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.

Birria Bella Jesmond

Birria Bella

Get a taste of Mexico with Birria Bella, the newest resident in Jesmond's foodie scene, serving up the very best nachos, tacos and burritos.

High Force Hotel & Waterfall

High Force Hotel is the perfect rural retreat located in the stunning countryside of Upper Teesdale, County Durham.

Acropolis Sunderland Restaurant Week 2023

Acropolis

Meet Acropolis – the award-winning street food vendor bringing authentic Greek cuisine to the North East.

Published 12.09.2023

9 restaurants we’re visiting this Sunderland Restaurant Week 2023

Consider us ready to sink our teeth into more than a few restaurants in Sunderland…

Becky Hardy

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.

Cake Stories

A family-run coffee house and cakery, using only the finest and freshest ingredients to craft beautiful cake creations.

Eleven

Eleven is a modern British restaurant showcasing the very best seasonal produce available.

NEST Heaton

A neighbourhood restaurant providing a quality dining experience.

Restaurant Pine

The Michelin Star restaurant of Northumberland-born Cal Byerley and partner Siân Buchan.

Rustic Cup

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

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

The Big Banh

A Vietnamese-inspired sandwich and coffee bar.

Queen Vic

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

Ury Sūpasātra

The first restaurant to bring a taste of Sri Lankan and South Asian cuisine to the Quayside.

Lucca Pizza Co.

Offering a unique twist to the Neapolitan Pizza led by chef Hugo, taking pride in preparing everything by hand.

Paros Greek Restaurant

Authentic Greek restaurant offering homemade traditional Greek dishes to eat in or take away.

Something Good

Offering shoppers all of their daily essentials without the packaging. 

Gorilla Bar & Bowling

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

Published 26.11.2022

Dine out for less: 8 early bird menus in Newcastle

From the taste of the Mediterranean to juicy burgers for half the price – you can cut the cost by eating out just a few hours earlier.

Rachael Nichol

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.

Alishaan by the Sea

One of the most highly-reviewed Indian restaurants in Sunderland.

Piercebridge Organic Farm

Piercebridge Organic Farmshop & Café is a 300 acre farm, based in County Durham, which is farmed completely organically.

The Lemon Tree Deli

Family-run deli based in Gosforth, serving Tynemouth Coffee. Sandwiches, paninis, wraps, homemade cakes, street food, and much more.

Al Forno

Italian restaurant serving Italian coffees, snacks and meals, with kids' activity packs and a cellar bar.

Up North Pizza Co

Serving delicious cakes, savouries and coffee through the day and Neapolitan style pizza on an evening. Take out or casual sit in.

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.

Nucasa

Found in Jesmond on the lovely Brentwood Avenue, Nucasa is an Aladdin's Den of homewares and gifts. Based in Aviary Art Gallery, Nucasa also has a cafe with indoor and outdoor seating, a range of local coffees, teas, and soft drinks, as well as cakes from Cake Stories.  

31 The Quay

Relaxed dining on the River Tyne. Focused on Local & Seasonal Produce.

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.

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.

Published 07.09.2022

Our ultimate guide to the best pizza in Newcastle and the North East

It's no is one of the HLN team's favourite foods. Luckily for us, the region is home to some amazing pizzerias! Here's our ultimate guide. Think we've missed one? Let us know!

High Life North

Al Bear

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

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.

A black table is covered with a variety of dishes, including naan breads, chicken wings, curries and rice.

Cilantro

Restaurant serving delicious Indo-Latino tapas overlooking the imposing Hexham Abbey.

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
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.

Quaint exterior of the hotel. Ivy climbs the walls and trees cast dappled sunlight onto the stone walls.

The Treebridge Hotel & Restaurant

Charming hotel offering an ideal mix of simple luxury and value for money.

Greek pasta salad bowl

The Pasta Shop Darlington

Unique pasta shop offering fresh pasta, authentic takeaway dishes, and pasta-making workshops.

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.

Published 13.05.2022

Donut mind if we do. Here are our 4 best donut shops in Newcastle

As National Doughnut Week draws to an end, we share some a-glaze-ing local dessert places serving only the finest donuts - and we’ve got a hole ‘lotta love for them.

High Life North
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.

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.

Open pink box with Big Fat Donut printed across the lid in black letters. Inside, there are three donuts. One is topped with jam and a Jammie dodger biscuit, one is glazed with pink icing and sprinkles, one is glazed and has sprinkles and cookie dough on top.

Big Fat Donut Co.

All-vegan donut shop supplying Newcastle with exceptional handmade donuts.

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.

Published 06.05.2022

The 5 newest food menus in Newcastle to tuck into this spring

Spring has sprung and so have some new food menus. Think Thai fish and chips, black truffle mushroom fettuccine, and Disaronno panna cotta…

High Life North
Polenta with whipped goats cheese and beetroot puree

Audela

High-end restaurant offering exquisite dishes made from local seasonal produce.

Table laden with several colourful curry dishes, four bottles of Indian beer, two glasses of rose wine and two Magna Tandoor menus.

The Magna Tandoori

Award-winning Indian restaurant serving Indian and Bangladeshi cuisine since 1982.

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.

Table inside The Zetland laden with glasses and small plates. A spherical lamp glistens in the corner, illuminating the ornately decorated walls and mirrors around the table.

Christie’s Brasserie

Located in a grand Victorian building, Christie's Brasserie offers modern European cuisine in a beautifully historic setting.

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.

Chocolate glazed donut topped with cream, sprinkles and a choc chip cookie.

Glazed Handmade Donuts

Plant-based donut shop supplying the North East with delicious glazed creations.

