A couple of weeks ago I was invited to the launch of the pop up Barbour Cafe at Fenwick, which is here for the next few months in the run up to Christmas. The collaboration of both Barbour and Fenwick brings together all things local, with Barbour being founded in the North East back in 1894 with the aim of keeping the locals warm, and Fenwick, another North Eastern founded brand and now the go to luxury department store in Newcastle. 

The pop up Barbour cafe has been created as part of the celebrations of the 30th anniversary of the Barbour Liddlesdale jacket, and Fenwick is the ideal location to host it, just in time for chilly season. The café is now open and will welcome visitors until Christmas, offering a unique themed dining spot, scrumptious offerings and a celebration of the two local brands.

Where To Find the Barbour Cafe at Fenwick

The cafe itself is located on the first floor of Fenwick Newcastle, but to access it you need to go to the entrance which is on the ground floor opposite the Barbour section. If you enter Fenwick from the Blackett Street entrance, the Barbour cafe door is to the left. You go up the stairs which are well signposted, and you’ll reach the cafe.

They’ve really embraced the Barbour style, with the deep greens and blues, the quilted walls and the very comfortable sofa areas up on a slightly raised mezzanine at the back. Unlike some of the cafes in Fenwick’s I love that this one feels like a venue in itself, you aren’t in the middle of the shop surrounded by clothes and brands.

There are tables throughout the space, and windows along the full length. At the far corner the tower style window gives fabulous corner views over Monument and Blackett Street. Once the Christmas market and lights are up it’s going to be a fabulous spot for people watching and to enjoy the festivities from warm inside.

As well as the quilted walls, the sofa cushions, the gallery wall displaying old Barbour heritage photographs, and even the cakes on offer all recognise the Barbour style and design. It’s beautifully done.

Local Flavours on the Barbour Cafe Menu 

It’s not just the venue or the Barbour style throughout that bring this collaboration to life, it’s evident across the menu too. A celebration of local suppliers. Barbour embraces its roots, and Fenwick has crafted a menu that does just the same. The idea is tea and toasties, so winter warmers but don’t worry, who doesn’t like a well earned cocktail after Christmas shopping, they have those available too.

Tea (and Coffee)

Starting with the drinks, Ringtons – another North East icon – provides the tea and coffee. Whether you’re a fan of a classic English Breakfast or something more herbal like Lemon & Ginger, each tea is served in a teapot wrapped in a quilted Barbour tea cosy – a very country British touch.

For coffee drinkers there’s a range from Americano to Flat White, and indulgent hot chocolates including the White & Cherry Hot Chocolate, or the Chocolate Cherry Hot Chocolate with a cheeky cherry liqueur.

Toasties

The toasties were honestly incredible, home made, gooey cheese, full of flavour I must have tried at least four flavours over the course of the evening and they were very moreish. On the menu we have the ‘Tyne & Moor melt’ which has Doddington’s cheese with Newcastle Brown Ale chutney – I absolutely loved this one. There’s also ‘Howay the Ham’, a classic ham and cheese, and ‘The North Sea Scran’ with white crab meat, chives and brown crab sauce. 

So they’ve really tried to encompass the local take, using our regional suppliers to create a unique menu.

Sweet Tartan Treats 

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, the Fenwick patisserie team has you covered with the most delicious treats, of course on theme. The Barbour Tartan Chocolate Brownie was a personal highlight, rich, indulgent, and very cute. They also offer pistachio and cherry macarons and the cutest quilted Barbour cupcakes, perfect for a little Instagram moment.

Cocktails & More

As if tea, toasties, and treats weren’t enough, the café also has a full range of wines, beers, and signature cocktails if like I said you need a stronger pick me up after flashing the credit card a bit while you’re Christmas shopping. We enjoyed the Hepple Sloe Gin Fizz for a bit of sparkle, for something warming try the Wooler Whisky Ginger using  local whisky with a burst of citrus.

I think it will be very family friendly too, as I spotted on the menu there was what I think is a great kids lunch box option. For £8 they will serve up a toastie, brownie, crisps, and juice. 

Whether you’re shopping at Fenwick or simply looking for a cosy spot to grab a bite, Barbour Café at Fenwick is a must-visit this season while we have it. With its blend of local flavours, rich history, and warm, inviting atmosphere, it’s set to be a favourite as we head towards Christmas. I’ll definitely be popping in again soon, especially for another Tyne & Moor Melt and a festive hot chocolate. It’s one I actually hope they consider keeping even if just through the winter months like January and February.

The café is open now until Christmas, so be sure to stop by, enjoy the local flavours, and soak up the seasonal vibes.

Other posts you might like:

North East Christmas markets for 2024

Pubs with log fires for winter

Where to get breakfast in Whitley Bay, Cullercoats and Tynemouth