Whether you’re getting together with friends and family or just fancy a cosy night in with some tasty treats while you loaf in front of the TV, there’s nothing better than a picky tea of all your favourite treats! Newcastle is home to tonnes of places that sell all the picky tea essentials – from deli meats and bread to cakes and chocolates, plus great wine and beer to wash them down with. Read on for our round-up of the best places to shop in the city for your next picky tea.
La Casa Delicatessen, Grainger Market
Picky tea hierarchy is a real thing – you’ve got to get the basics right! Build the foundations of your meal with all the best stuff from Spanish deli and wine shop La Casa Delicatessen: smoked meats, exotic cheeses, glistening olives, jars of unfathomable delights, tiny little bread sticks, and much more. All their produce is authentic and carefully chosen, so your dinner will be a winner!
The French Oven, Grainger Market
Another important thing to get right for your buffet is the bread selection. You can never have too much bread, and variety is the key! The French Oven in the Grainger Market is a one-stop shop for all your doughy goodness, and their freshly baked delights come in all shapes and sizes, from the ever-faithful sourdough baguette to a flavoursome Mediterranean loaf perfect with cheese, and even a black pudding bread which is ideal for brunch! While you’re there, grab a piping hot pasty or pie to eat on the spot!
Marks & Spencer, Northumberland Street
No one puts the sparkle into nibbly food like Marksies, and you’ll be guaranteed an amazing spread of party food from platters of seafood and tapas-style grazers, delicious mini pies, melty cheeses, mac and cheese bites, crispy pizza gyozas and the ever-popular pigs in blankets. Not to mention decadent desserts and a great selection of bubbles too!
Fenwick's Food Hall, Northumberland Street
Nothing says decadence better than Fenwick’s Food Hall, and it’s a delight to simply wander the shelves and concessions peering at all the gorgeously presented food! What’s even better is filling your basket with regional and international produce, from cheese and charcuterie at the deli counter, to the freshest fish at Saltwater Fish Co and small batch loaves at Artisan Bakery. Pick up a jar of something unusual from their huge range of international speciality foods, and we dare you to leave without at least one perfect sweet treat from the chocolate and confectionery department!
Pink Lane Bakery, Pink Lane
Artisan bakers Pink Lane Bakery are justifiably famous for their savoury delights which include creative pasties and pies with fillings like bacon and gruyere, or beef and jalapeno, and their sausage rolls are always generously filled! You’ll also find delicious bready creations - from sourdough to rye, plus pretzels, bagels and the like.
Firebrick Brewery Bottle Shop, Grainger Market
Now you’ll be needing something to wash all this great food down with, and you'll find plenty of great beers at Firebrick Brewery' Bottle Shop. The shop stocks a massive array of the brewery's award-winning brews with something everyone, from beers and stouts to porters and IPAs.
Cavavin, Westgate Road
For the wine lover in the house, you’ll find a huge selection of carefully chosen wines and spirits at Cavavin, who work with independent growers and vineyards to offer a unique and exclusive range. Their staff have expert knowledge of every grape and grain, so you can be assured of top-notch advice and an unbeatable selection.
Pet Lamb Patisserie, Grainger Market
It’s time to talk sweet stuff! Just because you’ve covered every food group known to man on your table, every picky tea still needs dessert! At Pet Lamb Patisserie you’ll find stacks of small batch, freshly baked lushness – from cupcakes and layer cakes to tray bakes and cookie pies – all created with love and care.
Olive & Bean, Clayton Street
If you’re looking for some showstopper sweet treats, look no further than Olive & Bean who've been delighting diners with a sweet tooth for over 15 years. Stock up on cakes, cookies, tray bakes, tiffins and the like and sugar up your next picky tea.
Hotel Chocolat, Blackett Street
If you’re a guest at someone else’s picky tea (lucky you!), you might want to take along a contribution to the table and you could do no better than some decadent chocolates courtesy of the award-winning Hotel Chocolat where you’ll find delectable creations that are as beautiful to look at as they are to eat! Whether you go for a hand-selected box of treats or a specially presented gift, your host will be smitten!
No matter how many you’re catering for, it’s always best to be prepared for leftovers too! So, now you’re armed with a list of some of the best places to pick up your picky tea essentials in Newcastle, get out there and shop 'til you drop preparing the spread of dreams!
