Dobson & Parnell

Casual fine dining in an elegant setting on Newcastle's Quayside.

Dil and the Bear

Dil and the Bear, specialising in seasonal, homemade cakes and baked treats.

Gluten free lemon blueberry cake on a table next to the window. It is filled and topped with white buttercream and decorated with lemon zest and edible purple decorations.

Jan’s Kitchen

Homely café offering a range of homemade dishes, cakes and daily specials.

5 quarter Newcastle

5|Quarter

Serving innovative cocktails, classic wines, artisan beers and hot beverages.

Baristocracy Coffee

Baristocracy Coffee is a small, family-run speciality coffee roasting business based in North Shields.

Brew & Bite

A speciality coffee shop with a kitchen serving up daily treats with seasonal flavours.  

Bun Bun

Bun Bun is a fantastic Mediterranean restaurant, focusing mainly on Greek food – bringing a wide range of flavours to the heart of South Shields.

Published 22.04.2023

20 of the best beer gardens in and around Newcastle

When the sun is shining, all we can think about is having a pint in a beer garden. So, here are our top picks, including some hidden gems you may not have heard of before...

High Life North

Rustic Cup

This espresso bar and kitchen is a vibrant cafe by day, and a relaxed bar by evening.

Queen Vic

Traditional British pub. Serving cask ales, fine wines and a vast selection of gin and cocktails.

Mother Mercy

Voted one of the top 50 cocktail bars in the UK, Mother Mercy is an intimate table service cocktail bar hidden in a basement in the heart of Newcastle’s busy Cloth Market.

Gorilla Bar & Bowling

Brand-new Gorilla Bar & Bowling offers a fully licensed bar, darts, pool, Gorilla-pong, table tennis and live sport.

Northshore Coffee

Speciality coffee shop in Grainger Market with coffee vans roaming the North East.

Adam and Eve Alnwick

Adam and Eve

A neighbourhood pub offering locally sourced, farm-to-table inspired food and creative cocktails.

Dragon Slayer Distillery

A family business with a desire to provide clean, pure, quality gin for gin lovers.

Published 22.11.2022

Where to find the best hot chocolate in the North East

From a candy floss hot chocolate extravaganza to a beautiful Biscoff creation, here are our favourite spots that serve hot cocoas that are next level.

Rachael Nichol

Triple A Food Tours

Award winning food tour business offering bespoke food tours within Newcastle, Northumberland and Durham. Enjoy sampling food and drinks from some of the best independent eateries from around the North East.

The Hustle

Newcastle's Newest Restaurant, Cocktail Bar & Disco Lounge.

The Exchange

An intimate unique cocktail bar, hidden underground from the hustle and bustle of Northumberland street.

The Collingwood Arms

Grade II Listed, luxury Georgian hotel set in glorious surroundings with views over the River Tweed.

No28

Newcastle's prettiest latenight bar with a great atmosphere in a one of a kind venue.

Breaded chicken on a bed of cheesy mashed potato and onions, sprinkled with parsley

Foxtons Wine Bar & Restaurant

Friendly wine bar and restaurant using locally sourced ingredients and high-quality produce.

Al Bear

Located within the heart of Whitley Bay, Al Bear, Bar & kitchen is a place of great food and wonderful drinks.

Published 20.07.2022

Looking for a new spot for brunch in Newcastle? We’ve discovered a hidden rooftop terrace to take it alfresco – The Factory Kitchen

Spoiler alert – this ultimate suntrap sanctuary in The Biscuit Factory has a new cocktail menu, (and it’s 5 o'clock somewhere, right?)

Rachael Nichol

19 TWENTY

Prime steaks & crafted cocktails. Located on Elvet Bridge, Durham.

Gino D’Acampo Restaurant Quayside

Beautiful open plan restaurant in Quayside, Newcastle serving real Italian food as it should be, with something for everyone.

Oriental teapot and teacup beneath a ceiling of Japanese lanterns

Geisha Bar & Restaurant

Aesthetic restaurant and bar offering pan-Asian food, sushi and cocktails.

Made of Crumbs

Made of Crumbs is an independent, family run cake and coffee shop based in the centre of Morpeth.

Colourful tacos filled with a yellow spiced filling. It is served with a side salad and garnished with dainty edible flowers.

Alkaline Kitchen

Fully vegan café serving healthy and colourful dishes made fresh each day.

