Your ultimate foodie guide to North Shields
North Shields Fish Quay is the place to go for bars, cafés, pubs and restaurants – and they’re all only a stone’s throw from the Metro.
THE SHIP’S CAT
Union Road, Tanners’ Bank, North Shields NE30 1JH
North Shields’ little stowaway packs such a punch, even Harrison Ford’s a fan. Eat, drink and dance the day away in this cosy enclave, with hearty yet creative dishes on offer, sexy serves, themed disco nights and live DJs. And on those nicer summer nights, head out to their terrace to enjoy a bev or two under twinkling fairy lights.
Monday – Saturday: 11am – midnight
Sunday: 11am – 11pm
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LOW LIGHTS TAVERN
Brewhouse Bank, North Shields NE30 1LL
It’s not every day you can say you’ve had a drink in Sam Fender’s local, but the Low Lights shot to fame almost as quickly as the Geordie singer did once he revealed the boozer is his favourite watering hole. So much so, you can even get a pint of beer pulled by Sam’s Critics’ Choice Award or Brit Award, now they’ve been turned into beer pumps.
Monday – Sunday: 11am – midnight
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THREE TANNERS BANK
Tanners Bank, North Shields NE30 1JH
This quirky café-bar hosts everything from record markets, foodie pop-ups and drink-and-draw evenings to stand-up comedy nights and live gigs. You’ll always find some cracking scran here, while the cocktails are certified swanky and the craft beer selection is top tier. Plus, dogs are welcome.
Wednesday – Friday: 3pm – 11pm
Saturday – Sunday: 11am – 11pm
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LOBO ROJO
40 Fish Quay, North Shields NE30 1HB
Lobo Rojo channels those effortless, Californian beachside vibes but somehow makes them work for the decidedly less tropical North Shields coastline. This taqueria-bar specialises in Mexican street food, meaning you can expect tacos, margaritas and lots of great guac.
Tuesday: 4pm – 11pm
Wednesday – Friday: 12pm – 11pm
Saturday: 9.30am – 11pm
Sunday: 9.30am – 10pm
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ALLARD’S ON THE QUAY
1 Union Quay, North Shields NE30 1HJ
The little sister to Tynemouth favourite Allard’s Lounge is by no means the less glamorous of the two: opulent décor and decadent drinks rule here (making it an Instagrammer’s dream). A casual café-bar and pavement café dominates the ground floor – perfect for dropping in for drinks – while upstairs an intimate restaurant is your next dreamy date night spot.
Monday – Thursday: 8.30am – 11.30pm
Friday – Saturday: 8.30am – 12.30am
Sunday: 8.30am – midnight
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DODGIN’S YARD
50b Bell Street, North Shields NE30 1HF
If you enjoy your mealtimes with a view, then Dodgin’s Yard is the coastal bolthole for you. This cosy restaurant sits right on North Shields Fish Quay, meaning you’re treated to unbeatable views over the Tyne as you tuck in. Whether it’s hearty breakfasts or evening seafood specials (sourced from the Yard’s own fishing trawler), expect sophisticated dishes bursting with flavour.
Monday – Saturday: 10am – 11.30pm
Sunday: 10am – 10pm
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FLASH HOUSE BREWING CO
Unit 1A, Northumberland Street, North Shields NE30 1DS
Nestled on a hill overlooking the River Tyne, Flash House brew small-batch, creatively flavoured world beers in the old heartland of industrial North East. They proved so popular a taproom on site soon followed; these days, you can head to Flash House if you fancy a laidback natter and a pint of the good stuff under the fairy lights.
Thursday – Friday: 5pm – 10pm
Saturday: 2pm – 10pm
Sunday: 2pm – 8pm
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HOW DO YOU DO
Hudson Street, North Shields NE30 1JS
You may feel like you’ve fallen down the rabbit-hole walking into How Do You Do, North Shields, for the first time thanks to the pervading Alice in Wonderland theme, (think a clock-wall, chintz china, a grand piano and Mad Hatter teapots). The afternoon teas are a thing of beauty in this most quirky of North Shields restaurants – enjoyed with a cocktail and an unbeatable sea view.
Sunday – Thursday: 11.30am – 11pm
Friday – Saturday: 11.30pm – 1am
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SALTY SEA DOG
17 Union Quay, North Shields NE30 1HJ
This rustic gastropub isn’t as brine-dusted as the name suggests, but still encapsulates everything we love about North Shields: quirky cocktails, hearty portions, and a relaxed atmosphere. Head down any morning to nab a breakfast fit for champions or stop by later in the day to make the most of their tapas and drinks combo deals. We love dropping in on a Friday or Saturday for some live music.
