There's nothing better to round a day off at the beach than by filling up on some tasty food - and if you're planning to pop down to Cullercoats as the weather grows warmer, you'll be spoiled for choice.
With a sheltered sandy bay that rivals its Whitley Bay and Tynemouth neighbours in its beauty, Cullercoats has long been a popular family destination for a day out at the coast. And with plenty of local food and drink businesses calling Cullercoats their home, there's certainly no shortage of places to seek out for a hearty bite to eat.
Whether you fancy gelato or an ice cream sundae to cool you down after sunning yourself on Cullercoats Bay, or are after something more substantial like a stack of syrupy pancakes or even a spicy curry, there’s something to suit everyone in this charming coastal village. Here are just five places you’ll only find in Cullercoats to check out next time you visit.
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High Tide
Taking inspiration from travel and different cultures, High Tide describes its menu as “a mixing pot of culinary delights”. Founded in 2018, the bistro prides itself on its ability to “discover the most unique flavours from around the world” and share them with the diners of Cullercoats.
The menu at High Tide changes with the seasons to make use of locally sourced ingredients, but typically features several sourdough pizza options as well as dishes catering to vegetarians and vegans. Smaller plates are also available including spiced lamb kofta skewers, coconut-coated king prawns, freshly steamed mussels, and Korean-style sticky chicken.
The Boatyard
The Boatyard opened in 2015, but this cafe has been a part of Cullercoats for far longer - before 2015 it was The Copper Kettle, which fed locals for more than 80 years. The brunch hotspot continues to enjoy success on the coast, and even counts local music legend Sam Fender as a regular.
The drinks menu includes coffee roasted locally by Baristocracy in North Shields, milkshakes, freakshakes and smoothies, as well as alcoholic options at the bar such as Cullercoats Brewery ales and gin distilled in the North East. The cake cabinet is also packed with goodies made by Cake Stories in Hoults Yard, alongside scones made in-house and brownies made by Tynemouth chocolatier Gareth James.
Over on The Boatyard’s food menu there are brunch favourites galore, featuring all the classics from a full English and syrup-drizzled pancake stacks to Eggs Benedict and “the coast’s best toast”. The dog-friendly cafe even has a menu dedicated to your four-legged friend - not only are popular puppuccinos available, but pooches can tuck into their own dog’s dinner or a home-baked dog scone.
Beaches and Cream
The views of the picturesque Cullercoats Bay from this cosy seafront cafe are unbeatable, making it perfectly placed to enjoy a cuppa and cake on a day out at the coast. Classic breakfast and lunch options are available, from omelettes and full Englishes to stotties and paninis, and they also offer afternoon tea.
Beaches and Cream specialises in ice cream sundaes, serving up traditional options like Knickerbocker Glory and Banana Split alongside their own inventions, including the Beaches and Cream supreme which piles meringue, strawberry sauce and fresh fruit on top of strawberry and vanilla ice cream. Their summer drinks menu features refreshing fruit smoothies, milkshakes, and ice cream floats which are perfect to cool down with as summer approaches.
Sea You There
There are some mouth-watering sweet treats available at this cafe, with a delicious daily selection of freshly baked brownies, cheesecakes, tarts and pies to choose from. Highlights include the cookie dough pie, the Biscoff and Oreo cake, the Nutella brownie, and the Terry’s Chocolate Orange tiffin.
Ice cream kiosk Happy Cones is part of the cafe and serves up plenty of tasty flavours by Ciccarelli Artisan Gelato, with their newest addition being rhubarb and custard. Those seeking savoury options won’t be disappointed, with the likes of a full English, avocado on toast, homemade burgers, and loaded fries all available from the main cafe too.
Bilash
For something a bit different in Cullercoats to your typical coffee and brunch, look no further than Bilash. The restaurant specialises in authentic Indian cooking, with recipes passed down through generations, and promises to take diners on “a culinary journey”.
Chef specialities include a wide range of lamb and chicken curries, and their Tandoori Specialities menu features the likes of tandoori king prawn, salmon tikka, and Punjabi lamb chops. The indulgent three-course Bilash Banquet is also available on Thursdays and Sundays, with curry, tandoori grill, or Bilash wraps for the main course.
What's your favourite place to eat in Cullercoats? Let us know in the comments.
