Wanderlust: North Shields

Enjoy good food and explore cosy pubs, intriguing shops and the vibrant music scene in the maritime heart of North Tyneside

I hoped, but never did I think I would be feeling at home and that I belong somewhere again like I do in North Shields. Moving away from London was hard. It was time to leave when I did and it was the right decision for the life I wanted to live, but having developed a thriving social circle, feeling completely settled in the local area, and absolutely loving the home I’ve made, which still had so much potential, was not easy to let go. It took a few years, not only due to the pandemic, but as settling in a new place and finding your feet again simply takes time, and here I am, having totally fallen in love again with the place I now call home.

North Shields has a certain charm about it. There’s the sea and the fish quay of course, the ever developing town centre, the tranquil harbour, but most of all, there’s an excitement that can be felt here at the moment. Excitement about things happening, new places opening, community coming together, creating something extraordinary. This year the town celebrates its 800th (!) birthday and residents are proud. North Shields is slowly establishing its place on the map. It’s home to some great bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues. It’s also a place where you find creatives thriving and music festivals finding their home. There’s a lot to be found in North Shields. I absolutely love it here, and I’m excited to share it with you, so you can also explore this little gem on the North East coast.

Around a year ago, I joined a then new local magazine called I love North Shields. The title caught my eye of course and looking back, I didn’t expect this little community of local creatives, producing this fantastic publication every month, to change my life the way it did and help me finally feel at home. This month, in May, the ILNS team is celebrating the magazine’s 1st birthday, and we do this by supporting the town's NS800 celebrations with an issue that is highlighting only the best North Shields has to offer. One of the content pieces this month is my North Shields Walking Guide, my very first published article. It gives a taste of North Shields and is perfect for both, fellow locals rediscovering their town, and visitors wanting to know what it’s all about. The walking tour is blending local history, fabulous food, and scenic mouth of Tyne views, leaving you wanting more...

.. and more is provided in this article here, where I expand on the list of places to eat and drink, places to go out, places to shop, and the ultimate hidden gem to explore. If you’ve read any of my previous Wanderlust articles, you will know that also this article will be jam-packed with only the best places, most dog friendly I might add, either recommended by myself, or by trusted fellow locals. Even I have simply not yet managed to explore all the fantastic places North Shields has to offer. So here we go…

Where to breakfast

R Place (1), in the heart of thriving Nile Street, is a much-loved café and bakehouse, known for its artisan coffee, handmade doughnuts, and welcoming vibe. Founded by locals Emily Cromarty and Rachel Holmes, it offers a delicious mix of sweet and savoury options, including vegan-friendly choices, all made with quality, locally sourced ingredients. With cosy interiors and strong community ties, R Place is a perfect stop for a morning coffee or lunch.

Warren's Kitchen (2), located on the corner of Church Street and Saville Street, is a family-run café known for its hearty breakfasts, satisfying lunches, and friendly service. Open daily, it's a popular spot among locals for its affordable and delicious offerings. Whether you're in the mood for a classic sandwich or a warm meal, Warren's Kitchen provides a welcoming atmosphere that's perfect for a morning or midday break.

Pia's Artisan Bakery (3), on Saville Street just across the street from The Exchange 1856, is a charming spot offering a delicious selection of freshly baked breads, pastries, and quality coffee. As a sister bakery to Eli's Bakery, also in North Shields, Pia's prides itself on its artisan approach, using high-quality ingredients to create both sweet and savoury treats. It's an ideal stop for a morning pastry or a delicious homemade sandwich. I visit Pia’s regularly and have never been disappointed. I love to take my treats away to enjoy them while soaking in the view at the Riverside Embankment Walkway.

The Old Low Light Café (4), nestled within the restored 18th-century lighthouse come heritage centre on the Fish Quay, it offers a comfortable spot to relax with ample indoor and outdoor seating. You will find a selection of light meals here, including delicious scones, teacakes, homemade cakes, and lovingly made hot or cold drinks, all within a setting rich in maritime history. With its welcoming atmosphere and scenic views, it's an ideal place to pause and soak in the heritage of the area. Also the little shop, selling local arts and crafts, should not be overlooked.

