- Play Hard
- 16th May 2025
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Much-loved bakeries to try in and around Newcastle
There’s something undeniably comforting about the smell of freshly baked bread or the sight of buttery pastries behind a steamy glass counter.
Whether you’re after the ultimate weekend cinnamon bun, a sourdough loaf that actually lives up to the hype, or just a solid sausage roll to power your Sunday stroll, Newcastle and its surrounds have got you covered.
From old favourites that feel like part of the furniture to shiny new setups worth a detour, here’s our pick of the much-loved bakeries you’ll want on your radar.
PureKnead Bakery
City Centre: 38 Dean Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1PG
Gosforth: The Gosforth Centre, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 1JZ
Starting out as a market stall in Tynemouth back in 2015, PureKnead has become a firm favourite for freshly baked sourdough, delicious pastries and moreish cakes. With bakeries now in Whitley Bay and Newcastle city centre, everything is made by hand using simple, natural ingredients – no additives, just proper baking. Whether you’re picking up a loaf for the weekend or treating yourself to something sweet, PureKnead is all about quality, care and really, really good bread.
Pink Lane Bakery
City Centre: 40 Pink Ln, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 5DY
Gosforth: Rear Building, The Old Fire Station, 232-236 High St, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 1HH
A firm favourite with locals for good reason, Pink Lane Bakery nails that rare balance of comfort and creativity. Their sourdough is the stuff of legend, their sausage rolls are meaty (or veggie) perfection, and their almond croissants? Don’t even get us started. With locations in the city centre and Gosforth, it’s never too much of a stretch to pop in – just be prepared to queue on weekends.
HLN tip: grab a latte and a brownie to go and thank us later.
Northern Rye
4 Riverside Walk, Byker, Newcastle upon Tyne NE6 1LX
Cool, calm and effortlessly delicious, Northern Rye is what bakery dreams are made of. Set on the Ouseburn end of Byker, this modern space serves up artisan bread, glossy pastries and excellent coffee in a minimalist, Scandi-style café that keeps things relaxed and unpretentious. Their rotating cruffin flavours (that’s croissant + muffin, for the uninitiated) are always a highlight.
Batch Bakery
14 Clayton Rd, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4RP
Batch is one of those places where everything is just right. Think high-quality coffee, a slick monochrome aesthetic, and pastries that walk the line between indulgent and refined. You’ll find cruffins stuffed with pistachio cream, generously filled cardamom buns, and the kind of focaccia that could probably bring about world peace. Based in Jesmond, it’s a go-to for students, freelancers and foodies alike – and it’s not hard to see why.
FAB Bakery
36 Fenham Hall Dr, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 9UU
FAB by name, fab by nature. This neighbourhood gem in Fenham has built a loyal following for its classic loaves and no-nonsense approach to honest, handmade baking. Their sourdough is fermented for over 24 hours, their baguettes are the real deal, and their Danish pastries are dangerously addictive. They’re also champions of local ingredients and seasonal specials – so there’s always something new to try. A community bakery in the truest sense of the word.
Big River Bakery
42 Wretham Pl, Shieldfield, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 1XU
Big River Bakery is about more than just bread – though their bread is very good. This social enterprise is passionate about people and community, using baking to bring people together and support local initiatives. Their famed ‘The Power of the Stottie’ campaign launched back in 2022 continues to raise money for positive social change, shining a well-deserved spotlight on the humble stottie as a symbol of North East pride, community, and good old-fashioned comfort food. The bakery also offers workshops and classes, making it a heart-warming (and stomach-filling) addition to the local scene.
Butterfly Cabinet (Honourable Mention)
200 Heaton Rd, Newcastle upon Tyne NE6 5HP
While not a bakery in the traditional sense, no list of baked goodness in Newcastle would feel right without a nod to the legendary Butterfly Cabinet. Their enormous American-style pancakes and sweet treats are the stuff of brunch legend. Get there early or be prepared to queue – but trust us, it’s worth the wait.
Savour Bakery Café & Patisserie
205B Coatsworth Rd, Gateshead NE8 1SR
Sleek, modern and effortlessly stylish, this Gateshead newcomer brings Parisian flair to the North East with its glossy pâtisserie, crisp croissants, and expertly layered gateaux. Whether you’re grabbing a flat white and a pistachio eclair to-go or settling in for a slow Saturday brunch, it’s a sweet spot that proves Gateshead is more than holding its own in the region’s baking boom.
Whether you’re a sweet tooth, a sourdough snob, or someone who simply believes that pastries are one of life’s great joys (we agree), there’s never been a better time to explore the region’s baking scene. These spots are proof that real craft, community, and creativity are alive and well in the oven.
Just don’t forget the cake box.
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