We are a nation of tea lovers, and there’s nothing better than a comforting cuppa (and a biscuit, of course). Whether you’re partial to a milky brew, healthy green tea, a fruity concoction or even a bubble-tea, there’s somewhere in Newcastle to slake that thirst! Here, we check out a handful of places to get the perfect cup of tea...
Claremont Teahouse, Eldon Place
Why not start with the experts! A haven for tea lovers, the recently opened Claremont Teahouse are obsessed with all things tea. They have an expertly curated range of loose leaf teas, from classic blends to speciality ranges, along with a few that you may not have tried before. Give the excellently named Bohemian Raspberry green tea a go, or why not try a beautiful flowering tea which appear as flower buds and open when placed in a teapot. Plus, they have plans for their very own micro-cinema opening in the near future, so you can enjoy a fab flick with your cuppa too!
Whittard of Chelsea, Eldon Square
With a love of tea which stretches all the way back to 1886, Whittard of Chelsea is a byword for great tea on the high street. The popular brand excels at sourcing the finest tea, coffee and hot chocolate for the discerning customer, and their stamp of quality is second to none. Head here for all manner of tea types - from black to green, fruit to herbal, flavoured to rooibos - and everything in between. You can also bag yourself an excellent teapot and all kinds of accessories so you can make that perfect cup of tea at home.
Olive & Bean, Clayton Street
If the gorgeous cake display and massive variety of sandwiches doesn’t tempt you first, Olive & Bean are also a great option for a good cuppa, served in a proper pot. Teapigs and Pukka teas are their bags of choice, and there’s a great range of coffee and hot chocolates too.
Bubble Cha, Stowell Street & St Mary’s Place
For the uninitiated, bubble tea is a traditional Taiwanese drink which includes the addition of chewy tapioca balls (i.e. bubbles), milk, fruit and fruit juices. It’s not as weird as it sounds, as the tapioca balls add an interesting texture and sweetness. Bubble Cha are absolute experts, and you’ll find yourself with a myriad of options for toppings and additions which can be taken hot or cold. The cafe is a cute and colourful space, which also serves desserts and other sweet treats.
Chatime, Eldon Square
Bubble tea specialists Chatime are a real international success story, specialising in bubble teas of all varieties including milk and fruit teas, a variety of fermented or semi-fermented drinks, plus a few specialities too like fresh and fruity coolers, tea-themed slushes and tea mousse made with cream cheese. Perfect if you’re looking for something different to try!
Tsujiri, St. Andrew’s Street
A successful chain which has a long pedigree stretching back to Kyoto in the 1860s, Tsujiri specialises in matcha - a powdered form of green tea made from the leaves of the plant. The contemporary cafe serves all manner of matcha-fuelled drinks, Japanese tea, as well as heavenly desserts and matcha ice cream.
Flat Caps Coffee, Carliol Square
Yes, we know, we said this was a list about tea, but coffee experts Flat Caps know a thing or two about that too! The welcoming cafe on Carliol Square serves up great coffee and tea alike, not to mention being a great stop off for tempting food too.
The Coffee Trader, Northumberland Street
Located in the heart of the city, The Coffee Trader is a great place to take a load off after a busy shopping trip. And while they may ‘trade’ in coffee, they also make a perfect cup of tea, whether it’s a traditional English Breakfast or Earl Grey brew (you are in Newcastle, after all!), or one of their speciality Suki loose leaf teas in a variety of flavours and infusions.
Pink Lane Coffee, Pink Lane
Proud purveyors of ethically sourced produce, from expertly roasted coffee beans to fresh and delicious tea, Pink Lane Coffee is a relaxing and trendy spot for a brew. There’s an admirable list of teas on offer, from the traditional English Breakfast and Darjeeling to green tea, peppermint, orange blossom oolong and soothing chamomile. While you’re there, indulge in a gooey cake or a specially prepared sandwich.
Café 21 @ Fenwick, Northumberland Street
For some, nothing says ‘tea’ like ‘afternoon tea’! Delicate sandwiches, scones piled high with cream and jam, delicious little cakes and pots of tea! Stop off at Cafe 21 in Fenwick for one of the city’s best afternoon tea offerings, where you’ll discover quintessential British classics alongside a legendary Viennese sacher torte, handmade pastries and a choice of tea. If you’re feeling fancy, why not upgrade to a Champagne afternoon tea...well, we didn’t say it had to come with tea, did we?!
Now you’re fully armed with some of the best places in Newcastle to grab a good brew next time you’re out and about. Now to decide, cake or biscuit? (Or both?)
