Ladies and gentlemen, bookworms, bibliophiles, casual readers, writers, and everyone in-between: hello and welcome to another blog post. Today, we’re talking about cafes, but not just any cafes – the best cafes in Newcastle to write or work at.
Why? Because I found myself Googling that exact phrase a few months ago and have since carried out the research and coffee-drinking necessary to write about it for you lovely people. Well, I assume you’re lovely. Hard to tell from here.
I’ve chosen these places based primarily on the quality of food/drinks, customer service, decor, and access to that all-important Wi-Fi and sockets for the writer, freelancer, or digital nomad on the go. Let’s get to it!
Flat Caps Coffee
Address: 9-11, Carliol Square
I adore the decor at Flat Caps Coffee. Warm, well-lit, and beautifully laid out with an industrial-style aesthetic, it’s a pleasure to sit here and work for hours on end in the company of fantastic coffee and the odd treat to keep your motivation levels up.
The food really stood out to me (please try the Turkish eggs), and the drinks on offer are spot on – even the filter coffee is yummy. Oh, and they’ve got really accommodating opening hours.
The Canny Goat
Address: 8, Monk Street
Nestled just seconds away from The Gate, The Canny Goat is home to perhaps the friendliest coffee-conscious folks in the city and has a really vibrant yet clean look to it.
The staff are knowledgeable about the coffees and teas on offer, and there’s a lovely personal touch to the service here – it feels like you’re being served by someone you know. Also: so many easy-to-reach sockets, and such great natural light streaming in on sunny days. Bless you.
Camber Coffee
Address: 33-35 Market Street
You wouldn’t expect a cool cafe to be perched on top of an outdoor/fitness clothing shop, but I’m so grateful for the little surprise just a short walk away from the iconic Grey’s Monument.
Camber Coffee has an excellent coffee selection, and the staff certainly know their stuff when it comes to what they’re serving. For brain-fuel, you’ll find a great varied menu of snacks, sweet treats, and healthy plates to keep that productivity fire stoked.
Pink Lane Coffee
Address: 1, Pink Lane
Located just across the road from Central Station, Pink Lane Coffee is a sweet little cafe with a coffee selection to die for and baked goods that make the perfect treat after all your hard work.
Its proximity to the station makes this one ideal if you’re killing time before catching a train, and you’ll be pleased to know there are larger ‘desk-type’ tables towards the back of the shop where you can work in a group or write, type, sketch, and have stress-induced breakdowns with room to spare.
Tyneside Bar and Cafe
Address: 10, Pilgrim Street
My favourite place to sit at Tyneside Bar and Cafe – open every day until late – has to be at the window, where I can people-watch between paragraphs.
They’ve got a varied menu full of tasty options, ranging from light snacks to full-on meals and sweet treats, so there’s no risk of going hungry there. The odd glass of red wine won’t go amiss either.
The Teahouse (formally known as Quilliams Brothers)
Address: Claremont Buildings, 1 Eldon Place
The Teahouse is located in a beautiful, Grade II listed building close to Newcastle University, and is front of the pack in the ‘cosy’ category for me. There are three main seating options available (if you can get a space during busier hours!):
- perched at the window, watching the world go by
- sitting at one of the tables like you normally would
- venturing downstairs to cosy central (i.e. where the sofas are)
No matter which option you choose, you’ll always get great customer service and find yourself working very comfortably with expertly-brewed teas and coffees for any taste, task, or mood. After you’re done taking care of business, you might even be able to stay on for one of The Teahouse’s much-loved movie nights! Treat yourself.
Laneway & Co.
Address: 17-19, High Bridge Street
If I could describe this sweet cafe in one word, it’d be ‘minimalist’. If you love a clean, modern look, freshly baked croissants, and top-notch coffee, this is a great shout.
It’s a friendly corner of peace and quiet in an otherwise busy city centre, so be sure to pop this one on your ‘to visit’ list. My only note is that the Wi-Fi can be a tad spotty, but hey – shit happens. And everything else more than makes up for the odd faux pas.
Brew & Bite
Address: 214, Chillingham Road
Brew & Bite is home to some sensational bakes, friendly faces, and perfect cups of coffee.
My favourite thing about this cafe has to be the two separate spaces they’ve got for sitting in: one ‘quiet’ room, with plugs and dedicated desk space for people working remotely, and another gorgeous little room where you can enjoy your usual coffee-and-a-chat experience.
Need a little lunch break? Their sourdough toasties are incredible.
We’re spoiled for choice when it comes to cute cafes in Newcastle, so I’ll be sure to keep this list updated as I explore new venues all over the toon.
If you’ve got any recommendations for me to try out, pop those bad boys in a comment and you’ll have my eternal gratitude!
-Kelly
Kelly Dent | Editor & Writer 
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