Food & Drink

The Great British Cupcakery on Newcastle’s Quayside is the city’s most photogenic spot — a pastel-pink paradise of whimsical décor, neon signs, faux floral walls, and endless Instagram opportunities. Their handcrafted cupcakes (£2.50+) are true works of art, with flavours ranging from rich chocolate to light fruit, plus gluten-free and vegan options. Add stunning hot/cold drinks, bespoke celebration cakes (mermaid, flamingo, etc.), and themed afternoon teas (Harry Potter, Christmas), and it becomes far more than just a bakery.

Pizza Punks on Grey Street brings build-your-own sourdough (or gluten-free) pizza chaos to Newcastle with a punk attitude and wallet-friendly prices — choose your base, sauce, cheeses, unlimited toppings and finish with herbs and dips. Standouts include combinations loaded with Newcastle Brown Ale beef brisket, veggie haggis, artichokes and a perfectly runny egg. The compact menu of pre-set pizzas and creative cocktails (Garden Fizz, Holiday Highball) add to the fun, rebellious vibe. Great value city-centre dining with plenty of topping freedom.

The Holy Hobo on Osborne Road delivers bold, eclectic comfort food in a quirky, leafy, neon-lit neighbourhood bar atmosphere — perfect for casual drinks, date nights or group hangouts. Start with their signature halloumi fries topped with fresh pomegranate, lime and coriander sour cream for a sweet-tangy twist on the classic cheese (though grilled halloumi purists may prefer the unbreaded version). Move on to the Lord Snooty burger — beef patty layered with mature cheddar, semi sun-dried tomatoes, Cornish chorizo, pesto and rocket — a rich, satisfying stack that stands out on the menu. Finish with the innovative Apple Nachos: toasted cinnamon pastry triangles served with poached apples, custard and ice cream — a playful, shareable take on apple pie.

Dirt Health on Chillingham Road champions sustainable, locally sourced clean eating with a #dirtnotdiet philosophy — everything is made fresh in-house using ethical meat from Blagdon Farm, free-range Northumbrian poultry and plant-based ingredients. Standout dishes include sweet potato gnocchi sautéed with chorizo, kale, spinach, mushrooms, tomatoes and feta — hearty, colourful and full of flavour. Their coconut, potato and lentil dhal served with homemade flatbread is a rich, comforting vegan/gluten-free option that proves plant-based can be deeply satisfying. The beef & beetroot burger with root veg chips and halloumi delivers a nutritious twist on a classic, while the vegan Mexican wrap with bean ‘meatballs’, guacamole and mole poblano sauce offers bold, meat-free flavour.