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4 local coffee shops to get your caffeine fix

Looking for a freshly-made brew to start your day off right? Aren’t we all. Here are our top hotspots (added bonus – they’re very Instagram-able)

Written by Rachael Nichol

Published 02.07.2021

BREW & BITE

Standing bold, brilliant and blue right in the heart of Chillingham Road, it’s hard to miss Brew & Bite. This multi-roasting coffee shop sources coffee from local brewers and has a menu that will keep everyone from the everyday brew-drinker to coffee aficionados happy. What we love so much about Brew & Bite is their guide of flavours that can be found in each cup of their coffee. As we aren’t quite coffee experts ourselves (yet!), this helps us feel like the real deal as we indulge. It’s the little things, isn’t it?

We recommend: Bolivia Vincent Paye (flavours of Red Apple, Caramac & Dark Chocolate). UNREAL!

Brew & Bite, 214 Chillingham Road, Heaton, Newcastle NE6 5LP

CAKE STORIES

This coffee shop is definitely one for your Instagram. Where vibrant colours, delicious cakes and even a zebra unite (yes, really), Cake Stories is a unique spot that you’ll want to visit again and again. With outposts both in West Jesmond and Hoults Yard now, Cake Stories offer up a fine selection of coffee, tea, sarnies and cakes that’ll give you the perfect excuse to take some time out of your day to relax.

And let’s face it – you can’t have a coffee without pairing it with a cake now, can you?! All their bakes are handmade and decorated with love, making your caffeine hit even more delightful.

HLN TOP TIP: Try a box of brownies – the most amazing creation ever!

Cake Stories, 12 Brentwood Ave, West Jesmond, Newcastle NE2 3DH

Cake Stories, The Clock Tower, Walker Road, Byker, Newcastle NE6 2HL

RUSTIC CUP

Vibrant café by day and a relaxed bar by evening: what’s not to love? At this family business, you’ll get a warm welcome, service with a smile warm and be able to enjoy a modern vibe. The only downside? Choosing what to have from the massive selection on their menu!

From delicious (and healthy!) food and drink and local speciality coffee to a whole host of classic cocktails, you could spend all day here. Once 5pm hits (and sometimes, even before) one of our favourites is always going to be their Pornstar Martini. And with two for £12, you can’t go wrong!

Rustic Cup, 28 Park View, Whitley Bay NE26 2TH

BARISTOCRACY COFFEE

Craving a top-quality coffee? Well, this small, family-run speciality roasting business has you covered. Roasting coffee beans right in front of your eyes and inspired by the Australian coffee scene (where owner Alex learned his craft), there’s a real sense of class and sophistication as you receive your cuppa – which certainly makes us feel a little VIP with our coffee.

Fancy trying it out for yourself? They offer home barista training to help you master the perfect cup of coffee in your own kitchen too. Amazing!

Baristocracy Coffee, Unit 2 Larch Court, West Chirton North Industrial Estate, North Shields NE29 8SG