Cosy interior of The Corner House. There are old wooden chairs and tables, a cuckoo clock and menu board on the wall, and an old fashioned lampshade glowing in the corner

The Corner House

Vintage coffee shop with an open fire, cosy decor and plenty of tasty treats.

Pretty purple cocktail in a tumbler garnished with mint and edible red flowers

Cog and Wheel

Independent cocktail bar offering daily drink deals, tasty food and live music.

Published 26.05.2022

Wine not? Here are our 4 finest wine bars to visit in Newcastle

It’s English Wine Week, so here are our top drinking destinations for a glass of vino that’ll help you wine-d down.

High Life North
The quirky interior of Northern Edge Coffee. Industrial lights hang from the ceiling. The walls are grey concrete with wooden beams across the ceiling. In the corner, a red Chesterfield armchair can be seen along with two wooden tables.

Northern Edge Coffee

Coffee house and roastery committed to providing hand crafted, speciality coffee.

Beautiful Victoria sponge cake decorated with swirls of buttercream and carefully arranged raspberries.

Rising Café

Charity-run café serving home-baked goods, classic dishes and drinks with a 1940s twist.

Five tequila-based cocktails

Leave Me Alone, Lisa

A tequila-infused hideaway for anyone in need of some good vibes.

Dining table with flowers

The Chequers Inn

Family-run village pub and B&B offering quality home-made food and a cosy place to stay.

Pork skewer with smoked bacon and rosemary brandy prunes

The Small Canteen

Small restaurant offering a changing dinner menu, organic wines and craft beer.

Blue exterior of Mascalzone with outdoor menus and seating

Mascalzone

Family-run Italian restaurant with a warm and cosy atmosphere.

Pancake stack covered with blueberry compote, Chantilly Cream and Almond Crumble.

Aidan’s Kitchen

Independently run coffee shop with a passion for breakfast and brunch.

Published 04.05.2022

5 new openings in and around Newcastle that we’ll be visiting this month

A new cheeky cocktail bar at the coast, a tantalising tasting menu, and a music club with popular Prohibition-style evenings… Here are the North East’s new openings.

High Life North
Refined interior of the restaurant featuring chandelier, green foliage and flowers and softly glowing lights above a glistening bar.

Leila Lily’s

Award-winning rosette bar and restaurant offering a sophisticated dining experience and instagrammable venue space.

Cosy seating area with a fireplace, wooden features and a traditional bar with stools

The Cook and Barker Inn

Traditional country inn with a cosy bar area, high-end food and luxury rooms in the Northumberland countryside.

Exterior of The Barn at Beal beneath a blue summer sky. A cyclist rides past the traditional dry stone wall, which has a sign for The Barn at Beal

The Barn at Beal

Homely restaurant, coffee shop and bar nestled in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The large executive suite. A wooden four poster bed is against one wall and there is a large fire place. Two elegant white sofas face each other in the middle of the room with a minimal wooden coffee table between them. A regal chandelier hangs above them.

Marshall Meadows Manor House

Stately Georgian manor house offering luxurious rooms, hotelier pods and fine dining.

Checkered table laden with three 20 inch pizzas of various flavours, a plate of dough balls, a plate of loaded nachos and a dish of chocolate topped popcorn. Drinks are positioned between the dishes.

Twenty Twenty

Buzzing bar and pizza restaurant specialising in extravagant cocktails, coffee and carbs.

Grey exterior of Victor Indigo November. The wine shop and tasting bar is set in an old railway arch in Gateshead. It's two large windows on either side of the grey front door give a glimpse into the wooden bar seating.

Victor Indigo November

Interior of The Nuthatch. Foliage hangs from the ceiling and the darkened room adds to the cosy atmosphere. A staff member talks to a laughing woman at a table.

The Nuthatch

Trendy bar and micro-distillery serving hand-crafted cocktails in a relaxed environment.

Published 20.04.2022

Bowl, bars and bites – 6 new openings in and around Newcastle this April

From a revamped bowling alley and the North East’s biggest beer garden to… open-air hot tub cinema nights?! Here are the newest bars, restaurants, cafés and attractions right now…

Rachael Nichol
Long wooden table and chairs along the centre of The Artizan, with chains running from the table to the ceiling. The exposed brick interior is warm yet modern.

The Artizan

Premium cocktail bar offering a range of eclectic drinks and live music.

