Must try cafés in Hadrian’s Wall Country this winter

Winter is here, and there is no better time to grab a piece of cake, a heart-warming hot drink, and settle in at one of the many great independent cafés and tea rooms in Hadrian’s Wall Country.

Whether it’s against the backdrop of beautiful rolling hills, rustic stone farmhouses, or the hustle and bustle of the city – cafés across Hadrian’s Wall Country provide the best shelter from winter weather and a delicious range of locally produced food and drink.

Don’t just take our word for it, head out, explore, and find out for yourself.

Set in the creative business hub of Vallum Farm, and neighbours with Pine Restaurant, Northumberland HQ offers speciality coffee right in the heart of Northumberland. This dog-friendly coffee shop is open every day from 10:00 to 16:00, serving up a range of festive drinks and seasonal sweet treats, available to eat in or take away. 

A roster of Christmas events and workshops will also be running throughout November and December with a coffee tasting and roastery tour from Northumberland Coffee, wreath making with Zephirine Warde-Aldam, and a pinch pottery workshop with Keith Webster from Ravn Clay, which are all available to book through the event page on the website.

The Riverside Kitchen is nestled on the banks of the River Tyne in the village of Chollerford, just five miles from Hexham. This cute café is easily accessible for walkers, cyclists, and motorists alike and offers comfy banquette seating for weary legs after a day exploring the neighbouring towns. 

Choose from a selection of freshly prepared scones, cakes and traybakes (with the classic Victoria sponge being our favourite), and a large range of teas and coffees. Fancy staying around for lunch? The Riverside Kitchen also offers sandwiches, pie and quiche made from produce sourced from local suppliers: Fresh N Thyme, Warren Butterworth, and Pumphreys. 

Once the last of the tea has been supped, we recommend heading over the bridge and through a small gate down to a lovely walk alongside the river, best enjoyed with a dog in tow, which are happily welcomed at The Riverside Kitchen.

If you are looking to cosy up by a log fire this winter, House of Meg Tea Rooms is the place to go. Sat within the Cumberland village of Gilsland, the award-winning tea room makes one of the best hot chocolates on Hadrian’s Wall, which goes down nicely with one of their delicious fresh bakes. 

The tea room serves up weekly specials from hearty chicken curry, to warming chilli-con-carne and freshly fried fish and chips. House of Meg are bringing back a festive favourite for another year, with afternoon tea being available for pre-booking on selected dates over the festive period.

Hadrian’s Wall Country spans from Newcastle in the East to Cumbria in the West, and so a round-up of must-visit cafes would not be complete without a mention of Pink Lane Coffee Collective in the urban heart of Newcastle. 

Born from a love of coffee, Pink Lane Coffee has been serving up freshly brewed speciality blends to the folk of Newcastle from its Pink Lane Bakery site, since 2012. Stepping off the train at Newcastle’s Central Station, visitors to the area don’t have to walk far to sample one of the city’s most popular cafés serving up espresso-based drinks, cold brews, and pour-over coffee alongside teas, hot chocolates, soft drinks, and a full café menu. 

Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available on request as well as oat and soya milk to add to the cafe’s most popular pour-over coffee. With its modern décor and indoor and outdoor seating, this dog-friendly establishment should be on everyone’s list. 

Looking for more adventures? Plan your next day out on the wall here and don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook to stay up to date with everything that is happening in Hadrian’s Wall Country.