Ernest Ouseburn Independent Cafe & Bar
Ernest cafe bar in Ouseburn is independently run, and much like the rest of the Ouseburn Valley encompasses the creative, industrial and local aspects of the area. Open daily and serving up everything from breakfast and brunch, to small plates, cocktails and craft beers, it’s a great spot for something to eat, drink and to meet up with friends. Here’s my full review of Ernest Ouseburn.
First of all make sure you book, as it’s very popular and although they do accept walk-ins you’ll avoid any disappointment by booking online via their website. They’re quite a big space with indoor and outdoor tables, but at peak times there will be a queue for a table if you haven’t reserved. They’re open daily from 10am so there’s plenty of opportunity to visit.
It’s very dog friendly, and overall like most places in Ouseburn, it’s a bit different.
Brunch at Ernest
Probably the most popular meal to have here is brunch, especially at the weekend when it’s always packed full of people having their Saturday or Sunday morning eggs and coffee. Served daily until 3pm, the Ernest brunch menu is seasonal and locally sourced, so it can vary slightly but in general they serve a good selection of brunch dishes.
The highlight of the menu has to be the Local Hero, a full English named after the local song, and with bacon and sausages from two local butchers – Nicholsons in Whitley Bay, and Block n Bottle of Heaton. The sourdough is also from Newcastle based bakery, Pink Lane.
Of course there is a plant based version too, as well as eggs all sorts of ways and with a variety of sides to choose from, French Toast, Shakshuka, granola and hash bowls too.
If there’s one thing they do very well at Ernest Ouseburn it’s the cocktails, and the brunch cocktails are no exception. There’s a whole ‘Bloody Family’ menu including the classic Bloody Mary which you absolutely can’t go wrong with, made to your taste, but they also have the Bloody Mare and the Bloody Maria, which are different variations.
On the specials board look for the Breakfast Martini, and of course you can ask for mimosas or bellinis too. So if you’re after a boozy brunch, this is a great spot for it.
Other Food & Drinks on the Ernest Ouseburn Menu
Once the brunch menu finishes at 3pm, the ‘Beyond Brunch’ or evening menu comes into play, and that includes things like wraps, salads, flatbreads, dishes like risotto, prawns and lamb sliders, as well as grazing platters, small side plates and some desserts.
If you wanted a light lunch, or an afternoon picking at platters and small plates then it’s ideal for this, and along with their big bar and yet more cocktail specials written on blackboards all over the walls, you’re in for a fun late afternoon and evening.
They offer loads of flavours of most things, including spritz and gin cocktails, and some non alcoholic soft drinks too.
See the full food menu for Ernest Ouseburn on their website here.
Dog Friendly
The whole venue is dog friendly, inside and out. In the summer you could sit on one of the outside tables as there’s a big area for it, and there’s plenty of dog bowls dotted about. Inside they’re welcome at the tables with you providing they’re well behaved. I found all the staff to be really dog friendly and loved them all visiting.
Private Hire & Events
You can use Ernest Ouseburn for your private event as they have a back room that is ideal for it, and can be set up according to what you need. This could be anything from a book club, to a hen do, baby shower, workshop or party celebration.
They do offer food as part of this, and full details can be found on their Private Events page here.
Where to Find Ernest Ouseburn?
Located on Boyd Street, you can’t miss them at this end of Ouseburn. There’s plenty of street parking around, so just put in the postcode of NE2 1AP and it will take you right there. Just keep an eye on the street signs especially through the week as some spaces are permit parking only on certain days and times.
You could also stop by as part of a walk through Ouseburn, like the rest of it there’s plenty of street art to see and cool places to go into. Finish your walk with a visit to Ernest.
As well as their excellent food and drink offering, you’ll find a really unique atmosphere here, with music getting louder as the day progresses, DJs playing and sometimes live music too. Their staff are creatives after all. It is family friendly, dog friendly, and open to all so basically they cater for everyone. Ernest Ouseburn is essentially a great Newcastle brunch cafe and casual bar to enjoy at any time of day.
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