Where to lunch

Pen Bal Coffee (5) is a charming mobile café located at Oxford Street Car Park to the west of Collingwood Monument, with its name originating from the surrounding prominent rocky headland known as Pen Bal Crag. Run by Emma, this quaint van offers a selection of quality hot and cold beverages, such as standout Tynemouth Coffee flat whites and peppermint teas, as well as delicious treats, like Biscoff brownies and made-to-order sausage sandwiches, an absolute favourite of mine. Dogs are not forgotten and are treated with a water station and treats. With nearby benches and stunning sea views, it's such an ideal spot to take a moment to relax.

Lindisfarne Seafoods (6), next to the Old Low Light, is one of the three highly recommended fishmongers at Clifford’s Fort. It is renowned for its fresh shellfish offerings, but also provides a variety of tasty takeaway options, such as crab sandwiches, which I hear are highly praised for their generous filling and flavour, and hot kippers served in a bun, offering a warm, smoky taste of the North Sea, which is what I usually go for. With friendly staff and a commitment to quality, Lindisfarne Seafoods is an absolute treat if you’re after a lunchtime snack.

The Low Lights Tavern (7), at the bottom of Brewhouse Bank, is a cosy, characterful pub steeped in maritime history. Beloved for its warm, welcoming atmosphere, it’s especially popular for its homemade pies, serving hundreds weekly, with options ranging from classic steak and ale to vegetarian and vegan varieties. In one of the rooms, you can also find a striking mural by local artist Eddie Rowley, depicting a historic fishing trawler scene, which was recently restored. It is also here where you will find Sam Fender’s first BRIT Award serving as a beer tap. It’s a heartfelt tribute to his roots, as Fender was discovered here while performing. With good food, good ale, and a touch of local heritage, the Low Lights Tavern is a place I’d definitely highly recommend stopping at for food or a drink.

Waterfront (8), at Union Quay, is a family-run fish and chip restaurant and take-away with a longstanding reputation and diverse menu. Renowned for its crispy golden fish and chips, the menu also features a variety of dishes including pizzas and burgers. If you happen to pass the area on Good Friday, be prepared to queue, as it is here that locals will come for their traditional Friday fish and chips, and it is worth the wait I am told.

The Loading Bay (9) on Bell Street, underneath popular Salt Market Social, is another favourite of mine. It's a laid-back, industrial-style street food hub that combines bold design with outstanding local flavours. Mediterranean-inspired street food, like Italian BLT, pizza, or loaded fries, is served by Medhead from a vintage Airstream trailer, while hot and cold drinks as well as sweet treats are offered by Jungle Coffee from a converted horsebox. I absolutely love spending time here as the space feels so creative with graffiti murals and cable reel tables. It has a relaxed and welcoming vibe and is family-and-dog-friendly, and it is here where I picked up and read my very first I Love North Shields issue almost a year ago.

Where to dine

Lobo Rojo (10) on Union Quay, around the corner from Low Lights Tavern, is a vibrant Mexican restaurant by chef John Good and award-winning barman Robbie Beveridge. Inspired by a transformative road trip through California, the duo sought to bring authentic Mexican street food to the North East coast. Starting as a humble mobile taco shack, soon Lobo Rojo found a home in the historic Irvin’s Building at North Shields Fish Quay. Offering a relaxed yet stylish atmosphere, featuring exposed brick walls, vibrant Mexican artwork, and a soundtrack of 80s and 90s classics, the restaurant’s menu boasts handmade tacos, burritos, and specials inspired by traditional Mexican flavours, all prepared fresh daily. The success speaks for itself as you can now enjoy the delicious flavours outside of the flagship location at "Little Lobo" outlets in Tynemouth, Sandyford, and Whitley Bay.

