Brunch for every budget

When you’re meeting new people and making new friends this Freshers’ Week, the club isn’t exactly the best place to get to know one another. When you need a little lie-in and can’t face cornflakes for the tenth time, heading to one of these brunch spots is a great way to explore new friendships, new foods, and Newcastle itself – get out of central! 

1. When you want pancakes - go to the Dispensary. 

Great news for residents of The View, Wellington Plaza, and Verde! Coming in at around £15 for your coffee and brunch, the Dispensary is right on your doorstep and is a great option for a sweet brunch, Full English, or loaded toast. It's also accessible via St. James' metro and various bus routes. Their pancakes are incredible, and their drip coffees are far removed from the American kind (in the best way).

2. When you want locally sourced goodness – go to Quay Ingredient. 

Serving regional favourites made from locally sourced ingredients, Quay Ingredient is a 10-minute walk from most Quayside accommodations. You could get brunch here for less than a tenner – but plan your visit, as QI is a small, cosy café that doesn’t take bookings, and you might need to wait for a table.

3. When you want something to go – try Geordie Bangers in the Grainger Market. 

With rave reviews and famously friendly North East service, Geordie Bangers serve sausage buns and rolls in Alley 4 of the Grainger Market. Take the opportunity for a walking brunch and explore the unique, Grade I-listed market that has been at the heart of the city since 1835. This is the cheapest option on the list, coming in at £3-5! You might also see Geordie Bangers at the Quayside Market, which is a perfect way to spend a Sunday morning. 

4. When you want a crowd-pleaser – go to Brek-E. 

With the menu ranging from omelettes to chicken burgers, French toast to veggie ‘Brek-E’, this cafe is new on the scene and absolutely amazing. Fully halal and catering to all cravings, visiting Brek-E allows you to explore Heaton, which was rated one of the best places to live in the UK by the Times. 

5. When you’re thinking you want brunch to be bottomless – try the Cog and Wheel. 

Whether you drink cocktails (£35pp), pints, prosecco (£30pp), or just soft drinks (£20pp), the Cog and Wheel in Sandyford offer a great 2-hour bottomless drinks service accompanied by a burger, dirty fries, their chicken waffle, or a veggie breakfast. The Cog and Wheel is a great pub to get to know, as they have fab offers on a weekly rotation, and do a Sunday Lunch that’s top of my list for this year. It's ten minutes from Portland Green, or 5 from Jesmond Metro station if you're further away. After brunch, it's a short walk to Holy Hobo to keep the drinks going.

6. Finally, this list wouldn’t be complete without it, Aidan's Kitchen. 

A classic Newcastle brunch spot for a reason, Aidan’s always has plenty of customers and a great menu for those who want to be a little more adventurous, as they offer fusion brunch cuisine as well as the classics. See also: Little Aidan’s for lighter bites.