Where to Shop for Pantry Essentials in the North East
Now is the time to make sure your pantry is stocked up ahead of the Christmas rush
Baristocracy Coffee Roasters
Unit 2 Larch Court, West Chirton North Industrial Estate, North Shields NE29 8SG
baristocracycoffee.com
After learning the art of speciality coffee roasting from his dad in Sydney, Baristocracy owner Alex Forsyth then brought his talents to North Shields. They take their beans seriously here, and everything is ethically sourced, sustainably farmed and absolutely delicious. Browse the range online, or visit the roastery for beans by the bag this Christmas. For an extra special experience, you can even book their coffee appreciation workshops – the perfect unique gift for coffee fanatics.
Calder’s Kitchen
07908 762545
calderskitchen.co.uk
Inspired by grandad Charlie’s original piccalilli recipe, Darlington’s Calder’s Kitchen has been producing exceptional piccalilli and specialist chutneys for a decade. Their award-winning spicy tomato chutney goes perfectly with meat and cheese, or for a spicy kick try Calder’s Sillylilli, made with crunchy vegetables and a hot madras curry base. Find the full range online or at stockists regionwide.
Gareth James Chocolatier
12 Front Street, Tynemouth NE30 4DX
0191 257 7799
garethjameschocolatier.co.uk
This is a much-loved spot on Tynemouth’s front street, offering a great blend of homemade artisan chocolates as well as hot drinks and sweet treats to sit in with or take away. The selection boxes make perfect gifts, and there are smaller options for stocking fillers too.
Hygge Hot Chocolate
hyggehotchocolate.com
The perfect thing for cold winter nights, Hygge Hot Chocolate creates deliciously comforting drinks in dark, milk and white blends. They spent years perfecting the recipe before sharing it with customers, so you can be sure of the quality from the first sip. Shop online or at stockists across the region.
Pilgrims Coffee
Marygate, Holy Island of Lindisfarne TD15 2SJ
07421 317632
pilgrimscoffee.com
This charming roastery and coffee house began producing exceptional coffee more than 10 years ago. You’ll find it tucked into a small walled garden on the island of Lindisfarne where you can sample the delicious coffee, shelter from the weather and take a bag home with you too. We recommend the Daily Bread blend which has tasting notes of dark chocolate, walnut and raisin. Buy online or at stockists around the region.
The Mad Jam Woman
01665 711044
madjamwoman.com
These incredible preserves can be found online and at independent shops in Northumberland. Their quality has earned numerous awards including the top prize at the Artisan World Marmalade Awards this year. Making everything from bramble conserve and pear and ginger jam to ruby grapefruit marmalade, this is a must at Christmas.
North Chocolates
07896 859445
northchocolates.co.uk
North Chocolates have been producing small batch artisanal chocolate bars for more than a decade and have earned countless accolades in the process. We love their range of flavours which covers everything from honeycomb crush and ginger and orange, to lemon and sea salt. You can explore the full range online, and find them on shelves across the region.
Kaffee Haus
Sacriston Industrial Estate, Plasworth Road, Durham DH7 6JX
0191 447 4552
kaffeehauscoffee.co.uk
We love the coffee from this father-daughter duo in Durham, especially their heritage range which takes inspiration from North East history and culture. The Angel of the North blend is a favourite, with notes of vanilla and nougat. There’s even a selection gift box – the perfect gift for the caffeine obsessed.
Love Leaf Tea
07930 924942
loveleaftea.com
There’s no better time for a warming cup of tea than winter and Love Leaf Tea offer an impressive range. Shop everything from matcha blends to fruit infusions and blooming flower teas. Our favourite is the mulled winter warmer – perfect for the festive season.
Doddington Dairy
11 South Road, Wooler NE71 6QE
01668 283010
doddingtondairy.co.uk
Stop by this fabulous milk bar in Wooler supplied by the Maxwell family farm (which has been turning out quality dairy for more than 50 years), and find Doddington products including artisan yoghurts, award-winning cheese and ice-cream in shops across the region.
The Chocolate Smiths
0191 447 0790
thechocolatesmiths.com
Home of the famous Bizarre chocolate bar, The Chocolate Smiths have a loyal following of chocolate-obsessed fans. Shop everything from caramel pecan crumble to coffee and stroopwaffel, and pistachio cannoli – they even have a special Geordie Bar with double chocolate and caramel. Keep an eye on their website for the latest product drops.
The Travelling Bee Company
07769 329289
travellingbee.co.uk
This independent, award-winning company moves its bee colonies throughout the North East to find the highest quality nectar and pollen. Browse their range of impressive honey online, covering everything from soft set to honeycomb sold whole and wild flower honey harvested from the landscapes of Tyne and Wear and Northumberland.