Monday – Saturday: 9am – midnight
Sunday: 9am – 11pm
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TWELVE 25
18–20 Union Quay, North Shields NE30 1HJ
Smack, bang in the middle of the Fish Quay lies Twelve 25: a stylish cocktail bar and restaurant that offers all your boujee breakfast staples, bottomless brunch deals and pan-Asian inspired lunch and evening dishes, (psst – their stuffed flatbreads are insane). Make sure you head out to their sun trap of a terrace during summer; working your way through their cocktail list as the river rolls by just hits different.
Monday – Thursday: 8am – 10pm
Friday – Saturday: 8am – 11.30pm
Sunday: 8am – 9.30pm
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PORKY’S
3 Union Quay, North Shields NE30 1HJ
Smoked ribs, southern-fried shrimp, succulent steaks, juicy smashed burgers and wood-fired pizza… our mouths are drooling just at the thought. And there are few BBQ joints better than Porky’s – one of the more popular North Shields restaurants serves up American-style cuisine at its very best, which can be washed down with some of their signature cocktails. They even host live music nights.
Monday – Friday: 12pm – 10pm
Saturday: 12pm – 11pm
Sunday: 12pm – 8pm
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THE WATERFRONT
22 Union Road, North Shields NE30 1HR
We all know it’s a given that whenever you frequent the seafront, you have to get fish and chips. We didn’t make the rules, it’s just how it is. Luckily, one of the few family-run North Shields restaurants also offers takeaways that more than hit the spot when it comes to a chippy tea in the sea air.
Monday – Saturday: 11am – 6pm
Sunday: 11.30am – 4pm
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THE JUKE SHED
16 Union Quay, North Shields NE30 1HJ
It’s easy to see why this traditional pub is a firm favourite among North Shields locals: friendly staff, exposed stone walls, quirky décor and more live music bookings than you can shake a stick at. Seriously, if a few pints while listening to some local talent is your thing, check it out.
Tuesday: 12pm – midnight
Wednesday – Monday: 11.30am – midnight
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THE QUAY TAPHOUSE
50 Bell Street, North Shields NE30 1HF
This stylish tapas restaurant enjoys some of the best views on North Shields Fish Quay, making it a shoo-in for date night – after all, is there anything more romantic than sharing a meal while looking out as the sun sets over the sea? That’s not to say you can’t just pop in here for a drink, though; their cocktails are even more enjoyable when sipped in the sunshine in their riverbank terrace.
Monday – Saturday: 12pm – 8pm
Sunday: 12pm – 5pm
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SALT MARKET SOCIAL
1 Liddell Street, North Shields NE30 1HE
Perhaps our favourite spot in North Shields. Salt Market Social is a homage to great food, drink and music: a monthly warehouse event bringing together the region’s best artists, street food stalls, craft beer and cocktails under one roof. As well as gigs, the Market also hosts cracking themed nights, like their upcoming ‘Blame It On The Boogie’ tribute to funk and disco.
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LONGSANDS APRÈS
4 Albion Road, North Shields NE30 2RJ
An extension of Longsands Clothing, this quirky café-bar is a local take on an Après Ski lodge in the Alps – a cosy nook of North Shields where you can sip hot drinks by day and beer, wine and cocktails come the evening. Their freshly baked cakes and bagels are a delicious way to keep hunger at bay, as are their snack boards.
Monday – Sunday: 12pm – 11.30pm
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SUSHI YAMMI
34 Spence Terrace, North Shields NE29 0JE
It’s quite rare you find a Japanese takeaway restaurant – especially one that doesn’t kinda put you off – but Sushi Yammi slays. As the name suggests, sushi is the name of the game here, with all manner of creative concoctions available. We’re suckers for the house special Green Dragon: prawns, avocado, cucumber, Tobiko caviar, mayonnaise, sesame and ungai sauce.
Sunday – Monday & Wednesday – Thursday: 12pm – 9pm
Friday – Saturday: 12pm – 10pm
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THE TWO PENNIES
1 Northumberland Place, North Shields NE30 1QP
You’ll spot the outdoor terrace to this quirky café-bar a mile off it’s so colourful, which instantly gives you that dopamine hit a day out by the coast should do. Plus, it’s a bona fide sun trap, so you’ll get your RDA of vitamin D while you sup. Inside you’ll find rustic, urban interiors, a cracking choice of beers, regular live music and friendly staff – which all makes this charming bar a delight to visit.
