The best student-friendly cafés in Newcastle

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About the author: Hello! I’m Lara, a student at Newcastle University who’s currently studying Journalism, Media and Culture. Running and painting are two of the things that keep me sane during uni. Going out with my friends has to be my favourite activity though 😊

Newcastle is a vibrant city with a thriving student population, and the café scene is no exception. Dotted around the Toon are cosy spots providing coffee and Wifi—the uni student essentials. Listed below are four Newcastle gems which are well worth the visit. Pack your bag and be on your way! 

Local NCL

Local NCL is a student hot-spot located in the heart of West Jesmond. This independent coffee shop, selling locally roasted coffee, is brimming with young, local residents who are running errands, rushing to their lectures, in need of a hangover-cure, or simply wanting to sip and chat with their mates. Their modern, outdoor seating area is ideal for this, as it’s cordoned off to create a cosy space for customers to people-watch and gossip about familiar passers-by. 

Not in need of a caffeine boost? Or are you feeling a bit peckish? Local NCL considers everyone. This coffee shop offers a wide selection of sweet pastries and bitesize bakes for you to savour and enjoy. They even offer veggie bowls and meat bowls if you fancy a light lunch. Get there early to try their new range of trendy nibbles that have recently been launched at Local.

Monday - Sunday 08:00 - 17:00 

Address: 18 Acorn Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 2DJ

The Grand

Need to lock-in and do work, but petrified of the library? Visit The Grand, a café located in the middle of Newcastle University campus. It's the perfect place to meet your mates in between lectures. As it's a two minute walk from both the Philip Robinson Library and the Marjorie Robinson Library, it's also great for grabbing a drink mid library session. The sounds of grinding coffee beans, tapping keyboards and soft nattering fills the room every day of the week. This cosy spot is well-known and hugely loved by all students.

The modern aesthetic of the venue stands out against the old University buildings. Vast windows formulate one of the four walls of the room, and fake plants have been draped and dotted around the place, providing a perfectly bright and tidy working environment for its customers. The food and drink on offer are affordable, making it a must-see, student-friendly café.

Monday - Sunday 07:30 - 17:00

Address: 141 Percy St, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RS

Aidan’s Kitchen

Hungover and in need of a hearty breakfast to keep down the bile? Simply crawl out of bed and roll into Aidan’s Kitchen, the mothership of all student brunch places. This Sandyford gem has a brunch menu that offers both sweet and savoury dishes. They serve a range of classic brunch food, with a popular favourite being the ‘Mexicana’, consisting of chorizo sausages and eggs on sourdough, with a drizzle of hollandaise sauce on top. If you've got more of a sweet tooth, a stack of pancakes or some blueberry french toast is the choice for you. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are also available for those with dietary requirements. With spring round the corner, it may be preferable to enjoy your meal on one of the picnic tables benches located outside of the café. Get there early so you don't have to queue for a table—Aidan’s Kitchen is often very busy!

Monday - Saturday 09:00 - 16:00

Sunday 09:00 - 15:00

Address: 11 Starbeck Ave, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 1RH

Pink Lane Bakery

The Pink Lane Bakery, situated in West Jesmond, offers an extensive array of bread loaves, pastries, sandwiches, and sweet treats—catering to the tastebuds of every single one of their customers. And the best thing about it is… it's pink! Step inside to be greeted by the delicious aroma of coffee beans and brewing tea leaves. 

Baked goods are freshly-made everyday. From tangy sourdough and crispy ciabatta, to pastries, like sweet almond croissants and succulent sausage rolls, the options are endless, and constantly growing. Wholesome, healthy sandwiches, paired with a side salad, are also available to sit in and enjoy, or take away for an affordable £4.45.

This café chain also sells their baked goods at a pop-up stall at Jesmond Dene markets, which is held on the first and third Saturday of every month. Look out for the brightly coloured stall — you can't miss it!

Monday - Saturday 08:00 - 16:00

Closed on Sundays

Address: 44 Acorn Rd, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 2DJ

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