From lattes to luxe French vibes, FRED’s cafe in Fenwick is the perfect pitstop while shopping in Newcastle. Here’s a little taster of what to expect.
Building on the success of its Food Hall and restaurant offerings, Fenwick has firmly established itself as a top food destination in Newcastle.
Last year saw pop ups and collaborations galore with the likes of Greggs, Hjem and Barbour, and to top it off, Fenwick also opened its very own cafe, FRED’s.
Located on the lower ground floor of the department store, this stylish cafe is a throwback to the original Terrace Tea Room that first opened in Fenwick in 1911.
This modern version is inspired by founding member Fred Fenwick’s passion for French culture. And so, as you descend the escalators, you’ll find yourself greeted by classic French bistro-style tables and chairs atop black and white chequered flooring, all evoking that quintessential Parisian tea room vibe.
What you can eat at FRED's
Breakfast, served until noon, is continental in style and includes ‘supreme’ croissants, granola and muesli.
As for the all-day brunch selection, this is where you’ll find eggs, avocado, smoked salmon and other typical brunchy goodness.
Lunch is available from 12pm. There’s a variety of sandwiches and salads to choose from, with a few out of the ordinary combinations. The beef, lobster and truffle sandwich, and butter turkey with pigs in blankets, cranberry sauce and sage mayo both stood out.
However, I went for FRED’s Club: chicken, bacon, egg, tomato and lettuce served on toasted bread with a mixed salad on the side. This was really tasty – the bacon was crispy, just how I like it. It was also a much larger portion than I was expecting (my boyfriend polished off my leftovers!).
Price-wise, most of the brunch and lunch dishes are around the £9 to £12 mark.
And if you’re after a small treat, you can also indulge in the cafe’s scrumptious and beautifully presented patisserie selection, courtesy of Mason + Rye upstairs. The filled ‘supreme’ croissants are something else!
An exquisite afternoon tea is also available to pre-book, priced at £25 per person.
The drinks menu
To quench your thirst, there’s everything from fruit juices, hot drinks and speciality creations (think flowering tea and iced strawberry matcha latte) to cocktails, wine and even Champagne.
A bottle of Prosecco will set you back £35, but this is also available by the glass, as is the wine and champers.
So, whatever the occasion, there’s a tipple to suit. And, if you prefer, you can sit at the cafe’s swish bar for a more casual tête-à-tête.
A tempting tea room experience
FRED’s is another classy addition to Fenwick, serving quality food and drinks, and it’s perfectly located for a bite to eat without having to leave Eldon Square or venture far from the shops.
Admittedly, it’s on the pricier side when compared to other local eateries, but it’s in keeping with Fenwick’s upmarket vibe.
Why not take a peek at my Instagram reel below to get a feel for the ambience and setting?
For more information about FRED’s at Fenwick in Newcastle, visit www.fenwick.co.uk.
