However, if you manage to find yourself lucky enough living further out, I cannot stress how much richer of an experience you get for agreeing to the pain-staking winter morning walks at 8am. Ouseburn, right at your doorstep, is lush with cafes, pubs, markets and even a tiny farm. These are what I would consider the Greatest Hits of a massively underappreciated part of the toon - at least in the cafe department.
Ernest Cafe & Bar - NE2 1AP
Just before passing under the Ouseburn Viaduct you will find both the Ernest Cafe & Bar and its quaint deli (suitably knighted “Ernie” instead). Having stuck my nose into both, Ernest/Ernie is great not just for food but produce, all of which are locally sourced from small businesses and used or sold in-house.
The soul-resuscitating hashbowls from their brunch menu are especially great, or if you’re not so much of a morning person, come back in the evening for cocktails and one of the many shows the building hosts for performers.
Dreamworld Cakes & Patisserie - NE1 2NP
Past Ernest, and down the slope that half of Ouseburn sits on, is the Dreamworld Cakes Patisserie. What they might lack in a smaller seating they easily make up with the insane quality of freshly-made pastries and cakes.
Never in my life had I eaten fresh chocolate ganache inside an eclair, and I blame this cafe for what it has done to me and my bank account. If you're looking to impress, either sit-in or takeout, this is your spot for meticulously crafted baked goods.
Never in my life had I eaten fresh chocolate ganache inside an eclair, and I blame this cafe for what it has done to me and my bank account.
Northern Rye - NE6 1LX
Further along the path, beside the small river that twists itself through the neighborhood before finally meeting hands (or in this case, streams) with the river Tyne is Northern Rye. If you’re not already distracted by the fancy cheese and meats fridge I beg you to look at the entire chiller of almost-ready to go sandwiches.
For freshly ground coffee, a peruse by all of the gorgeously-presented artisanal goods that the bakery rotates, or just a great spot for dog-watching, Northern Rye is the kind of trap that I happily fall for every time I walk past. Especially for that confit garlic and cheese sarnie.