13 hidden gems on the North East coast

From charming cafes to unique bars, uncover 13 hidden gems along the North East coast, from Northumberland to Saltburn.

Unveiling Coastal Gems of the North East

Welcome to a tour through 13 hidden coastal gems along the North East coast of England, from the picturesque shores of Northumberland down to the charming seafront of Saltburn-by-the-Sea.

This round-up of cafes, restaurants and bars highlights the best places for you to visit along the gorgeous North East coast.

Unearth special spots like The BAE, where you can enjoy sustainably sourced coffee paired with local handmade goods, as well as Embers, known for its mouthwatering wood-fired pizzas and cosy atmosphere.

Meanwhile, Bessy’s Sweet Bakes offers indulgent treats that’ll satisfy your sweet tooth, while Sarah’s Ice Cream Parlour serves up nostalgic flavours that make every scoop special.

From the seaside charm of Bait at Bamburgh, with its legendary fish and chips, to the quirky Phone Box Ice Cream stand in Tynemouth, each location in this list promises a unique coastal experience.

With this list, you will have the chance to discover unique flavours, cosy atmospheres and hidden local treasures.

So, dive in with us and discover these fabulous coastal delights…

The BAE

Beadnell Beach Car Park, Beadnell Bay, Northumberland, NE67 5EE

Standing out for its commitment to quality, offering speciality coffee sourced sustainably and prepared with care, this vibrant cafe combines artisanal coffee with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The Bae also features a rotating selection of local handmade goods, showcasing the talent and creativity of the region. Its coastal charm, paired with its focus on community and sustainability, makes it a beloved spot.

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Embers

Eleanors Byre, Embers, Alnwick, NE66 3DW

Based in Embleton, this standout wood-fired pizza restaurant is renowned for its authentic approach, using locally sourced ingredients. The wood-fired oven imparts a distinct, smoky flavour that sets their pizzas apart. Their delicious Milano Salami features a delectable blend of tomato sauce, parmesan cheeses and succulent cured Italian salami. Beyond the flavours, Embers offers a cosy, rustic atmosphere that feels both warm and inviting for all visitors.

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Bessy’s Sweet Bakes

South Shields, Shields Unit, Unit 327 Henry Robson Way, NE33 1RF

This delightful coastal bakery specialises in handmade, indulgent treats. Each treat is crafted with care, using high-quality ingredients to guarantee every bite is as flavorful as it is aesthetic. Their indulgent Classic Brownie combines rich, fudgy chocolate with a perfect, gooey centre. In their charming coffee and cake van, ‘Hugo’, you’ll find them on the South Shields seafront on the weekend.

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Barca Art Bar

Tynemouth Front Street, North Shields, NE30 4BT 

Barca Bar, nestled in the heart of Tynemouth’s Front Street, is a quirky, boozy and cosy spot hosting signature drinks and cocktails. Popular among regulars, a standout feature on the menu is their iconic Number 9 cocktail. Barca’s special charm, cool decor, modern ambience and bespoke beverages make it a must-visit bar during your outing to Tynemouth.

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Sarah’s Ice Cream Parlour

Lambertslee Farm, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 3FS

Sarah’s Ice Cream Parlour in Bridlington is a glorious coastal gem, offering an irresistible array of artisan ice creams and sweet treats, such as their fun Smarty Party ice cream flavour. Visitors love the nostalgic feel of the parlour, where classic favourites meet innovative new tastes. The attention to detail makes every scoop special, offering a distinctive experience that captures the essence of seaside indulgence.

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Bait at Bamburgh

Beach Car Park, Bamburgh, NE69 7DB

Known for its fresh, locally-sourced seafood, and delicious street food, Bait at Bamburgh stands out as a must-visit destination along the North East coast.  An iconic dish on the menu is their crispy, golden-battered fish and chips. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or enjoying a leisurely meal by the sea, Bait at Bamburgh perfectly captures the essence of the coast.

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Phone Box Ice Cream

Tynemouth Telephone Box Cafe, Tynemouth, NE30 4BP

As a small but beloved gem, Phone Box Ice Cream is a quirky treat spot located in a repurposed red telephone box, offering a unique twist on the classic seaside ice cream experience. This charming little novelty stand serves up delicious, locally made ice cream in a variety of flavours. You absolutely must try their scrumptious Caramel Ice Cream Sundae!

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Di Meo’s

9 Marine Avenue, Whitely Bay, NE26 1LX

This family-run establishment stands out for its warm and welcoming atmosphere, celebrated not only for its authentic Italian cuisine but also for its famous homemade ice cream. Their rich Tiramisu flavoured gelato layers coffee and creamy mascarpone, creating a dessert reminiscent of the classic Italian treat. Dimeo’s ice cream is more than just a dessert, it’s an experience, evoking the traditional flavours of Italy in every indulgent bite.

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Signals

1A Station Square, Saltburn TS12 1QA

Established in 1986, Signals is a beloved local treasure. The vibrant cafe and bar in Saltburn is known for tasty treats, from its famous Parmo Loaded Fries to its iconic hot chocolates, this buzzing cafe offers a delightful culinary experience by day. In the evening, it transforms into a lively taproom, offering craft beers, unique cocktails, and live music.

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Wallis & Co

12a–15 Navigation Point, Hartlepool TS24 0UH

Wallis & Co in Hartlepool offers a unique blend of culinary experiences, from delicious brunches to mouthwatering dinners.  This dynamic coastal venue features a stylish Funky Room, a gorgeous cocktail lounge and their iconic Wallis Wagon. One of their standout cocktails is the “Wham Bar,” a delicious mix of Bacardi raspberry, raspberry liqueur and cranberry juice.

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The Boatyard

1 John Street, Cullercoats, NE30 4PL

This independent cafe on Cullercoats seafront is a cosy spot for coffee and brunch. Food and drinks at The Boatyard are sourced with care, partnering with top local independents from Cullercoats, Whitley Bay, Tynemouth and North Shields. This showcases their commitment to cutting food miles, and also ensuring everything is as fresh as can be. A signature dish you highly recommended from the menu is their iconic Cullercoats fry-up, featuring a tasty ‘Geordie banger’.

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The Jolly Fisherman

Haven Hill, Craster, NE66 3TR

The Jolly Fisherman in Craster is a renowned seafood restaurant up in the Northumberland. Known for its stunning coastal views and warm welcoming atmosphere, this iconic spot is loved for serving the freshest seafood, with dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients. A must-try on their menu is the famous Craster Kipper Pâté, a true taste of the sea.

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Arbeia Bar

18-24 Ocean Road, South Shields NE33 2HZ 

Owned by Jade Thirlwall from Little Mix, this trendy spot in South Shields stands out with its eclectic decor and lively events, blending modern charm with classic coastal vibes. Fridays are extra special, offering free pizza on the house, to pair with your drinks. Plus, the inviting outdoor terrace lets you sip cocktails while watching the waves roll in.

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The North East’s coastal hidden delights

That wraps it up – 13 hidden coastal gems in the North East of England, from up in Northumberland right down to Saltburn-by-the-Sea, including some wonderful bars, cafes and restaurants.

With such a diverse selection of venues along the North East coast, you’ll have plenty of options to explore and enjoy this season. Each location has its own special appeal, so selecting just one standout spot is impossible.

For more hidden treasures and recommendations in the North East, check out our Play Hard section.

We hope you enjoy discovering these coastal delights – if you have any to recommend, let us know in the comments below.

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