The Great British Cupcakery in Newcastle has been around for a good few years now, and has always been one of my favourite places for afternoon tea. It’s the first one I recommend to people when they ask where to go that is a bit different, and because you get so much amazing food! You might have noticed if you’ve passed along the quayside recently, or if you follow them on Instagram that they’ve had a fabulous, and very pink makeover…

I was invited down for the relaunch night to take a look, but rather than run through the evening itself I’m going to tell you everything you need to know about the bakehouse and cake parlour so you can plan your next visit.

They serve an impressive afternoon tea

I’ll start with this as I’ve already mentioned it. What I love about the GBC (it’s a lot to keep typing) version of afternoon tea is that you get an entire stand to yourself. I’m aware how greedy I sound here but you really do, and it’s traditional. The bottom layer is finger sandwiches, including flavours like tuna and cucumber, cheese and pickle, and ham and pease pudding.

The second layer is scones, a plain and a cheese served with cream and jam, and the final layer is a selection of baked cakes, including a red velvet cupcake (hello pet!), miniature brownies with a chocolate dipped strawberry, and a raspberry slice with white chocolate and fresh raspberry. Sounds amazing because it is. Every time I’ve been I come away with the leftovers in a box because you get so much and for £19.59 per person it’s excellent value.

Of course there is unlimited tea/coffee of your choice, served in ornate little teapots and cups, and although they don’t serve prosecco or champagne you can take your own for a small corkage fee. You can book for afternoon tea by calling up directly.

They make traditional and bespoke wedding and occasion cakes

I honestly think if I was getting married anytime soon this would be the first place I would come for my cake, as all the GBC creations are beautiful. You can choose from ready made designs such as a ‘Classic’ (prices start at £395), a ‘Naked’ (prices start at £345), or go all out and create a personalised bespoke design with full design help and support, prices on request.

It’s not just wedding cakes though, any occasion cake can be ordered from the lovely ladies, and on the evening of the launch they had prepared this incredible flamingo cake which just stole the show among a sea of cupcakes, bakes and treats. Isn’t it completely fabulous?

This is just one of many amazing feature cakes that they can make to order, in addition to wedding cakes. Take a look at their instagram for some more amazing creations.

It’s a family run business

While their history and story is no longer on the website, their parlour is still run by a mother and two daughters. All the staff who work there are really friendly and approachable, and isn’t it nice to support local business? Especially when they are this good quality.

They host events

A couple of years ago I celebrated my birthday at the GBC, with a group of girl friends. It was a great option for something a bit different, and through the day rather than a typical night out. We had afternoon tea, and this meant we had the table reserved for a couple of hours. I’ve also seen people have baby showers there, which is a really good idea as it’s not all focused around alcohol. And of course it’s in an adorable setting.

As well as delicious cakes they have some pretty special drinks on the menu too

As well as everything you would expect on the drinks menu at a cafe, they have some quirky extras too. A pink latte for example, of course to fit in with the colour scheme, hot and white chocolate with cream and marshmallows, and their signature ‘Geet big shakes’ which include Geordie favourites like the ‘Canny Caramel’. Think giant milkshakes piled high with cream, ice cream, cookies, waffles, unicorn marshmallow horns and lots of sauce!

And finally, they have the most beautiful cake parlour you will ever see!

It really is stunning, with a giant flower wall, a cherry blossom tree over the counter, white marble table tops and powder pink walls. I know many people will be visiting just to experience it, and because it is so ‘instagrammable’, but I’ve left this point to last because honestly the food and drinks are just as good as the decor, and I don’t want to detract from that.

The new look is a lot more polished, co-ordinated and clean, and it’s hard to believe when you’re inside that you’re in the middle of Newcastle (even on a rainy day!). It’s like you’re taken to an amazing pink world of sugar and treats and a LOT of cake – what’s not to love?

Other info:

Booking requests for afternoon tea can only be made direct by phone on 0191 2302151

They are located on Queen Street on Newcastle Quayside

GBC is open daily 10am-5pm with the exception of Saturday’s when they are open until 6pm.

Other posts you might like:

Sundays at the Newcastle Quayside Market

Proven Doughnuts at Hoult’s Yard

The best bars and pubs in Newcastle with outdoor terraces

Pin this post:

The Great British Cupcakery Bakehouse & Parlour, Newcastle