Just Italy Café (11), at the heart of North Shields on Saville Street, is a charming, family-run Italian restaurant loved by locals for its authentic cuisine and warm hospitality. The chefs make everything from scratch, dough, pasta, and desserts, using fresh ingredients to deliver traditional Italian flavours. The menu features a variety of dishes, including handmade pasta like Cacio e Pepe and Italian Carbonara, as well as a selection of pizzas and gnocchi. The café is BYOB and offers a relaxed atmosphere. It is on my list to try next given all the great things I keep hearing.

31 The Quay (12), in the contemporary Smokehouse Two development at Smith’s Dock, is a treat not only for the food served but also for the location and the views I am told, as you can enjoy stunning views of the river Tyne from the floor to ceiling windows. The restaurant offers a relaxed yet refined dining experience, with a menu featuring a selection of modern British dishes, crafted with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Known for its attentive service and stylish ambiance, 31 The Quay is ideal for both casual meals and special occasions, and I hear that reservations are recommended due to its popularity.

Where to enjoy a drink

Low Quay Brew Co (13), a real hidden gem on Northumberland Street, just up the bank from the Fish Quay, is a microbrewery much-loved by locals, offering the most cosy taproom I have ever set foot in. The fairy-lit, industrial space has a really laid-back atmosphere that fits right in with North Shields’ creative, seafront vibe. It’s a perfect place to unwind with a pint or any of the delicious small-batch beers brewed with care just metres away.

Three Tanners Bank (14), on Tanners Bank of course, is my firm favourite at the Fish Quay. Set in a characterful old building with exposed brick, cosy corners, quirky decor, and covered beer garden, it’s a welcoming space with a relaxed, arty vibe, where you can not only enjoy craft beers, but also high quality cocktails, and delicious wood-fired pizzas. With regular live music and events, such as art exhibitions or markets, it’s more than just a bar, it’s a lively hub that captures the creative energy of North Shields.

The Two Pennies (15), at Northumberland Place, just off Northumberland Square, is my most recent discovery. It’s a super welcoming pub that blends traditional charm with a lively, community-focused atmosphere, and is known for its friendly staff, excellent service, and a diverse selection of drinks, including hot drinks, draft beers, ciders, ales, spirits, and various soft drinks. I can confirm Raven was truly treated like royalty here and felt very much at home. The bar also has a small inviting sun-drenched beer garden at the front, making it an ideal spot to unwind.

Baba Yaga’s Loft (16), tucked away on Church Way, is a unique and creative café-bar, known for its moody floral interiors, malbec-red walls, and rotating displays of local art. It offers a relaxed, welcoming space to enjoy coffee, wine, or craft beers, along with pastries and light bites. It’s more than just a café, but a cultural hub, regularly hosting poetry nights, live music, and art workshops which all have a loyal local following. With its strong ties to the community and focus on creativity, Baba Yaga’s is a go-to for something a little different in North Shields.

Longsands Après (17) on Albion Road brings a cosy, alpine-inspired twist to North Shields, blending relaxed café vibes with a lively evening bar atmosphere. By day, it’s a great spot for coffee, cake, and even a browse through Longsands-branded clothing. By night, the space comes alive with craft beers, cocktails, and a warm, sociable buzz. It’s probably the smallest bar in North Shields, but certainly a local favourite for everything from casual meetups to laid-back nights out, and I love watching the world go by while enjoying a coffee on the seating outside.

Where to enjoy a gig

The Exchange 1856 (18) in the heart of North Shields Cultural Quarter, on the corner of Howard and Saville Street, is a true local gem that beautifully blends local history with modern-day events. Housed in a stunningly refurbished Victorian building that dates back to 1856, hence the name, the venue serves as a cultural hub for the community. Since its reopening in 2023, it has hosted a fantastic mix of events, from live music and theatre to comedy shows and film screenings. I love the variety of performances offered here, which gives the venue a lively and personal touch that connects deeply with the local culture and the spirit of North Shields.

