- Play Hard
- 6th Dec 2023
- 0
- 2 minutes
5 of our favourite hot chocolate spots in the North East

‘Tis the season to snuggle up with a mug of sugar-dusted delight.
ETTO ON THE PARK
23-24 Gosforth Centre, Gosforth, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE3 1JZ
This hidden gem tucked away inside Gosforth’s shopping centre is the epitome of cosy, Scandi décor and tranquil vibes – which is what we’re all about, now the rush of Christmas has begun.
And star of the show here is undoubtedly their hot chocolate, served steaming, lathered with cream and topped with a couple of Terry’s chocolate orange segments.
Monday – Saturday: 8am – 5.30pm
Sunday: 9am – 4pm
NORTHUMBERLAND HQ
Vallum Farm, East Wallhouses, Northumberland NE18 0LL
Northumberland HQ rotates on the axes of adventure, discovery and an appreciation for the simpler things in life: local craftsmanship, open countryside and great coffee.
A hub for all things Northumberland, the HQ expertly combines everything from produce from the North East’s finest makers, bakers and roasters, to maps, guidebooks, artwork, camping and even Land Rover Defender hire.
So, if you want an authentic, locally tasting, proper North East hot chocolate, there’s nowhere better.
Thursday – Friday: 8am – 4pm
Saturday: 10am – 4pm
Sunday: 10am – 2pm
RUHE
Roker Park Bandstand, Sunderland SR6 9PL
Just a few hundred yards from Roker Beach, snug bolthole Ruhe is Roker Park’s first permanent coffee shop, and offers an oasis of calm amidst the bustle of this lively Sunderland suburb.
Nordic, boho vibes (with a playlist to match) make sitting inside Ruhe a balm to the soul, especially when it’s a hot chocolate you’ve got in hand. Enjoy it classic or jazz it up to your heart’s content with optional honey, caramel, vanilla, cream and marshmallows.
Monday – Sunday: 8am – 5pm
ECHO 3 COFFEE HOUSE & ROASTERY
11 Clark’s Yard, Darlington DL3 7QH
This quirky, foliage-filled bolthole is a dream hideaway from the stresses of the season.
And while we’re suckers for the freshly roasted, speciality coffee you find in this Darlington café, their hot chocolate offering is pretty fine, too. Especially when paired with one of their home-baked sweet treats.
S’mores cookies, filled with chocolate ganache and homemade marshmallow fluff, anyone?
Tuesday – Saturday: 9am – 3pm
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