Yellow and red gradient cocktail in an old-fashioned tumbler glass. The glass sits on top of a pile of old books and a small bunch of white flowers lies beside it.

Zetland Bar

Ornate bar serving a range of delicately crafted cocktails, continental lagers and local beers.

Colourful interior of Oven Restaurant. Orange glowing lights hang from the ceiling, adding to the cosy and relaxed vibe.

Oven Restaurant

Family-run restaurant providing classic and modern dishes and a laid-back vibe.

Full English Breakfast with bacon, fried egg, grilled tomato, sausage, black pudding, baked beans, hash brown and toast.

Wentworth Cafe

Local cafe in Hexham serving artisan coffee and freshly cooked breakfasts and lunches.

Cosy interior of The Fork in the Road. A long plush seat lines one wall below glowing industrial lights. Artistic prints of rockstars hang above the seating.

The Fork In The Road

The Fork In The Road is a restaurant-cum-social enterprise where delicious food helps to change lives.

Roasted salmon fillet and prawns served on a bed of peas and potato. It is served with a grilled lemon half, broccoli and herbs.

Number9 Bistro

Friendly restaurant serving à la carte dishes, small plates, Sunday lunch, cocktails and more using locally sourced ingredients.

Cake stand full of almond croissants. Behind it, there are shelves are colourful books.

Collected

Collected is a bookshop-cum-café specialising in work written by women.

Published 13.04.2022

6 ways to become a coffee connoisseur

Baristocracy Coffee spills the beans on how switching to speciality beans will make you taste coffee like you’ve never tasted coffee before...

Rachael Nichol
Selection of small plates spread across a wooden table. Two hands are poised to dig in with a fork. There is marinated chicken, breaded prawns, chicken tenders and potato skins.

YOLO Ponteland

Stylish and elegant bar, restaurant and venue space situated in the heart of Ponteland.

Exterior of the pub. It is painted a dark grey and has yellow punting string across each of its wide windows. The door is open, welcoming people in.

The Pont Tap

Ponteland's first micropub serving an array of ales, craft beers and other alcoholic beverages in a friendly atmosphere.

Wooden interior of the brewery. Soft spotlights glow behind the wooden counter, which has three chalkboard menus leaning on it. Simple wooden tables and chairs are positioned on the spacious chipboard floor.

Flying Gang Brewing

Cool, contemporary brewery offering a great choice of unique beers and other alcoholic beverages.

Sun soaked interior of the shop. Metal orange stools sit beneath a long wooden window table, looking out onto an outdoor space with a tree and sun wall art. An orange longboard hangs from the rustic brick wall and a flower shaped ceiling light casts a cosy glow on the space.

Regular Jo’s Coffee

Quirky independent coffee shop serving up specialty coffee, tasty bites and Scandi-surfer vibes.

The Gin Closet

Situated on the cobbled city centre streets, this former Ladies WC on High Bridge Street has been transformed into a small, dark and opulent speakeasy - and is now the smallest gin bar in the UK!

A table at Gaucho is covered in a range of dishes, including steaks, bread, salads and Mac and cheese. Alongside the dishes are glasses of Prosecco and wine.

Gaucho

Restaurant and late-night bar serving carbon-neutral steaks, Argentinian wines and classic cocktails.

Dim interior of Black Street Coffee in Newcastle. Baristas move behind the black branded counter. A black and white sign hangs above the counters and says PICK UP. Black sheep balloons float against the ceiling.

Black Sheep Coffee

Innovative coffee shop serving high-quality coffee, Norwegian waffles and a range of specialty drinks.

Published 06.04.2022

6 of the best bottomless brunch spots in the North East

Free-flowing fizz, beautiful brunches and day drinking vibes – we’ve got you covered.

Rachael Nichol
A plate of glazed pork belly with sticky rice and salad. In the background, there is a full plate of black bean noodles and a Thai Green Curry. These are some of the items available at Mogwai food, Gosforth.

Mogwai

Pan-Asian dining experience and cocktails within the Queen Vic pub in Gosforth.

Interior of The Vault, Darlington. A dimly lit stage features an old Persian rug, guitar and grand piano. Velvet chairs and wooden tables fill the long venue. Next to the stage, a long bar glows a dim orange.

The Vault

Prohibition-inspired bar hidden in an old cellar below Darlington Market.

Exterior of the French Quarter restaurant and wine bar in Newcastle. It is located in an old railway arch. The facade is pale pink with wide windows that look into the restaurant, which emits a cosy glow.