Salt Market Social (19) is a vibrant venue in a converted warehouse on Bell Street just at the bottom of the new Riverside Embankment Walkway. It has become a local favourite, offering a dynamic blend of street food, craft beverages, live music, and events. The space feels very laid back yet lively with its industrial interior, graffiti murals, picnic-style seating, and ambient lighting. The events can vary from regional DJs and themed nights, to a very popular Night Market, and together with the food and drink on offer Salt Market Social provides an authentic taste of North Shields' creative spirit.

King Street Social Club (20), the quite distinctive tile-clad building on King Street of course, is a grassroots venue that has become a cornerstone of the local music scene, with a commitment to supporting local talent and providing a platform for diverse musical acts. The club offers an unpretentious, community-focused atmosphere where live performances, ranging from electronic music nights to live band performances of emerging and established talents, can be enjoyed in an intimate setting. The venue gained wider recognition when Sam Fender celebrated his album Hypersonic Missiles entering the charts at number one with a secret gig here in 2019.

Next to the above fantastic venues, North Shields is also firmly part of the regional music scene with not one but two festivals now calling this town home…

A Stone’s Throw (21) is a vibrant multi-venue music event that brings North Shields to life each May, celebrating the town’s coastal charm and thriving creative scene. Launched in 2022, it’s quickly become a highlight of the North East’s cultural calendar, offering an eclectic mix of emerging and established acts across some of North Shields’ best-loved venues: The Exchange 1856, King Street Social Club, Salt Market Social, Three Tanners Bank, and The Engine Room, to name a few. With its community spirit and seafront setting, A Stone’s Throw is a one-of-a-kind experience for music lovers.

Coast Fest (22), held every year in June, is North Shields’ summer celebration of live music with a big, family-friendly festival vibe. It’s grown into a lively weekend since its inception in 2022, showcasing over 150 artists across multiple stages, including national touring headliners and local talent. With its family-friendly atmosphere, inclusive activities, and commitment to grassroots music, Coast Fest offers an unforgettable weekend celebrating the rich musical heritage of North Shields.

Where to shop

North Shields may not be known for its vintage and second hand offering yet, but there are some great shops I’d like to donate to and pop into regularly.

Bedford Street for instance is home to charity shops (23) of many of the well known charities such as Mind, British Heart Foundation, St Oswald’s Hospice, YMCA, and Age UK. But local charities supporting the community call the town centre home too, like Little1Stop at the bottom of the high street on Saville Street West. Founded during the pandemic, it is dedicated to supporting families in need by providing affordable, pre-loved baby and children's items, including clothing, baby food, toys and more.

Finding your way to the Cultural Quarter, Odd Ours (24) at the top of Howard Street, is certainly a firm favourite too, I usually don’t leave empty handed. Run by a collective of local artists and creatives, it is a charming independent shop and is reflecting the town's creative spirit by offering a curated selection of vintage fashion, homewares, handmade crafts, and original art.

Ultimate hidden gem to explore

While my North Shields Walking Guide concentrates on exploring the heart of North Shields, the Old and New Towns, in this article, I wanted to end with a local gem a bit further afield from the bustling town centre:

Royal Quays Marina (25) would probably be my ultimate hidden gem suggestion for a slower-paced afternoon. It is a peaceful and scenic area to visit to the west of North Shields town centre, perfect for a relaxed wander by the water. With its boardwalks, bobbing boats, and The Lock café-bar offering views across the marina, it's a lovely place to stop for coffee or lunch. You may even get the chance to admire the mooring cruise ships or the impressive Amsterdam ferry from here. Just a short walk away, I’d also recommend exploring Reburn Dene with intriguing art and stunning views over the marina, or Chirton Dene Park offering leafy paths and a quiet escape.

I really hope you’ll find the walking guide in the magazine, as well as this detailed list of North Shields’ gems here useful and are inspired to visit the area. If you do, I would be so excited to know!

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