Jesmond Cafes For Coffee, Food & Catch Ups
Like most suburbs of Newcastle, Jesmond has its fair share of independent cafes that are ideal for meeting for coffee, that serve up good food, and offer something different to the usual coffee house chains on every corner. The Jesmond cafes are some of my favourites in the North East, and they attract everyone from the locals, to students and people venturing in from further afield.
While Osborne Road attracts people for a drink, it’s off this main stretch on the likes of Acorn Road, Brentwood Avenue and Clayton Road that you will find the Jesmond cafes worth visiting. Whether you’re meeting up with friends, going on a coffee date, or want somewhere to visit solo, these cafes in Jesmond are where to go.
Cake Stories, Brentwood Avenue
The original Cake Stories location on Brentwood Avenue is a charming little cafe that’s always busy. It’s smaller than the newer location in Hoult’s Yard, but it is lovely and attracts a wide range of people. They have tables of all sizes, as well as comfy sofas and a small outside terrace where you can sit and enjoy freshly baked cakes with your coffee.
They have a big selection of everything they serve, from cakes to teas, coffees and other drinks, and they cater for all dietary requirements. They’re very good at doing seasonal creations, and they have some unique bakes like brownios and letterbox cakes that are always made fresh and are so delicious.
They are dog friendly, there is street parking right outside, and there is wifi – everything you want from a cafe. With opening hours from 8am – 9pm you can visit at any time of day, and also get takeaway too.
See more of Cake Stories on Instagram here.
Arlo, Brentwood Avenue
Further along Brentwood Avenue is Arlo, which takes up a double fronted section of this run of businesses so there’s plenty of space that they often fill. Arlo has long been a popular choice, a cafe by day and bistro by night, it is quirky inside and has a double terrace outside with heaters and blankets.
Very popular for breakfast, but also for meeting with someone for coffee and cake – their Rocky Road and ultimate hot chocolates are firm favourites. It’s quite loud with a lot going on and people coming and going, so probably isn’t one for if you’re wanting peace and quiet, or to get some work done on your laptop. It’s definitely one for meeting friends as a group.
There is on street parking right outside, and they are dog friendly on the terrace but not inside.
See more of Arlo on their website here.
Willi’s Cafe, Clayton Road
Willi’s is quite a big cafe on Clayton Road, and is another one that is quite bustling and noisy with lots of chatter and people catching up over their coffee. They have plenty of tables, and offer a good breakfast menu, and cake selection to go with all their drinks. You could get work done here if you wanted.
Open through the day from 8am – 4pm, or sometimes 6pm, Willi’s is somewhere to visit for breakfast, lunch or brunch. They also offer takeaway. There is street parking available on one side of Clayton Road, but check parking restrictions as some areas are permit holders only.
1901 Cafe, St George’s Terrace
There are a few 1901 Cafe and Bistros across Newcastle including the city centre, Gosforth and this one in Jesmond. Each are slightly different, but they’re all creative and unique in their own way. They are open daily from 9am – 5:30pm and have big menus serving homemade dishes for brunch, lunch or just cake/sweet treat options for with your coffee.
They cater for all dietary requirements, and they do extras like smoothies or milkshakes too. This is a good one for groups or meeting people for a catch up, and they are dog friendly.
Street parking is available but this is a busy road so make sure you check the signs for parking areas that aren’t permit only. See the full menus and information on the 1901 Jesmond website.
Burds Cafe, Burdon Terrace
One of the newer Jesmond Cafes having only opened in 2021, Birds sits in the Gatehouse of the Fleming Business Centre, so it’s quite a unique location. Modern decor with tables inside and outside on the terrace, Birds offers an all day brunch menu, and all sorts of drinks including coffee, soft drinks, cocktails and wine.
Their breakfast muffin is a big hit, and they’re always coming up with one off or seasonal specials too. The counter is filled with the cakes, bakes and treats of the day if that’s all you’re after with a coffee too. Dog friendly, and family run it’s a lovely quieter spot to enjoy with one or two others.
Paid parking is available on Burdon Terrace using the pay by phone app. See more of Burds including their opening times and kitchen times which can vary on Instagram here.
Kennedy & Rhind, Holly Avenue
Find Kennedy & Rhind in West Jesmond, open daily from 8am – 4pm, serving up a decent breakfast and brunch menu, as well as plenty of bakery goods like pies, pastries and cakes to enjoy sitting in or as takeaway. They often appear at Jesmond Food market too, and are soon to be opening later in the evenings.
FInd out more and see the menu for Kennedy & Rhind here.
Two more places to mention, that are Jesmond cafes in style but don’t offer the option to sit in include Local on Acorn Road and Batch Bakery on Clayton Road. Local is still fairly new and was a big hit when it opened, which hasn’t changed. A coffee house, shop and bakery rolled into one with all local suppliers. They have Morwick Dairy ice cream, Northside coffee, locally brewed beers and a cake counter that changes daily on offer. Read my full review of Local here.
Batch Bakery used to be a sit in cafe but since the pandemic they have continued to operate as a takeaway and collection only service. Their bacon sandwiches and takeaway breakfast boxes are some of the best things they offer, as well as freshly made pastries and a very friendly service.
So whether you’re looking for a quieter spot like Burds or Cake Stories, or a good place for a group catch up like Arlo or Willi’s there are Jesmond cafes to suit every scenario. All are independently run so you get their unique take on food and service, and they can often be a much easier alternative than visiting the city centre.
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