Three Hidden Gems around the Toon!
Newcastle is a city you can never get bored in, there’s literally thousands of things to do. One of my personal favourite activities is finding hidden places you wouldn’t ordinarily stumble across. And the best of these hidden gems, of course, are the cosy cafes you’ll find tucked behind some of the busiest places in the bustling city centre. Here’s three of my personal favourites for you to seek out for yourself:
1) Pink Lane Coffee
Tucked behind one of the millions of Greggs in Newcastle, just opposite Central Station, you’ll find the quaint little corner that is Pink Lane Coffee. Sitting at the very end of Pink Lane (shockingly), and just mere steps down from the equally scrumptious Pink Lane Bakery, this hidden gem is actually quite difficult to find, considering how close it is to one of Newcastle’s busiest areas.
Watch this helpful TikTok to find Pink Lane Coffee and all it has to offer! 🙂
Compared to your bog-standard Starbucks or Costa menu, Pink Lane offers 13 different types of coffee alone!
They even cater to the, let’s face it, insane people, who would willingly order a cold brew coffee with Ginger Ale (apologies if this is you, but at least Pink Lane advocates for your *interesting* choices).
But if, like me, you’re more of a classic, warm latte kind of a person, you’ll still have absolutely no trouble finding your favourite classics in this cosy little hub, as standard lattes, espressos, flat whites, cappuccinos and mochas are also available.
With white, milk and dark variations of hot chocolate on the menu also, Pink Lane offers the sort of simple no-nonsense variety that you simply can’t get in large coffee-chain stores.
One of my favourite things about Pink Lane is the ‘Stuff on Toast’ section of their menu. While I (obviously) adore a quirky coffee shop, some try far too hard to stand out and be unique. Pink Lane embraces a simple and easy-to-grasp menu, with an entire section of, you guessed it, simply, ‘stuff on toast’.
This section ranges from standard brunch eats like butter & jam, to the particularly fancy whipped feta & tomato tapenade (a word that I’m ashamed to admit I had to Google).
But if, like me, you’re more of a classic, warm latte kind of a person, you’ll still have absolutely no trouble finding your favourite classics in this cosy little hub, as standard lattes, espressos, flat whites, cappuccinos and mochas are also available.
With white, milk and dark variations of hot chocolate on the menu also, Pink Lane offers the sort of simple no-nonsense variety that you simply can’t get in large coffee-chain stores.
Pink Lane has something for everyone. Even if you prefer a cuppa in the comfort of your own home. You can purchase high-quality, sustainable speciality coffee in the cafe to bring the taste of Pink Lane straight to your door!
2) The Canny Goat
Our second hidden gem has to be one of my personal favourite cafes in the city. The perfect combo of Geordie friendliness with unreal food, The Canny Goat is the epitome of a hidden gem. It’s possibly the most difficult to find on this list, secretly hiding on Monk Street just down from The Gate.
Watch this short TikTok to find The Canny Goat! 🙂
This iced latte and vegan strawberry + chocolate cake made for an unbelievable combo, with loads more veggie and vegan-friendly items on the menu!
Adorably decorated and jam-packed full of quintessential Geordie friendliness, The Canny Goat is the ultimate hidden gem.
But don’t just take my word for it, 45 others that managed to find this gem rated it 5/5 on Tripadvisor!
Monk Street is not the only Canny Goat in Newcastle. In fact, there is another store in Heaton on Whitefield Terrace if you don’t fancy the trek to the city centre!
3) The Dispensary
Our third and final hidden gem is the incredible Dispensary. You’ll find it sneakily hiding on Heber St just opposite St James’ Park, the perfect place for a pre-match meal.
One my my most regular cafes and eateries, you simply can’t go wrong with this place. Sweet or savoury, there’s some unbelievable scran headed your way as soon as you step foot in The Dispensary.
Watch this TikTok to find The Dispensary!
The Dispensary even went to the lengths of creating an entire special menu just for Halloween. Upon arrival, customers such as myself were told to simply scan a QR code leading us to these fun festive treats.
This particular gem evidently goes above and beyond for their customers, and this menu is no exception.
I suspect a Christmas menu is already in the works (yes I am counting down the days). On top of their dazzling menu,
The Dispensary even decorated for the occasion, with adorable Jack-o’-lanterns, witches hats and more spooky decor surrounding the illuminating stripped lights dangling from the ceiling.
This before and after of The Dispensary’s unbelievable full English might give you an insight into my own personal opinion of their food, as well as just how delicious it looks!
With a build-your-own style full English consisting of 6 items at just £11.50, how could you possibly say no?
Fear not though plant-based dieters! You can grab a vegan full English with plant-based sausage and smashed avocado for the exact same price!
The Dispensary recognises how annoying it must be for vegans and veggies in the UK to try to find unbelievable scran at a reasonable price, and they have something for you!
Even with these incredible savoury options, The Dispensary is known for it’s unbelievable range of delicious pancakes, with classic strawberry and Nutella, lotus Biscoff, jam & custard and a more festive apple and cinnamon crumble, on both stacked pancakes and French toast, your sweet tooth is sure to be catered for at this hidden gem!
And no cuppatoon visit to a hidden gem would be complete without a warm, delicious cuppa!
