If you're planning to head out for a bite to eat over the early May bank holiday weekend, you'll be spoiled for choice when it comes to the number of top-rated bakeries across Newcastle.
Famously the home of Greggs, the city is renowned for its ability to rustle up tasty pastries, breads and cakes - and there are plenty of top-rated independent venues to choose from if you're in the mood for some mouth-watering fresh bakes. We have taken a look at Tripadvisor ratings to put together some of the favourites among locals and tourists in the city centre as well as in Jesmond, Gosforth and Byker.
Whether you pick up a deliciously gooey cake from Cake Stories, try out The French Oven's iconic macarons or sample a legendary croissant from Batch, this list is sure to give you inspiration on which of Newcastle's bakeries to add to your must-visit list. Here are the top bakeries to grab some baked treats while you're out and about this weekend, according to reviews on Tripadvisor.
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Cake Stories
Taking the number one spot on Tripadvisor, this family-run business can be found in Jesmond and Hoults Yard as well as offering UK-wide delivery, and specialises in more than 100 different types of cake. Cake Stories set out to provide a "wholesome alternative" to the pubs and bars of Newcastle, and promises that visitors to their cafes will be "welcomed like old friends".
Some of their most popular bakes include the Oreo Monster Cake and the Caramel Chocolate Smash, as well as their signature Brownios - a range of sweet fillings sandwiched between two brownie shells and dipped in chocolate. One visitor praised Cake Stories on Tripadvisor for having "some of the best brownies I've ever eaten", while another called it "my favourite spot in Jesmond".
Pet Lamb Patisserie
Founded in 2009 by best friends and self-taught bakers Katie and Kay, Pet Lamb's treats can be found in the Grainger Market. Serving up brownies that come in a range of indulgent flavours from red velvet cheesecake to Eton mess, as well as blondies and cookie pies, there's plenty to satisfy those with a sweet-tooth.
One customer said that Pet Lamb’s brownies are "unbeatable", adding that "the cupcakes look so decadent - clearly made with love". Another Tripadvisor reviewer praised the cupcakes as "simply delicious", while someone else recommended the Nutella brownies.
The French Oven
Situated in the Grainger Market, The French Oven serves up a range of treats available both in-store and online, each one lovingly made by hand. Renowned for their bread, pies and French macarons, the artisan bakery also offers up afternoon tea in a box which includes a tasty selection of sandwiches, pastries and cakes.
One visitor praised The French Oven on Tripadvisor: "Fantastic little spot right in the heart of Newcastle. Fresh, tasty and beautifully presented baked goods and excellent value for money. Would highly recommend!"
Big River Bakery
The Big River Bakery in Shieldfield near Byker is far more than just a bakery; it's also a vital part of the community, teaching unemployed people how to bake and providing food to local food banks and homeless hostels. Of course, it serves up all the classics too, including local favourites - it recently launched the first "National Stottie Week", which owner Andy Haddon says has brought the Stottie back "from the brink of extinction".
"Best bread in the North East of England," one Tripadvisor customer declared. "When we saw the Stotties our eyes nearly popped out, as they looked just what we could remember them being like when we were kids. They also had a wonderful black olive bread which turned out to be the best black olive bread ever. The people who worked there were so cheery and helpful. Brilliant quality and great ambassadors for helping the community."
Bread Point
Bread Point has been a cult favourite in the city centre for well over a decade, specialising in sweet and savoury stuffed breads. With its refreshingly unfussy interior, the Chinese bakery offers up a selection of Asian-inspired bakes, making it the perfect stop-off if you're looking to try something a little different.
"We always come to Bread Point when we are in Newcastle it's always amazing - the meat buns and cake are always spot on," one visitor praised on Tripadvisor. "Try to sample everything, but the meat buns are a family favourite. Always baked nicely and the filling is super tasty. Cake is always amazing and we've never had a negative experience."
Pink Lane Bakery
Pink Lane Bakery is renowned for serving up some of the best baked goods in Newcastle all year round, available to pick up from their Gosforth High Street shop, their new café on Jesmond's Acorn Road, and their Pink Lane bakery in Newcastle city centre. Promising everything from "the finest" sourdough bread and "beautiful" cakes and pastries to sausage rolls, pies, pastries and sandwiches, Pink Lane has firmly cemented itself as one of the region's most beloved bakery businesses.
One person who stopped by in March wrote on Tripadvisor: "Only visit here if you love fantastic bread pastries and simple fresh food. A pastry lover's heaven, plus fresh bagels. Superb pastel de natas, 10/10 - and I haven't even mentioned the wide range of delicious artisan breads!"
Batch
An Artisan bakery in the heart of Jesmond specialising in croissants, locally roasted coffee, sandwiches, cakes and more, Batch first opened its doors in 2015. This cosy venue rounds off the list of Newcastle's top bakeries as voted for by Tripadvisor reviewers, who have praised it as "exceptional" - with the croissants going down particularly well with visitors, one of whom even went so far as to declare them "life-changing".
"Unreal! You have to go!" one reviewer insisted. "We bought a selection of croissants, Danishes and cakes and not one thing disappointed. The lady that served us was so friendly and helpful with suggestions. The croissant was THE nicest croissant I've ever had in the UK. We will DEFINITELY be back!"
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