Coffee shops worth the drive in Northumberland

We all have our favourite coffee haunts when we’re at home but getting your caffeine fix on holiday can often lead to disappointment when you don’t know where to go. There’s nothing more frustrating than spending days of drinking below par blends only to find coffee heaven on the last day. Northumberland isn’t London with coffee shops on every corner, so be prepared to go out of your way to get the best coffee. Here’s our insider guide to coffee shops worth the drive.

Pilgrims Coffee House and Roastery, Holy Island

Pilgrims is a small batch roaster, making superb tasting coffee from its yurt on Holy Island. With barista made beverages in its coffee house for you to try on site or take some of their beans home to brew yourself, they say the ‘coffee world is much like the wine’ with flavours varying according to variety, region, soil type, season and the washing process. Definitely worth braving the tide times to reach this one.

Carnaby’s, Ellingham

A new arrival to the Northumberland scene, Carnaby’s is a place to shop, eat and relax. Children and dogs are welcome and just one look at its Instagram page and you’ll see why it won Best Northumberland Eatery in the Independent Retail Awards 2019. The colourful array of meals will have you drooling as will its latte art.

The Running Fox, Felton, near Warkworth

The location of The Running Fox is a treat for the eye. Overlooking the River Coquet in the village of Felton, there’s nothing better than an afternoon coffee on its front paved garden after a day on the beach. An artisan bakery as well as a café, it has delicious cakes, breads and pastries and is known for its afternoon teas, which are served with endless tea or coffee. Check out their new venues in Longframlington and Shilbottle as well.

Also worth a try:

Saltwater Café, Beadnell

Sunnyhills Farmshop, Belford

The Ocean Club, Seahouses

The Hut at Bamburgh, The Wyndings, Bamburgh Beach car park

If you are in Newcastle or County Durham:

Pumphrey’s Coffee Centre and Brewing Emporium

The makers of our very own Coastal Retreats blend found in our guest hampers, Pumphrey’s has been roasting and producing coffee beans since 1750 using traditional open flame roasting drums. You can find them in the centre of Newcastle at the Grainger Market. Be sure to try their cappuccino.