Newcastle’s cafe scene just got a lot cuter and brighter with the arrival of EL&N (short for “Eat, Live, and Nourish”) Cafe who have found their home in Fenwick’s Beauty Hall. The Beauty Hall itself has also had a recent facelift, elevating the whole experience, so once you’ve stocked up on your beauty favourites, you can head to EL&N Cafe Newcastle for a quick bite and coffee or cocktail. 

Disclaimer: I was invited to the preview night of EL&N Cafe in Newcastle for social media coverage, this blog is entirely off my own back and wasn’t requested by the brand.

Known for its pink decor, lavish cakes, and unique menu items, EL&N has quickly become an Instagram favourite in London, and now it’s arrived up North with the EL&N Cafe Newcastle branch too. I’d be the first to say though, don’t just visit places because they’re Instagrammable. EL&N very much are gorgeous for the ‘gram, but their cakes are truly divine, and I wouldn’t suggest anywhere just for the photo ops.

I’ve previously visited a few of EL&N’s London branches, including the Selfridges location, and enjoyed it so it is nice to see them branch out up North. A few weeks ago I was invited to check out the Newcastle branch at its preview night, so here’s what you can expect from EL&N Cafe at Fenwick, from indulgent pastries to unique cocktails and savoury bites.

EL&N Cafe’s Signature Atmosphere

As mentioned, if there’s one thing EL&N is known for beyond its food, it’s the aesthetic. With neon lights lighting up thoughts that we’re all thinking – ‘but first, coffee’ for example, pastel colours giving the place an airy feel, bright floral arrangements, and carefully curated decor, this cafe brand is unapologetically pink and playful. 

They embrace it, the girls love it, and it does attract visitors. The Newcastle branch is no different, it feels like another little world in their. Almost Barbie-esque. 

Find them at the far side of Fenwick’s recently revamped beauty hall, opposite side to the Food Hall, with a design that complements Fenwick’s chic space but doesn’t intrude on the perfume counters and cosmetics a few feet away. 

Bright and inviting, this cafe feels like a retreat from the everyday, making it a perfect spot to meet friends, treat yourself, or simply enjoy a quiet coffee to admire your purchases.

EL&N Cafe at Fenwick: Menu Highlights

Aside from the aesthetic, EL&N Cafe offers up its inventive menu, and incredible cake counter. They do a great job of blending classic options with creative twists. So here’s a taste of what you can expect when you visit EL&N in Fenwick:

Drinks: Mocktails, Coolers, and Coffees

There’s a unique selection of drinks on offer, from refreshing coolers to creative mocktails and lattes. They have a full standard selection of everything you’d expect – lattes, cappucinos, iced coffees etc, and then the more creative latte menu which has all sorts on it. Things like Pistachio Spanish latte, Mango matcha latte and the Matcha Rose iced latte. 

Coolers and mocktails wise, the menu includes strawberry mojitos, raspberry mojitos, and a passion fruit cooler. They’re all non alcoholic and so refreshing. 

At the preview evening, I had the chance to sample a few of the drinks I’ve mentioned, including the Ombré Passion Fruit Cooler which was my favourite. It’s made with flower tea, mango, passionfruit, honey and lemonade. Fruity, refreshing, and just the right level of sweetness, I thoroughly enjoyed it. 

I also tried the Strawberry Chemex Mojito which was a light, strawberry-infused take on a proper mojito, a bit too sweet for me but I know this one will be a firm favourite especially in the summer. 

The Strawberry and Matcha was our welcome drink, a fusion of matcha and strawberry. I’m still trying to grow to like matcha and combined with the strawberry I did really like this. If you’re a matcha fan you’ll love it. When I go back I think I need to try one of the iced latte’s, as that menu is right up my street.

Food: Sweet & Savoury

EL&N offers both savoury and sweet options, ensuring there’s something for every taste and I promise you they all are unique in their own way – they’re not your standard brunch and lunch dishes. 

On the preview night we tried a range of things, including the Caesar Salad, a classic and a light option if you’re not in the mood for something sweet. The Mushroom & Cheese Melt Cube which had melty cheese and earthy mushrooms inside, probably not my go to but the concept of the cube melt was great and I’d definitely try another flavour – I’m just not a mushroom fan. 

Then there was the Nutella French Toast. This was the star of the night for me, which is surprising because I’m definitely more of a savoury person usually. It was smothered in Nutella and berries, absolutely beautiful. And lastly the Pistachio & Rose Cake, a delicate, floral delight with a unique flavour combination that seems to run through a lot of what EL&N offer. It works.

The idea is that in general EL&N serve an all day brunch, and the full menu includes everything from Acai bowls, pancakes and French toasts (all in different flavours and toppings), to egg dishes and filled croissants. Someone did comment on my Instagram reel to say their eggs weren’t that great, which fair enough. EL&N are definitely more of a patisserie style cafe and those things they do VERY well.

Pastries, Cakes, and More

EL&N’s cakes, pastries, and patisserie items are almost too pretty to eat, and are the real show stoppers of the cafe as you pass them on your way to sit down. With an extensive display of decadent treats, you’ll find beautifully decorated cakes, filled croissants, and pastries that would make the perfect treat for any occasion, especially the to me from me moments if you’re enjoying a solo shopping trip like I do. 

EL&N Cafe: For the Gram?

Yes, the pearly pinks, pastel greens and cloud white decor produces the picture-perfect environment, and the food is just as beautifully presented so EL&N is a paradise for Instagrammers. If that’s what you’re after then it ticks the box, but I’d really urge you to go for the food too – the French toast alone actually, in addition to just going for photos. And I wouldn’t say that, or be writing this blog if I didn’t think it. 

Practical Details: Location, Hours, and Walk-In Policy

I mentioned at the start it is located within Fenwick’s beauty hall, making it a convenient stop during your cosmetics and perfume shopping trip. They are open during Fenwick’s standard opening hours, so you can pop in for breakfast, lunch, or an afternoon treat whenever you’re visiting the store, but it is walk-in only. 

I think bringing EL&N Cafe to Newcastle is a great addition to the cafes both in Fenwick’s and the city in general. It isn’t for everyone, it’s my dads worst nightmare, but for those who do appreciate this type of cafe then you will thrive here. I really like their unique takes on dishes and drinks, they definitely offer something a bit different and it’s the perfect spot for a girly date.

Other posts you might like:

Cutest Cafes In Newcastle – I need to add this to the list!

The Barbour Pop Up Cafe in Fenwicks 2024

EL&N Cafe in London – my first experience back in 2018