The French Quarter

French restaurant and wine bar offering a taste of France in a relaxed atmosphere.

Koru Gosforth

Koru

Contemporary pizzeria menu including light lunch options, single-origin locally roasted coffee and artisan cakes.

Vennels Cafe

A cafe offering delicious cakes, slices, pies, quiches and lunch options - all freshly baked every day.

Finbarr’s Restaurant

A cosy inn serving first-class cuisine based on British ingredients such as Stornoway black pudding.

WC Newcastle

A subterranean wine and cocktail bar in the heart of Newcastle.

Angels Cut Bar and Bottle Shop

Speciality wines, beers & spirits, to drink in or buy to take away. Secret garden for alfresco drinking.

Salt Darlington

Kitchen and Bar offering hearty burgers, bao buns & loaded fries, plus a take-out option.

Macy Brown’s

Independent cocktail bar based in the heart of Darlington.

ORB Micropub

Darlington's 1st Micropub. Providing the highest quality local real ales, craft beers & whisky.

Flat White Kitchen High Life North

Flat White Kitchen

A coffee shop specialising in baked goods and typical café fare in a renovated 17th-century townhouse.

Flat White Cafe Durham

Flat White Cafe

Flat White Kitchen's sister coffee shop, located in the heart of Durham City.

Monsieur Crepe Cafe

All types of pancakes are on the menu, crepes - both sweet and savoury, as well as American stacked pancakes. Plus coffees, teas and milkshakes.

Elder Beer Cafe

On the foodie fave street Chillingham Road, you'll find Elder Beer Cafe. A cafe-bar selling snacks, merch/ artwork, and craft beer of course. They also have seats inside and also through at the back, a perfect hidden spot.

Block and Bottle

Multi-award winning free-range butchers and craft beer shop, based on Heaton Road. Great advice available if you're not sure, and delicious fresh meat, as well as dairy products, some veg, and eggs too. Busy at weekends so get there early!

Tyne Bank Brewery

Brewery and tap room.

Deli Espresso Gosforth

Deli Espresso

Cafe with locally roasted coffees prepared in an espresso machine, plus hot and cold snacks and cocktails.

The brandling arms

The Brandling Arms

A lively tavern with regular quiz nights and modern pub food as well as a great outdoor terrace.

Baby Grey Gosforth

Baby Grey

A fully licensed cafe with great coffee and food. Also offering specially selected wines, beers, evening small plates and live music every Saturday.

Cafe Corosa Gosforth

Cafe Corsaro

A piece of Italy in Gosforth, with authentic, rustic Italian coffees, cakes, wines, beers, salads and a range of hot weekly specials.

Caffe 1901 Gosforth

Caffe 1901 Deli Gosforth

Caffe 1901 is a creative space that has community at its heart. Welcoming everyone including canine friends.

Gosforth Traders

An artisan coffee house and delicatessen, with a craft beer cellar, specialist wine and premium spirits off licence.

Lilburns Alnwick

Lilburns Bar Restaurant

Well known for its fabulous food which is all sourced locally, Lilburns has a reputation that speaks for itself.

The Market Tavern Alnwick

The Market Tavern, Steakhouse and Lodge

Welcome to The Market Tavern Steakhouse serving premium steaks, local ales and fine wine every day.

Melvyn's Cafe Alnwick

Melvyn’s Castle

Serving home-cooked comfort food, including beef pies, lasagna, puddings, scones and sundaes as well as delicious beers, ales, teas and coffees.

Strawberry Lounge Alnwick

Strawberry Lounge

A small family-run cafe and smoothie bar with fresh homemade food and cakes made on-site daily. Great for afternoon teas, too.

The Dirty Bottles Alnwick

The Dirty Bottles

A centuries-old pub and restaurant with luxury rooms and a rooftop terrace.

The Dyvels Inn Corbridge

The Dyvels Inn

Dog friendly with a lovely garden and a menu with something for everyone.

The Angel of Corbridge

The Angel of Corbridge

A dog-friendly countryside pub and hotel with hearty pub grub, local real ales, cosy rooms and roaring log fires.

The Pele Micropub Corbridge

The Pele

A unique micropub with a contemporary restoration, fabulous location and unmistakable heritage.

The-Black-Bull Corbridge

The Black Bull

A rustic 18th-century inn serving traditional British pub dishes and real ales, with curry nights and an outdoor terrace.

