.
107 Heaton Park Road NE6 5NR
@cantina_ncl
Alan the B
A charming café, bar and bottle shop, Alan the B ticks all our boxes and serves a decent tapas menu to accompany its niche wines. There’s limited seating directly outside for tapas and tipples in the sun.
25 Station Road, South Gosforth NE3 1QD
@alan.the.b
Mogi Cafe
We’re still dreaming about the cakes from this charming café and bakery in Sunderland, influenced by the flavours of Greece and Italy. From focaccia provolone sandwiches and spanakopita to an ever-expanding range of sweets, it’s already hugely popular.
209 Chester Road, Sunderland SR4 7TU
0191 524 1748
mogicafe.com
Burts
Flint’s new but equally vibey younger brother, Burts offers succulent smashburgers, American-style sides and snacks in a space which is all about warm lighting, stained glass, and where the albums which the team are currently loving are on full display.
208 Heaton Road NE6 5JT
07768 950285
@burts_nwc
Mortal Wombat
Expect some truly marvellous creations from this wacky cocktail bar in Heaton. Colourful and vibrant, they’re constantly innovating with new flavours (piña colada McFlurry anyone?) and their outside space is a real sun trap.
99 Heaton Park Road, NE6 5NR
@mortal.wombat.heaton
Awesome Franks
From the team behind Scream for Pizza, Awesome Franks is a brilliantly simple local sandwich bar, serving up a number of marvellous creations between two slices of bread – try Greek chicken and tzatziki, seared scallops with black pudding, or salt and pepper squid with aioli.
West Jesmond Station, Lyndhurst Avenue NE2 3HH
@awesome_franks
The Cove
Cocktails, wine and tapas are the name of the game at The Cove, a relaxed and vibrant spot in Tynemouth. Diners can also enjoy a decent breakfast menu and sandwiches for something lighter.
31 Front Street, Tynemouth NE30 4DZ
0191 258 3350
cove-tynemouth.co.uk
– Ones to Watch –
Assemble
The sister of House in Heaton, this is a new natural wine bar and café preparing to launch in Newcastle.
District
Gearing up to open in Whitley Bay, this is a new bottle shop and wine bar we can’t wait to visit.
Elephant Rock
Landing on Roker Beach soon, this café and beach bar will have unmatched views of the sea.
