It might just be because I’m doing the 5.2 diet through January so can’t have any, but everywhere I look on Instagram there are North East cafes and bakeries offering what look like the most unbelievable treats during this lockdown. I might just be more sensitive to it than usual, but seriously my mouth waters whenever I see something that looks so good. 

I’ve tried the majority of these places in the past, but there has definitely been a renewed effort into the creations they’re all baking at the moment. Every time I see a photo of something I instantly want, I’ve been saving the posts to go back to when I’ll allow myself a treat again. Instagram saves are a dream for things like that – I wrote a post all about how to use saves to stay organised here.

So here’s ten of those North East cafes and bakeries selling cakes and bakes I can’t wait to try.

Arlo, Jesmond

These can be ordered as part of a takeaway for desert, to share white chocolate cheesecake.

Pink Lane Bakery, Gosforth & City Centre

Pink Lane Bakery shared a carousel of treats, so flick through because those lemon meringue tarts, and fig and berry pavlova’s look unbelievable.

See you There, Cullercoats

Cullercoats is one of those coastal spots I always drive through rather than stop at and I really need to as there’s some great cafes there. I’ve got my eye on the raspberry and white chocolate blondie’s from See You There Cullercoats. You will see me there.

Northern Rye, Byker

ALL of the Northern Rye pastries just look too good. Have a browse through their instagram as they’re mouth watering, but I have my heart set on the ‘99 flake cruffin or the lemon curd filled buns.

Pure Knead, Whitley bay

One of my favourite bakeries in Whitley Bay, and there’s always a queue outside down the street. Their home baked cakes look lovely but it’s the bread that just smells amazing every time you walk past and I could eat an entire loaf.

Saras Cakes, Gateshead

I mentioned Sara’s Cakes in my post on North East local businesses to support, as I had a great experience ordering one of her smashable hollow cakes back in September. She does all sorts of treats, and these cake pops look amazing.

Fork in the Rose, Heaton

I’m so glad I got to visit Fork in the Rose on Heaton Road before the November lockdown, as they’ve obviously been unable to open to sit in since then. I tried their orange cake at the time and it was delicious, beautifully presented too, but I spied this espresso martini cake available for takeaway on their feed the other day and I am desperate to try it.

Batch Bakery, Jesmond

The cutest little cafe and these fabulously presented loaf cakes look so tasty dont they? The flavoured croissants they do are also on my list.

Tynemouth Surf Cafe, Tynemouth

I’ve only ever tried the hot chocolates from here which are worth a visit in their own right, but then I saw they do jammy dodger brownies. A must try.

The Strawberry Plug, Newcastle

One of the first places I’ve found in the North East that do chocolate covered strawberries as good as the ones I always get in Amsterdam from Polaberry. A lovely gift….for yourself of course.

Aren’t they all just screaming out to be eaten? I’ve got another post coming very soon with some of the specific Valentine’s Day treats that a lot of these cafes and bakeries are putting together too. Should probably say here not to travel out of your local area to reach any of these places, many are offering delivery but please stick to the current restrictions and only visit if they’re close by.

Counting down the days to the end of January when I can make a start on this list!

Other posts you might like:

Things to do in January

Some of my favourite North East businesses to support

How to stay motivated through January