Breakfasts worth leaving your Retreat for
Published: Friday 11th Oct 2019
We’d like to think that breakfast out is the ultimate treat. A chance to leisurely graze, lingering over second or third pots of coffee and eating enough to see you through to late afternoon. There’s nothing like a big hearty breakfast to set you up for the day, especially when you’ve got a sightseeing itinerary you need to conquer. Here’s some of our breakfast recommendations based upon reviews and our own experiences.
The all-day breakfast stotties, a Northumbrian speciality akin to a large bap, are highly praised at the off-the-radar Rocking Horse Café and Gallery just outside of Rock, on the road north to Beadnell and Seahouses. Proudly using local-sourced produce, the stotties are packed full of eggs, bacon and sausage. What’s more, dogs are welcome so if you are staying at our nearby pet-friendly The Fold @ Rock, then this is definitely a place not to miss.
Building on the success of its Felton and Longframlington outposts, The Running Fox opened in Shilbottle in 2019, just south of Alnwick, bringing along its brand of hearty, wholesome and filling fayre. The breakfasts here are not for the fainthearted, but you need not worry if you have a smaller appetite, as they offer a pared down version of their Full English, the Fox Cub. Alternatively, healthy options include their free range coddled eggs or granola with natural yoghurt, berries and honey from nearby Chainbridge farm.
It’s not so much the breakfast, but the location that makes this a top treat for your morning meal. Surrounded by second hand books, here you can take your time over tea and toast in a place that celebrates all things past in the literature and pages it stores and in the building – a former Victorian railway station which was closed in 1968 – that houses them. All the classics are served for breakfast, but we’d recommend Spike Milligan’s favourite – two fried eggs with thrice cooked chunky chips and toasted bloomer bread and butter.
This nationwide chain which started in East Sussex has one of its restaurants on the cobbled streets of Durham on the road leading to the cathedral and university. It gets a mention here because of the lovely atmosphere and independent feel despite being one of many across the UK. Stop by for one of its breakfast plates before exploring Durham’s heritage.
If Newcastle is on your to-do list during your stay then drop into Ernest for a breakfast with a twist. This independent café in the Ouseburn celebrates creativity and honest food. Definitely on trend without being full of itself, its brunch menu – served from 10am-3pm – mixes guacamole, Halloumi and chorizo with traditional flavours. We defy you to be disappointed.
From American style buttermilk pancakes and bagels to full English breakfasts, kedgeree and kippers, there’s something for everyone at this bistro in the centre of Beadnell village. We’d recommend you try the Eggs Benedict, Royale or Florentine and if you’re partial to a cup a coffee in the morning, then you can get your caffeine fix here. It’s very popular, so it is best to book ahead.
