- Play Hard
- 11th Jul 2025
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- 0 minute
12 of the best outdoor dining spots in and around Newcastle
Looking for the perfect place to enjoy great food and soak up the sunshine?
Here are 12 of Newcastle’s best al fresco dining spots where you can do just that.
The Factory Kitchen
The Biscuit Factory, 16 Stoddart Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 1AN
Hidden above The Biscuit Factory gallery in Ouseburn, The Factory Kitchen’s rooftop terrace is one of the city’s best-kept secrets. This leafy little suntrap is ideal for a lazy brunch, an afternoon tea or a cocktail or two while you take in the sweeping views over the creative quarter. Expect hearty seasonal dishes, fresh bakes and local produce galore — all served up in a relaxed setting surrounded by greenery and good vibes. When the sun’s shining, there’s nowhere better to press pause and soak up Newcastle’s buzzing art scene from above.
Cake Stories
Hoults Yard, Walker Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE6 2HL
If you’re craving a slice of something sweet in the sun, Cake Stories’ spot at Hoults Yard is the perfect pick-me-up. Tucked away in this creative corner of Byker, it’s got all the charm of their original Jesmond café but with an extra splash of urban cool — think shipping containers, fairy lights and colourful outdoor seating where you can soak up the Yard’s laid-back vibe. The menu’s packed with indulgent cakes (of course), but you’ll also find brilliant brunches, savoury bites and seriously good coffee — all best enjoyed al fresco with friends and maybe even a cheeky glass of fizz.
By The River Brew Co
Hillgate Quays, Gateshead NE8 2FD
This container-based hub is situated under the city’s iconic Tyne Bridge on the Gateshead side of the river, providing good food, good drinks and good vibes every day of the week. With an extensive outdoor seating area, this spot is perfect for an alfresco beer and a bite to eat when the sun is shining. With resident traders offering anything from chicken to specialty doughnuts, as well as frequent guest traders, it is perfect for food accompanied by the perfect riverside views.
Kiln
4 Hume St, Byker, Newcastle upon Tyne NE6 1LN
This one-of-a-kind spot blends its authentic Mediterranean cuisine in a bar-cafe setting. Kiln serves up hearty bunches and small plates using fresh, vibrant ingredients, often presented on their own handmade ceramics produced in their on-site studio. The in-house pottery studio not only supplies the tableware but also hosts live demos and workshops, giving diners a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the craft.
I Scream For Pizza
31 Quayside, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3DE
If you’re craving good pizza with a view, this place has got you covered. Serving up authentic, big‑slice New York–style pizza, I Scream For Pizza is the perfect spot to enjoy some good food on a sunny evening. Their menu features a rotating range of toppings from classics like pepperoni to locally inspired offerings such as their ‘Lamb Fender’ slice. And if you need to satisfy your sweet tooth too, you can grab one of their in-house-made sundaes to go with it.
Ernest
1 Boyd Street, Shieldfield, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 1AP
Nestled at the top of Ouseburn Valley, this laid-back independent cafe is great for some food in the sunshine any time of the day. Whether you’re after a weekend brunch spot or a post-work social where you can grab some good food and a cocktail too, Ernest is there to give you just that. And with spacious outdoor seating, this much-loved spot is perfect to grab some food any night of the week. It’s an ideal setting to unwind and enjoy the relaxed, creative charm of the Ouseburn area.
Above, The Vermont Hotel
Lower Dean Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3JE
If you’re after a luxury rooftop dining experience, this place is an ideal choice. Set high above the city on top of the Vermont Hotel, it combines stylish small-plate dining with panoramic views of the Tyne, the bridges, and the city skyline. Their menu offers a range of options that are hard to refuse, including salt & chilli squid, sushi, and flatbreads, perfect for casual sharing, but also if you want something all to yourself too. And with an extensive cocktail menu, you’ll have plenty of choices of drinks to wash it down with.
Aidan’s Kitchen
11 Starbeck Ave, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 1RH
Located just outside of the city centre in the suburb of Sandyford, this brunch spot serves up generous portions of everything from shakshuka to thick, fluffy pancakes. The café also features a lovely outdoor dining area, perfect for soaking up the sun while enjoying your well-deserved brunch. Aidan’s Kitchen also offers monthly pop-ups like their “Drum & Thigh” fried chicken nights, where you can experience more of their offerings. So make sure you get down, so you don’t miss out.
Arlo
36-38 Brentwood Ave, West Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 3DH
Located in West Jesmond, this Alpine-style cafe and bistro is a firm favourite with both locals and visitors. You can enjoy their hearty menu outdoors, with two covered seating areas to choose from; the perfect people-watching terrace at the front, and a sunny “secret garden” tucked away at the back. The menu features Middle Eastern-inspired dishes and substantial Otis beef burgers, alongside lighter bites for those after something smaller. Arlo offers a vibrant mix of British café classics and American-style comfort food, all under one roof.
The Tyne Bar
1 Maling St, Newcastle upon Tyne NE6 1LP
Being one of Newcastle’s favourite independent pubs and live music venues since it opened its doors in 1994, The Tyne Bar is the perfect spot for good grub and all-round chilled vibes. Their menu includes pub classics and gourmet bites, from hot dogs and burgers to elevated sharing plates, with both vegan and vegetarian options. And with an extensive outdoor seating area wrapping around the pub underneath the Glasshouse Viaduct, it is the perfect spot to take in the scenic views of Ouseburn.
The Cloister Garden at Blackfriars
Friars Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4XN
The Cloister Garden at 13th century Blackfriars is a great city centre haven to enjoy great food and a chilled glass of rose. With heated parasols and festoon lighting, this space is a great vibe during the day or into the evening. They also have weekly BBQ or hog roast events with live music. You’d never know that you were in the heart of Newcastle.
Roof Thirty Nine
39 Northumberland St, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7PR
If rooftop cocktails, floral views and sunshine dining sound like your perfect summer combo, then you’ll want to head straight to Roof Thirty Nine at Fenwick Newcastle, which has just reopened for the season – this time with a botanical twist.
Teaming up with North East soft drinks legends, Fentimans, the iconic rooftop has been transformed into The Botanical Garden, an immersive outdoor pop-up designed to celebrate summer in full bloom.
Think beautiful floral surroundings, bold botanical flavours and a menu made for sun-drenched lunches and post-work drinks.
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