From fluffy pancakes and golden waffles to indulgent French toast, these top local cafés serve the most irresistible brunch delights.
Sweet or savoury. Buttermilk, American, soufflé or crepe.
No matter how you like your pancakes, there’s a cafe nearby serving the perfect stack just for you. And with Pancake Day coming up on Tuesday 4th March 2025, you have the best excuse for tucking into one of these plates of scrumptiousness.
I’ve compiled a few of my top picks for a pancake fix, along with my go-to spots for waffles and French toast. Because sometimes, we all deserve a sweet treat!
The Market Place
The Market Place in Morpeth is an independent cafe serving a selection of light bites and brunch dishes, and it’s become one of my firm favourites in recent months.
Its large fluffy pancakes come in stacks of two or four, and you can choose from berry compote with pistachio and a chocolate shot (which comes in an actual shot glass); crispy bacon and maple syrup; or fried egg, bacon, cheese and crispy onions.
Aidan's Kitchen
As one of Sandyford’s most popular eateries, Aidan’s Kitchen oozes that relaxed neighbourhood vibe.
Choose from a half or full stack of pancakes with blueberry compote and maple butter, or dulce de leche, chopped bananas, Chantilly cream and chocolate shavings. Streaky bacon is also available as a tasty add-on.
Ellison's
This deli, coffee shop and restaurant in Low Fell is a stylish brunch destination that’s open daily.
Choose from four different pancake toppings: mixed berries with compote, maple syrup and ice cream; Nutella with strawberries, ice cream and a wafer straw; Biscoff spread, sauce, biscuit AND crumb with ice cream; or plump for the sweet and savoury combo of pancetta, maple syrup and scrambled eggs.
The Boatyard
True to its name, this welcoming, dog-friendly cafe on Cullercoats sea front features a nod to all things boat-related in its decor.
On the menu, you’ll find American pancakes topped with a berry compote, fresh fruit and Canadian maple syrup. Plus, ice cream, bacon bites and Greek yoghurt are all available as scrummy extras on the side.
Kith & Kin
Kith & Kin is a cracking little coastal cafe in Whitley Bay that fills up fast, so I recommend pre-booking if you can.
Its French toast – topped with crispy streaky bacon, maple syrup and blueberries – might sound pretty ordinary, but the accompanying swirl of bacon fat creme fraiche really gives this plate the X factor!
Baby Grey
Baby Grey is a cute coffee shop and cafe on Gosforth’s bustling High Street that’s previously made it onto National Geographic’s ‘best breakfasts in the UK’ list.
Brunch is served until 2.30pm Monday to Friday and its French toast banana bread is served with Greek yoghurt, compote, maple and almonds and/or bacon.
Little Aidan's
You’ll find Little Aidan’s cafe a short stroll from Ilford Road Metro Station and, yep, it’s a sister venue to the previously mentioned Aidan’s Kitchen.
Alongside pancakes, you can also indulge in its uber moreish French toast soaked in Madagascan vanilla custard, topped with banana, chocolate mousse, Chantilly cream, toasted hazelnuts and cocoa powder.
Arlo
Arlo on Brentwood Avenue in West Jesmond has been a top hangout with the brunch crowd for years. And it’s easy to see why.
Its breakfast menu is served until 11.45am (1.45pm on Sundays) and features toasted Belgian waffles smothered in a deliciously decadent combo of Biscoff yoghurt, fruit compote and an Oreo biscuit crumb.
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*Please check current menus with each cafe, as these are likely to change often.
