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New Foodie Openings to Know About Clockwise from top left: Say When | Lita | The Cornerstone | Faru
Eat and Drink
February 2026
Reading time 3 Minutes

All the new bars, cafés and delis you need to try

Here's what you need to know in the North East.
Onda Deli Onda Deli

Onda Deli

Onda (sister venue of Meet Me on the Corner) in Whitley Bay is the new deli and coffee house we want to visit for deliciously fresh sandwiches, great breakfast options, hot drinks and a cheeky tipple or two. Best of all, it’s dog friendly so bring the pooch with you.
Ilfracombe Gardens, Whitley Bay NE26 3LZ
0191 676 0682
ondadeli.co.uk

The Cornerstone

In Crook, The Cornerstone is the sleek and contemporary new opening from Masterchef’s Mike Bartley. Expect a relaxed, street food-inspired menu with dishes like birria tacos and corn ribs. There is plenty to enjoy besides, including jalapeño poppers, Korean loaded fries and burgers.
60-61 Hope Street, Crook, Durham DL15 9HU
01388 417577
thecornerstonecrook.com

Lita

Lita is the new spot that’s popped up on Jesmond Road recently serving up expertly-crafted sandwiches, sweet treats, coffee and beer. They regularly update their sandwich offering with past fillings including roasted red pepper with hummus and halloumi, and classic chicken Caesar.
271 Jesmond Road, Jesmond NE2 1LB
@lita_ncl

Say When

Gosforth has recently added a new self-service wine bar to its selection of bars. Say When is a moody and atmospheric place, which blends a convenient stop for coffee with an intimate space for small plates and glasses of wine. Open daily, you’ll find it on the High Street.
111 High Street, Gosforth NE3 1HB
saywhenbar.com

Say When Say When
Bao Baby Bao Baby

Bao Baby

This is the sweetest new spot to get your bao bun fix on Gosforth’s Hawthorn Road. Made fresh daily, their bao buns are wonderfully fluffy with golden bottoms and juicy fillings. Grab a matcha while you’re there and pull up a seat, or take your buns to go.
4 Hawthorn Road, Gosforth NE3 4DE
@baobaby_ncl

Elephant Rock

Head to Roker beach for Elephant Rock, Roker’s newest café and beach bar. Transforming the old abandoned tram shelter on the seafront, this new space is a vibrant and refreshing addition to the area. Indulge in light bites and hot drinks, as well as a more substantial cocktail and wine list.
Marine Walk, Roker, Sunderland SR6 0PL
elephantrock.roker

Rice Kitchen

Head to Newcastle’s Grainger Market for the soft opening of the new Rice Kitchen on Alley 4. Serving a blend of traditional and contemporary handmade onigri alongside matcha and other drinks, until Friday (20th) you can enjoy 10 percent off the entire menu. Then, on Saturday (21st) stop by for the grand opening – grab £1 match all day and enjoy 20 percent off all onigri.
Alley 4, Grainger Market NE1 5QQ
@ricekitchen_ncl

In Other News
Nicholsons Butchers Faru, (c) Joshua Greenwood

Nicholsons Butchers

Good, hearty produce is essential for surviving the last of winter and making it to spring, and in the North East the name to know is Nicholsons. One of the region’s most trusted suppliers, this family butcher has been keeping customers happy for generations. Stock up on everything from succulent roasting joints and award-winning sausages to fresh bread and pies from the in-house bakery and deli. The expert staff are always on hand to give advice on making the most of their offering. nicholsonsbutchers.co.uk

Faru

Durham’s Michelin-recommended Faru has just launched a new private dining offer. Run by husband-and-wife team Laura and Jake Siddle, they have expanded the tasting menu to accommodate this, giving groups the chance to enjoy their exceptional food offering. The new menu follows the same format as the main restaurant, which uses flavour-led and locally sourced ingredients.
faru.co.uk

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