The North East's bakery scene stretches well beyond well-known chains, with independent shops offering everything from Polish rye loaves to Hong Kong-style pineapple buns. In the latest instalment of a ChronicleLive series celebrating independent hospitality businesses, five writers have each picked a favourite bakery.
Dana's Family Bakery, Team Valley
Barbara Hodgson, What's On reporter, discovered this Polish bakery by chance near Mayoral Way, close to Retail World in Gateshead. It is so tucked away that she lost her way on a second visit, but it has since become a regular stop. She is a fan of heavy, flavourful bread, especially rye, and Dana's offers loaves of all shapes and sizes. A current favourite is a chunky rye with nigella seeds, while the selection also includes wholemeal with sunflower seeds, a three-flour kutawski loaf and a mixed-seed option. The shop is packed with shelves of bread rolls and cakes, including custard eclairs and apple cake, and there is also a meat counter, a range of Polish groceries and fruit and vegetables on display outside. Takeaway coffee is available, and hotdogs are now offered at £2.99.
FAB Bakery, Fenham
Coreena Ford, chief business writer, says FAB Bakery in Fenham was greeted with a collective cheer when it opened six years ago, giving the neighbourhood a source of decent bread and pastries on its doorstep. Her visits have become a weekly ritual, helped by newsletters and social media posts that preview weekend specials. A Saturday queue outside the door moves quickly, she notes, with owner Shynara and manager Richard keeping things efficient. The almond croissants have become famous after a visit from MasterChef judge Grace Dent. Other favourites include cardamom and pistachio pastries, croissant cubes and berry Bakewell tarts. At Christmas the mince pies are highly rated, and the large teacakes are described as soft and uniquely spiced. Coreena admits to a freezer drawer full of treats, from hot cross buns to malted sourdoughs. FAB Bakery also has a branch in Gosforth.
Herron's Bakery, Beamish
Simon Duke, What's On Editor, acknowledges his choice is a rogue one, since visiting Herron's Bakery requires paying to enter Beamish Museum. But he argues that the freshly baked bread is well worth the admission fee. The bakery, located on Beamish's famous main street, draws people in with its aroma. Simon says he has often picked at the bread before even reaching his car, adding that it really is that good.
Jasmine Bakery House, Newcastle city centre
Daniel Hall, rural tourism reporter, also went rogue with his pick: Jasmine Bakery on Fenkle Street in Newcastle city centre. It specialises in Chinese and Hong Kong-style snacks. Savoury options include pork or tuna buns and hot dogs wrapped in pastry, while sweet alternatives include buns filled with custard cream, red bean or honey, plus egg custard tarts. The bakery is always busy and has a few small tables where customers can also enjoy stir-fries and soups. Daniel suggests rounding off a pork chop udon or Singapore-style fried rice with a pineapple bun, a beloved Hong Kong treat named after its golden crust that resembles pineapple rind rather than containing fruit. The bun is filled with plenty of butter, making it an ideal comfort food.
Pink Lane Bakery, Gosforth
Georgia Cuthbertson, reporter, says living near Pink Lane Bakery at the Old Fire Station in Gosforth is great for her sweet tooth, though not for her bank account. The bakery offers sausage rolls, freshly made bread, brownies and pastries, and she usually has to limit herself to one or two. Her favourites include the pain au chocolat, which are large-sized pastries well worth the money. The original branch is on Pink Lane in Newcastle, with additional branches in Jesmond and Morpeth. Earlier this year, the business was named one of the seven best bakeries in Britain.
