We think it’s safe to say that matcha has surpassed trend status and earned a permanent place in our daily routines.
Whether you like yours earthy and traditional, fruity or dessert-like, the North East comes up trumps once again and has matcha spots in abundance.
We’ve rounded up the best cafes that sell the greenest, Instagram-worthy matchas for you to enjoy after your next Pilates class, during brunch with friends or an afternoon pick-me-up.
SO WHAT IS MATCHA?
We’re all so quick to jump on the bandwagon, but do you actually know what matcha is?
Matcha is a finely ground powder made from shade-grown green tea leaves, whisked whole rather than steeped, which gives it a vivid colour, umami flavour, and higher caffeine and antioxidant content than regular green tea. Its natural L-theanine content is thought to smooth out that caffeine hit, delivering steadier, more focused energy rather than a jittery spike.
Now you know what it is, here’s where to get the best matcha in Newcastle and beyond.
THE BEST SPOTS FOR MATCHA IN NEWCASTLE
Morning Cloud
131 Sandyford Road, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 1QR
Located inside the ever-popular Cog & Wheel in Jesmond, Morning Cloud started life as a pop-up before quickly building a loyal following and securing a permanent home. Open Monday to Saturday, it’s become one of Newcastle’s go-to destinations for speciality matcha. Serving up delicious, vibrant matchas that pair perfectly with their brunch options, if you’re looking for a matcha that tastes as good as it looks, you have got to check out Morning Cloud.
Sunday Coffee & Kitchen
49 Pudding Chare, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1
Hidden away in Newcastle city centre, Sunday Coffee & Kitchen has built a reputation for serving brunch that’s almost too pretty to eat – and their drinks are no different. If you like your matcha on the sweeter side, this is your spot. Think indulgent flavours, silky cold foams and drinks that feel more like dessert than your daily caffeine fix.
One Kitchen & Social
229 Jesmond Road, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 1LA
If the words ‘caramelised brown butter matcha’ don’t excite you – you’re crazy. One Kitchen & Social has taken the brunch scene by storm in Jesmond, serving up delicious plates and seriously good drinks – their matchas follow suit. With friendly staff who make you feel at home and a cosy interior, this gem will definitely become a favourite.
Tsujiri
66 St Andrew’s Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 5SF
If you’re looking for authentic matcha that transports you to Japan, Tsujiri is unrivalled here in the North East. Expertly crafted drinks inspired by traditional Japanese tea culture but with a contemporary twist. This Newcastle favourite serves up your classic whisked matchas, speciality flavours and matcha soft serve – all perfectly paired with a matcha- flavoured sweet treat. It’s matcha heaven.
Neighbourhood Coffee
214 Chillingham Road, Heaton, NE6 5LP
Neighbourhood Coffee is proof that your new favourite matcha spot could be just around the corner. This Chillingham Road gem has built a loyal following for its speciality coffee, but it’s the matcha on tap that’s got us talking. Yep, on tap. Expect a smooth, vibrant pour every time, whether you’re grabbing one to go or settling in with a pastry for a good catch-up.
HakuHaku
75, Grainger Market, Nelson Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 5AW
If your ideal cafe serves matcha first and coffee second, HakuHaku is about to become your new obsession. Nestled in Newcastle’s Grainger Market, this independent spot is dedicated to all things matcha. Whether you’re a traditionalist or prefer your matcha with seasonal flavours and creamy cold foam, this matcha bar has something for everyone – without steering too far from the classics.
Aidan’s Kitchen
11 Starbeck Avenue, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 1RH
While Aidan’s Kitchen may be best known for its legendary brunches, its matcha deserves to be in the spotlight too. Made with premium ceremonial-grade matcha, this café creates beautifully balanced lattes that let the quality of the tea shine – alongside seasonal specials you just can’t resist. Proving that great matcha and great brunch really do go hand in hand.
Brew’d Coffee and Matcha
Brood Play Cafe Unit 44 Newcastle Quays, North Shields NE29 6DW
As the name suggests, Brew’d is every bit as passionate about matcha as it is about coffee. This independent café has become a favourite among Newcastle’s matcha lovers thanks to its vibrant lattes, creative specials and drinks that are almost too pretty to sip. Add in the café’s relaxed atmosphere and tempting selection of pastries and bakes, and it’s easy to see why Brew’d has become a go-to spot for anyone chasing their matcha fix.
THE TOP SPOTS FOR MATCHA IN SUNDERLAND
Waves
St George’s Terrace, Roker, Sunderland SR6 9LX
Sunderland’s café scene is thriving, and Waves is one of the newest additions making their mark. Just moments from Roker Beach, this takeaway patisserie is the perfect pit stop before a walk along the seafront. Alongside beautifully crafted pastries, you’ll find an impressive range of matchas. With standout flavours like banana bread and ube, they will definitely have something you’ll love.
Ruhe
Roker Park, Sunderland SR6 9PL & 38 Stockton Road, Sunderland SR1 3NR
Now, if you love matcha, the chances are you have heard of Ruhe, located in Roker Park, known for its stunning location, delicious matcha and picturesque brunch dishes. The same health-driven owner has recently opened up Fretta in Sunderland’s ever-evolving city centre. With a canning machine to keep those drinks cold and classic flavours to choose from, these matcha spots will not disappoint!