Massey's tea room Corbridge

Massey’s Tea Room

Traditional tea room, set in the heart of the village, serving the finest quality homemade dishes, all lovingly prepared.

Tea and Tipples

A cute cafe offering breakfast, brunch and lunch.

Watling Coffee House

Coffee House serving delicious homemade breakfasts and light lunches. Great to take kids.

Riverview Kitchen

A lovely setting right on the river, with delicious food and a varied menu.

Zen Durham | High Life North

Zen

Contemporary Thai and Pan-Asian restaurant/bar with heated 'urban jungle' dining area with palms.

Barrio Comida

A modern Mexican taqueria with a terrace, crafting homemade tortillas and serving cocktails and wine.

Eden's Cafe Whitley Bay

Eden’s Cafe

A dog-friendly cafe serving delicious food which is freshly made every day. Try the egg dishes they are famous for.

Sweet Patisserie

An award-winning patisserie by Chef Emma Carlton, with a couple of tables to enjoy coffee and a cake in-store.

Room 305

Room 305

A coffee shop and restaurant with delicious tapas in a relaxed setting.

Kork Wine and Deli

Kork Wine and Deli

Visit for wine, beers, charcuterie, cheese and bread that's worth the difference.

Fox and Finch Whitley Bay

Fox and Finch

Serving breakfast, then classic tapas from lunchtime, with a modern twist in a relaxed laid-back atmosphere and a well-stocked bar.

Buddha Lounge

Serving Asian cuisine in opulent surroundings, right in the heart of Tynemouth.

Lola Jeans

On Tynemouth Front Street, serving street food and signature cocktails.

Surf Cafe

A small but mighty cafe and music venue situated on Grand Parade overlooking Longsands beach.

The Wheel House

Fantastic homemade biscuits and cakes, with great coffee and a lovely atmosphere.

Square Roots Kitchen

Providing tasty cruelty-free, animal-friendly food and drink to customers. Situated in Tynemouth Metro Station.

Allard’s Lounge

A laidback tapas restaurant serving fine wines and bespoke cocktails.

The Peacock Sunderland

A stunning family run Edwardian public house and events space in the heart of the City. Great food. Lush beer. Live Music.

Number One Bar and Coffee House

A bustling Classic Bar & Coffee House, based in the heart of Darlington town centre, specialising in great tasting coffees and cocktails.

Hash Bar and Kitchen

Family owned Cafè bar in the heart of Darlington. Relax in airy, comfortable surroundings from early til late.

Dr. Inks Darlington

Quirky cocktail bar serving afternoon tea & drinks.

Sortie Charcuterie & Bar

Charcuterie and bar serving British charcuterie, cheeses and antipasti paired with delicious drinks.

The Fox Hole Pub & Kitchen

A traditional British village pub in Piercebridge, near Darlington, serving dishes made from locally sourced, seasonal, fresh ingredients.

The Juniper Tree

Bistro, Gin House and Cocktail Bar - nestled at the beating heart of the Imperial Quarter in Darlington.

House of Hop

A craft bar, with a modern, friendly atmosphere. Offering a rotating range of 4 cask ales and a 10 product font, spirits and a range of soft drinks.

The Cheese and Wine Shop

Darlington's only cheese and wine specialist. Hidden gem of a shop, running for over 20 years in Darlington's historic Clarks Yard.

The Wandering Duck

Brunch, lunch and cocktails.

By The River Brew Co

An independent container settlement which lives and breathes beneath the iconic Tyne Bridge on the Gateshead side of the river.

HWKRMRKT

Container settlement hosting fantastic street food and delicious drinks every Friday to Sunday at By The River Brew Co.

Backyard Bike Shop

Specialises in high-end custom bike builds and offer a range of servicing on road and gravel bikes. Also serve takeaway coffee and light snacks throughout the day.

Station East

Gateshead's quirkiest real ale bar.

The Bank Restaurant & Bar

Airy, exposed-brick eatery set in a former bank serving eclectic small plates & classic cocktails.

HLN Recommends

Published 04.05.2022

5 new openings in and around Newcastle that we’ll be visiting this month

High Life North
Published 06.04.2022

6 of the best bottomless brunch spots in the North East

Rachael Nichol
Published 17.02.2022

19 independent lunch spots in Newcastle, Jesmond, Heaton and Gosforth

High Life North