Sunday – Thursday: 12pm – 10pm
Friday – Saturday: 12pm – 11pm
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SEAVIEW FISH AND GRILL
14 Union Quay, North Shields NE30 1HJ
Seaview Fish and Grill is just a little swankier than your average fish and chip shop. This family-run business is offering a modern take on the British coastal classic and they know their stuff – having traded fresh fish on the Quay for more than 50 years. Stop by on your way to or from a seaside stroll and enjoy fresh, cooked-to-order fare.
Tuesday – Saturday: 11.30am – 7.30pm
Sunday: 11.30am – 4.30pm
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ENIGMA TAP
60 Bedford Street, North Shields NE29 0AL
North Shields’ first micropub is an oasis away from the bustle of the Fish Quay. Channelling ultimate Scandi vibes – think succulents, real wood furniture, and minimalist décor – you can feel the stress slip off your shoulders as you step inside. That may have a little something to do with the promise of sampling the local craft beer, spirits and soft drinks, organic wine and real cider on offer here, too.
Monday – Thursday: 4pm – 10pm
Friday: 4pm– 11pm
Saturday: 2pm – 11pm
Sunday: 2pm – 10pm
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PIGALO’S SPEAKEASY
29 Nile Street, North Shields NE29 0AZ
Burger fiends: bow to the reigning sovereign of meat stacks. Pigalo’s steak burgers and stacks are hella messy, but we reckon this only adds to their deliciousness. Expect messy mouths, sticky fingers and ultimate satisfaction as you tuck into everything from the PB & Duncan (peanut butter and bacon beef burger) to a Mother Clucker (Louisiana chicken burger topped with chorizo and cheese), with sides like ‘Wachos’ and ‘Trashed Browns’.
Tuesday, Thursday – Saturday: 2pm – 10pm
Sunday: 2pm – 9pm
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SWEET DREAMS NORTH TYNESIDE
11–13 West Percy Street, North Shields NE29 0AH
Bubble waffles, pancakes, churros, cookie dough, cheesecakes, doughnuts, fondue, brownies, milkshakes, ice cream, cakes, crepes… The list of sinfully sweet desserts available at Sweet Dreams goes on and on and on. Best of all, they’re all created to takeaway – so you can slip into a sugar coma in the comfort of your own home.
Monday – Sunday: 4pm – 11.30pm
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PIA’S ARTISAN BAKERY
58 Saville Street, North Shields NE30 1AZ
For all your sweet and savoury baked goods in North Shields, Pia’s is the place to go. The sister outpost to Eli’s Bakery, Pia’s also specialise in sourdough breads, although their pasteis de nata are also pretty famous in these parts, and we’ve heard some say their focaccia is the best in the North East.
Wednesday – Friday: 9.30am – 3.30pm
Saturday: 9.30am – 4pm
Sunday: 9am – 2.30pm
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OLD LOW LIGHT
Clifford’s Fort, North Shields NE30 1JE
The oldest surviving, occupied building along the Fish Quay guided ships safely through the mouth of the Tyne back in the 16th century and still shines a light on North Shields today as a heritage centre. It’s also home to a cosy café, where you can sip on a brew from Tynemouth Coffee Co., indulge with something sweet, head out onto the terrace overlooking the river or listen to their impressive collection of vinyl.
Tuesday – Saturday: 10am – 3pm
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SPECIAL SHOUTOUT TO… NORTHUMBERLAND PARK
Tynemouth Road, North Shields NE30 2ES
Nestled between Tynemouth and North Shields, Northumberland Park has attracted visitors to its woodland paths, gardens, lake and bowling green since it was opened in 1885. A combination of Victorian elegance and urban wilderness, the park hosts scenic walks, a vibrant herb garden, the Glasshouse Tearoom, regular music performances, a sculpture trail, a children’s play area and a BMX pump track.
Monday – Friday: 7.30pm – 7pm
Saturday – Sunday: 9.30am – 6pm
MORE INFOWhy not travel by Metro? North Shields Metro station is within a 15-minute walk of all the restaurants and bars mentioned here – meaning everyone can make the most of the swanky serves on offer in this neck of the woods.
North Shields Metro Station, NE29 0BH
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