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
Rows of doughnuts on display. One set is topped with pink icing and sprinkles and is labelled Homer. The other set is sugared and is labelled Bourbon Peach Cobble.

Deep North

Artisan doughnut and coffee shop with innovative flavours baked fresh each day.

Warm but minimal interior of the restaurant. The furniture is made from light wood in the Scandinavian style and foliage hangs from the lights. Windows look out onto the beautiful countryside outside.

Hjem

Michelin-starred restaurant introducing Scandinavian style and flavours to the Tyne Valley.

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.

Grilled salmon fillet on a pool of thyme and lemon butter. Served with a slice of lemon and fresh herb garnish.

Fellini’s

Family-friendly Italian restaurant known for its award-winning charcuterie and seafood.

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 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
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.

Grand exterior of the hotel. It is a vast, sprawling building reminiscent of a castle. Grass surrounds it and the building is tinted orange with the setting sun.

Marine North Berwick

Magnificent boutique hotel with sweeping views of the brooding Scottish coastline.

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.

Table set for a large group. It is positioned next to a huge glass window overlooking the Sage and Gateshead Quayside.

SIX Restaurant at Baltic

Modern restaurant located on Baltic's rooftop with panoramic views of Newcastle's quayside and the surrounding city.

A spacious room in the Park Head Hotel. It features a large white bed with a wooden headboard and orange cushions. An orange blind half covers the window next to the bed. A ceiling light and bedside lamps cast a warm glow over the room.

Park Head Hotel & Restaurant

Sleek and comfortable hotel and restaurant ideally situated on the edge of Bishop Auckland.

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.

People gather around a sculpture of an iron men. They lean over canvases and draw it. This is one of the art workshops at Newcastle Arts Centre.

Newcastle Arts Centre

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.

Marco Pierre White Steakhouse

A premium steakhouse based in Newcastle City Centre, found within Hotel Indigo.

Koru Gosforth

Koru

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

Haveli Ponteland

Haveli Ponteland

A high-end Indian restaurant in the heart of Darras Hall. Perfect for special occassions.

High Life North Cassia Italian Restaurant Corbridge

Cassia Italian Restaurant

A cosy Italian restaurant offering authentic Italian cuisine, paired with fine wines and classic desserts in a family friendly atmosphere.

Published 24.03.2022

Foodies, listen up: here are the 3 newest openings in Newcastle and Gateshead

Expect a classy cocktail and tapas lounge, a new incredible taste of Indian cuisine, and a brilliant burger bar serving rainbow buns…

High Life North

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.

Let there be crumbs Sunderland

Let There Be Crumbs

A cakery and tea room on Roker seafront with oodles of character, rustic charm and a homely feel.

Veganatomy

Vegan sushi at By The River Brew Co.

New New Bengal Gosforth

New New Bengal

Bringing fine Indian cuisine to the heart of Gosforth.

Salt Darlington

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

The Blackbird

This much-loved Ponteland pub is a venue steeped in character.

Published 17.03.2022

3 dog-friendly cafés in Newcastle

Cuppa and cake just wouldn’t be the same without our best friends.

Becky Hardy

The Factory Kitchen

Located in The Biscuit Factory art gallery, The Factory Kitchen is a spacious, independent café. 

The Northumberland Arms

Well known for its delicious seasonal menu and spacious outdoor area.

The Paddock

Fresh food delivered from the land to your hand.

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.

Casa San Lorenzo

Offering great Italian food with a food and friendly atmosphere. Great for Sunday lunches and kid-friendly too.

Flint Pizza

Neapolitan Pizza & Natural Wine Bar.

Published 03.03.2022

Our top 4 tasting menus in Newcastle

Here are our fave fine-dining restaurants that serve us a taste of luxury through a fusion of fabulous flavours.

High Life North

Oli & Joes

A cosy Italian on Gosforth High Street offering a range of traditional dishes.

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.

Khan’s Restaurant

Opposite Heaton Park on Heaton Road, this Halal restaurant is locally known for excellent Indian and Pakistani food to fit in or take home.

Punto Italian Kitchen

Delicious Italian food, and cocktails. New to Heaton Road, Punto Italian Kitchen is serving up your excellent Mediterranean hospitality and mouth-watering pizzas, pastas, and sides. They also do a gluten free pizza option.

Peace and Loaf Jesmond

Peace and Loaf

Stylish and modern fine-dining restaurant in Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne serving British cuisine in a sleek, bare-brick restaurant with a mezzanine floor.

The Sweet Petite, Sunderland Afternoon Tea

House of Tides

Light-filled dining room with exposed beams, for gourmet British cuisine and tasting menus.

Karbon Grill Sunderland

Karbon Grill Kitchen and Bar

Restaurant and bar in Monkwearmouth, Sunderland.

The Sweet Petite Sunderland

The Sweet Petite

A small family bakery based at Mackie's Corner Sunderland.

The Salt House Sunderland

The Salt House Kitchen

Delicious home cooked food using quality produce from local suppliers.

Zucchini Pasta Bar

Casual pasta bar, serving hand rolled fresh egg pasta in Newcastle and Gateshead.

Tokyo Seoul

Japanese street food at By The River Brew Co.

Cafe bean Gosforth - High Life North

Cafe Beam

A beautiful café/bistro run by a team of young people with a variety of disabilities and learning difficulties.

The Bake One Gosforth

The Bake One

A traditional Lebanese restaurant and takeaway - with incredible authentic dishes.

The Gosforth Palace High Life North

The Gosforth Palace

A large authentic Chinese restaurant with great decor and classic Chinese food.

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.

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