Jesmond has a new kid on the block, and it’s a really good one to be welcomed with open arms. Local NCL opened their doors last week, serving up all things local to the North East from no. 18 Acorn Road. Guy and Kate turned the idea of what to do with an empty plot on one of Jesmond’s busiest streets into a hotspot for North East brands and products. Welcome to Local NCL.

Their aim is to bring all things ‘Local’ under one roof, so every product in there is locally sourced and from a North East business. More people than ever are supporting local businesses after the risks our independents have faced over the past year, I know I have tried to as much as possible.

It’s always great to see them partnering with each other, helping each other out, and now we’ve got a place where we can shop some of the best in one spot.

The few times last week I was going to call in I didn’t have the time, as the queue was down the street and I couldn’t wait in it. But that’s obviously a good thing, they’re a hit with the locals from the off.

Opening daily including weekends, I was there for about 10:30 on Sunday and after an early start with a walk on the beach at sunrise I was all set to grab a coffee. Being one of the main products on offer and with so much choice from the area, Local, NCL have decided not to go for just the one blend.

Two of them they currently have include Northside Coffee Roasters and Fika Coffee Roasters. Check out Local NCL instagram to find out more about the reasons behind their choices, and the blends themselves.

As much as I was ready for a coffee, (and I actually had DM’s yesterday from other Jesmond residents about how good it is), I was persuaded to try one of the hot chocolates. Milk, dark or white chocolate are the choices, and I went for milk with marshmallow on the top. I’m not talking your basic mini marshmallows, this was a big marshmallow float lightly toasted. Absolutely unreal.

On the glossy white tiled counter you will find a whole range of different products from various North East suppliers. What delicious treat you will have available to you will depend on what day you visit, so it’s constantly changing up.

You can find the full mouth watering line up on Local NCL Instagram highlight (will link the profile at the end), which tells you exactly what will be stocked on which days, but a small selections to tempt you in include:

• Fresh bread from Pure Knead – the queue for this bakery in Whitley Bay is always there long before they open it’s such good quality and nice to see it venturing up into Jesmond.

• Gooey cookies freshly made by Whipped Goods Cookies.

• Peace of Pie, coming from the same guys as Peace & Loaf – serving up pies from the Local counter.

• Donuts from Big Fat Donut Co.

In addition to the fresh goods on sale the shelves are stocked with extras like bags of coffee to purchase too, and I’ve saved my personal favourite for last – Morwick Dairy ice cream. I’ve mentioned these guys previously in my locals guide to Amble and Warkworth, but I can confirm the ice cream is up there with the best in the North East.

Snap a pic by the neon too.

What I love about Local NCL, aside from the ice cream and hot chocolate, is that they’re bringing a real range of independent brands into one spot in the hope you try them, like them and continue to support them. If you like something you try here and go on to visit or shop the products elsewhere it’s only going to do good things for our North East businesses as a whole.

It also brings the products you might not get to as easily onto our doorstep just outside of Newcastle. If you can’t get up to Warkworth for the ice cream, they’ve brought it to you.

Over the past year I’ve really tried to support as many of our small businesses as I can, and I now consciously search them out and head there first before big chains or corporate companies where possible. So for that reason Local NCL is well worth your time for a visit.

Follow them on Instagram here, where you’ll get all the latest info on the products they’re stocking and on what days, as well as opening hours.

I can’t wait to see where they take it and what else they have to offer over the summer.

Other posts you might like:

New to Newcastle and the North East for 2021

16 bottle shops and breweries in Newcastle and the North East

The best bars and pubs with outdoor seating in Newcastle

14 of the cutest cafes in Newcastle

A locals guide to Whitley Bay

Things to see and do in Amble and Warkworth – with help from the locals