Alongside working at Bellwoods, our team members also run their own businesses. Jodie, who works with us on Wednesdays and Thursdays, is also an illustrator, known as Oh Lightning. A couple of years ago, Jodie and her freelance friends started committing to regular admin days together. Firstly, for the company, as freelancing can get lonely sometimes. The other reason is for accountability, getting work done is a lot easier when you have someone around to keep you in check, making sure you get the work done.
They have a few top cafes in Newcastle, where they like to venture to on days they want a change of scenery, and a good coffee, or three.
1. Laneway & Co - 17-19 High Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1EW
Laneway & Co is a favourite place to get an oat milk flat white in Newcastle. Laneway is an independent coffee shop based on High Bridge, a lovely little side street in Newcastle City Centre. They specialise in coffee, similar to how some businesses select their wines.
Their recent refurb has made the place feel more spacious and light, making it a lovely place to work. It never feels too crowded, even when it’s busy. This is the spot we typically tend to head over to when we’re starting early, which pairs well with their new brunch menu. Think French toast with plum and blueberry compote and lemon mascarpone and Crushed chickpea and eggplant caponata with sourdough. Yum.
2. Neighbourhood Coffee Heaton - 214 Chillingham Rd, Newcastle upon Tyne NE6 5LP
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My friendly local coffee shop, Neighbourhood Coffee, corners onto Chillingham Road in Heaton, and is perfect for a little break away from the house when staring at the same four walls gets too much, but I don’t want to travel too far. Neighbourhood has a cosy and collaborative set up, which is great when there’s a few of us brainstorming ideas. As well as the great coffee, I also recommend grabbing a slice of their banana bread as a sweet treat, or if you are passing by on a Sunday, they get a delivery from our favourite Proven Goods Co Donuts.
Neighbourhood Heaton also hosts a run club every Sunday morning, which is a lovely way to bring people together, get you moving and motivated.
3. Ernest Cafe Bar - 1 Boyd St, Shieldfield, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 1AP
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Located right in the centre of Ouseburn Valley, Ernest is the perfect place to work if you are wanting to put in a long admin shift. The bright cafe bar has a lot of character and the staff are really friendly. Fill yourself up on coffee or get a sugar kick from one of their sodas and when you are done, you can celebrate with a pint!
Alongside their range of refreshments is their food menu, which changes every season. As we go into the ‘Ber’ months, you’ll most likely see me in there tucking into a cheese and kimchi toastie and warming soup of the day. However, if you’re looking to grab something and head off, you can head round the back to their sister shop, Ernie, a deli that serves delicious fresh sandwiches and salads - as well as some illustrated goods by our very own Suzie Winsor Studio.
As we head into the winter months, you’ll see a lot happening around Ouseburn Valley. Ernest host an annual Bonfire Night celebration, with mulled cider and hot chocolate. Over the summer months (when we get them), you’ll see the grill out front with the chefs cooking up some delicious barbecued goods!
If you live in Newcastle, we hope this collection of work friendly coffee shops gets you motivated to get out of your home office and out to one of the many local cafes we have in our city.