Sana Soul Food
79b Ewesley Road, Sunderland SR4 7PR
Sana Soul Food wears wellness like a badge of honour, serving up healthy, gut-friendly brunch and beverage options; they are a must-visit when in Sunderland. With homemade syrups and health-benefiting extras like collagen and lion’s mane, as well as an abundance of dairy alternatives, they are transcending the matcha game. They recently released their take on the viral ‘dot cake’ but in matcha form. Healthy never tasted (and looked) so good.
Café Floriana
1-2 Burdon Road, Sunderland SR1 1QB
A hidden gem in Sunderland’s city centre that has quickly become a go-to for locals. Their organic, ceremonial-grade matcha drinks are vibrant, fun and come in a variety of flavours. Their new summer menu is proof that they’re always thinking outside the box, featuring everything from a matcha flight, allowing you to sample three different flavours, to a honey matcha affogato. Innovative, playful and well worth the trip.
THE BEST MATCHA IN DURHAM
Flat White Kitchen
40 Saddler Street, Durham DH1 3NU
A Durham institution, Flat White Kitchen has long been celebrated for its exceptional speciality coffee, but its matcha deserves just as much attention. Made with the same care and attention to detail as everything else on the menu, their matcha lattes are smooth, balanced and consistently excellent.
Café Cenno
Market Hall, Durham, Durham DH1 3NJ
Hidden inside Durham’s historic Indoor Market, Café Cenno has quietly become one of the city’s go-to spots for a seriously good matcha. Using only the highest quality and greenest of teas, the team serves everything from the classic matcha latte to insane creations. Custard cream matcha, need we say more? This spot proves that some of the best cups can be found in the most unexpected places.
Cafe Flito
30-31 High Street, Prince Bishops Place, Durham, DH1 3UL
With more Café Flito locations popping up across the North East, their newest being in Durham, there’s really no excuse not to see what all the fuss is about. Their now-iconic canned matchas have taken social media by storm, with colourful ombré drinks appearing all over our feeds. Whether you opt for a classic ceremonial matcha or one of their fruity specials (the blueberry is a firm favourite), it’s the ideal companion for a day of exploring Durham.
Mua Cha
70 Saddler Street, Durham DH1 3NP
If you love your matcha with a playful twist, Mua Cha is one you must add to your list. Bringing a taste of East Asian tea culture to the heart of Durham, this vibrant spot serves everything from classic matcha lattes to indulgent creations you can fully customise and make your own. Mua Cha is the perfect spot when you’re craving a matcha that’s a little different to your usual café order.
WHERE TO GO FOR MATCHA ON THE COAST
Priory Press
9 Percy Park Road, Tynemouth, North Shields NE30 4LZ
Priory Press is one of the local OGs when it comes to serving up good matcha, and they were doing it well long before it became a trend. Just moments from the coast, it’s an ideal stop before a beach walk or after a morning exploring Tynemouth. Think quality ingredients, friendly staff and delicious, vibrantly green matcha options.
Wellness Lane
82b Park View, Whitley Bay NE26 2TH
If, like us, your perfect weekend starts with a Pilates class and ends with an iced matcha in hand, Wellness Lane is about to become your new obsession. This Australian-inspired wellness studio has brought a new, fresh approach to the North East, combining Pilates, recovery spaces and speciality matcha all under one roof. Beautifully created and refined, sugar-free, every drink is designed to be as nourishing as it is delicious.
Laneway & Co.
69a Front Street, Tynemouth, NE30 4BP
Laneway & Co. may have built its reputation on speciality coffee, but its matcha menu is just as worth of the spotlight. Alongside their perfectly smooth, classic matcha latte, you’ll find creative specials like the café’s much-loved blueberry matcha – a firm favourite among matcha lovers. Made using ceremonial-grade matcha and thoughtfully paired with inventive flavours, every drink strikes the perfect balance between earthy and sweet.
Onda Deli
Ilfracombe Gardens, Whitley Bay, NE26 3LZ
Just a stone’s throw from Whitley Bay’s seafront, Onda Deli is quickly becoming one of the coast’s must-visit spots. With matchas made using locally sourced Wor Matcha, every latte is smooth, vibrantly green and packed with flavour. Pair your drink with one of Onda’s gourmet sandwiches, and you’ve got the perfect post-beach pick-me-up.
HIDDEN MATCHA SPOTS IN NORTHUMBERLAND
The Pressed Club
1 New Market, Morpeth NE61 1LA
Alongside its fresh juices, smoothies and wholesome brunch options, this café serves beautifully vibrant matchas that are just as nourishing as they are Instagram-worthy. Bright, modern and just a short stroll from Morpeth’s bustling high street, it’s the perfect place to stop for a matcha break while exploring one of Northumberland’s prettiest market towns.
FIKA
FIKA Gallery, 1-3 Oldgate, Morpeth, NE61 1LT
Inspired by the Swedish tradition of fika – taking time to slow down, connect and enjoy a good drink – this independent café is the perfect place to savour your next matcha. FIKA’s menu champions quality ingredients and expertly crafted drinks, all served up in a relaxed yet stylish environment, proof that sometimes the best moments begin with a matcha in hand.
The Market Place
1-2 Market Place, West Morpeth, NE61 1HE
A firm favourite in the heart of Morpeth, The Market Place has become known for its beautifully crafted drinks – and their matcha is no exception. Pair one with one of their freshly baked pastries, and you’ve got the perfect excuse to soak up the café’s warm, welcoming atmosphere. It’s the perfect spot to grab a matcha before exploring Morpeth’s independent shops, and the perfect companion on a riverside walk.
Molly Ferry
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