The Bonny Comet

490 Durham Road, Low Fell, Gateshead, NE9 6HU

The Bonny Comet brings a breath of fresh air to the Low Fell food scene through their ‘sip & scran’. The art-deco-inspired, lush green interior is as sophisticated and refreshing as their margaritas – which are, arguably, among some of the best in the North East. Perfectly balanced, light and vibrant.

Run by local lass Hayley Kell, this not-so-hidden gem has a menu offering fresh, seasonal and packed-full-of-flavour dishes served from 12pm, Wednesday to Sunday. Their all-day menu features an extensive list of nibbles, small plates including Moules Marinière and Butter Poached Sea Trout Salad and large plates such as a Chicken Kyiv with creamed spring greens and truffle mash and Pork Fillet with tenderstem broccoli, creamed potato and pigs head croquette – we’re truly salivating.

They’ve also built up quite the reputation for their Sunday roasts, but get in there early as they are often fully booked!

With plenty of veggie, vegan and gluten-free options available too, you know everyone is catered for whether you are after a light bite of a three-course feast.

See you there?

The Staiths Café 

1 Autumn Drive, Gateshead NE8 2BZ

Positioned with a view overlooking the Tyne, this popular Gateshead café is tucked away off the main footpath. You could easily walk past it without realising if you weren’t in the know, (although the buzz of queueing hungry locals on a weekend might give it away).

Inside has a cool, industrial loft feel and offers coffee, savoury and sweet food. Their menu has dishes titled ‘I don’t know’ (sandwiches or toasties) and ‘I don’t care’ (beans on toast). These have been known to confuse new staff, much to the amusement of the regulars.

By the tills, they have a small shop that sells local produce such as North Chocolates and Staiths Honey. You can also buy artwork, cards and posters from local artists.

Simply Cheesecake

618-620 Durham Road, Low Fell, Gateshead NE9 6HY

For your everyday indulgence, Simply Cheesecake has a cheesecake to suit every occasion. They’ve built up quite a cult following serving up chilled and baked cheesecakes – offering delicious vegan, no dairy and gluten-free creations, as well as standard dairy cheesecakes.

If you haven’t visited already – you should. The wide array of choices makes it hard to choose one, (although who said you had to only pick one!), but whichever you go for, you won’t be disappointed.

It isn’t just cheesecake that they offer, either. All their ice cream is homemade with flavours changing seasonally, making them the perfect treat to cool down with while walking around Saltwell Park, or to savour in the sun-trapped garden here with your furry friend.

Urban Bakery

504 Durham Road, Low Fell, Gateshead NE9 6HU

When walking down Durham Road, you may miss this humble bakery offering freshly baked artisan breads, pies, sausage rolls and sweet treats. But you should know that they can cater for any events you have and bake showstopping cakes to order, while also serving up killer coffees.

Striving to be more sustainable? You can buy refillable household produce and pantry essentials, such as oats, pasta, flour and cleaning products here, too. So, you can do your bit towards helping the planet, all while munching on a homemade sausage roll – sounds pretty good to us.