I love that even though I have lived in Newcastle for 5 years nearly now, I can still find new places that I’ve never visited before. Through blogging I’ve come to explore so many cool little nooks around Newcastle and when I found out that Dog Leap Cafe had opened, I was excited to try it out…
The Dog Leap Cafe is hidden at the east end of St. Nicholas’ cathedral in Newcastle City Centre. Close to the train station and the Quayside, it’s situated in an easy to find part of the city.
Launched earlier this year it is the newest project of chef and owner Dean Eccles, who has already amassed his reputation by working at restaurants allover the world and locally at Tynemouth Golf Club.
Discussing his training and background, he stated “I have a very diverse background having worked in Michelin starred restaurants, been Yorkshire Chef of the Year and worked with some famous industry figures including Gary Rhodes in Edinburgh, 190 Queensgate, the Michelin Bibendum, the Chelsea Arts Club in London and even a stint on Richard Branson’s private island, Necker in the Caribbean.”
Upon arrival, we made our way through the cathedral, taking a quick look around but to be honest, we were ready for our lunch!
The Cafe
Named after the famous local stairs that are close by, the cafe was opened earlier this year. A light and airy cafe with different seating from sofas to large tables for groups, it’s a lovely light pitstop for breakfast or lunch.
Even after we had finished our meal, we stayed seated to enjoy the quiet chatter of the cafe and to get a little bit of work done. A relaxing place to eat and work at your own leisure or to meet for a coffee and a chat!
One thing I particularly loved is that all the food is provided by a family business in Seaton Delaval, Northumberland. Whilst we were sitting in our seats, we realised that behind us was a little deli with produce from the farm, including eggs, butter and chutney! It’s good to know that you’re eating quality ingredients that have been grown locally!
Heading straight through and finding our seats, I was very pleased with the place that we had found. A tall airy room that’s been converted in the back of the church, it has a clean modern feel to it.
We sat and ate and all we could hear was the chatter of the cafe, no busy sirens or street noise. A quiet little sanctuary from the rush of city life. Decorated throughout with fresh flowers and beautiful prints of life around the North East, it’s been decorated to a high standard and had such a pleasant atmosphere.
Open during the week from 8am-4pm and the occasional sunday for sunday lunch- it’s a busy little place!
The Menu
I was really happy with the menu when I saw it, plenty of options including breakfast, lunch and dessert and even the occasional sunday lunch. The blackboard is filled with the specials, pie fillings and soups that change daily.
Rob ordered a Hot Roast Chicken and Stuffing sandwich, which came with root vegetable crisps and chicken gravy dip. A very filling lunch that was filled with fresh succulent chicken breast and a huge wedge of stuffing- it was already gone before I’d even started eating my meal!
For myself I ordered the bacon roll and was shocked at the size of it when it arrived! Larger than my hands with three thick slices of bacon inside and delicious root vegetable crisps as a side. Both meals were the perfect amount to fill us up without leaving us feeling bloated and overly full.
It was the sort of meal that had us reading the menu again to see what we would be getting when we came back! We’ve already decided to pop in for breakfast one morning before we head off on a trip from the train station, as it’s only a street away! A perfect spot to grab some breakfast!
Overall, the food is of an excellent homemade quality and you can feel that in the way its presented to you. ( Did I also mention that the chef MAKES all of the crockery himself too in his pottery studio!) I can’t recommend the experience enough and is the perfect place for families to have a bite to eat too.
If you have any dietary requirements, the staff are more than happy to deal with them and there are gluten free options too!
The Cathedral
Upon leaving, we took time to wander around the cathedral and take in the silence. It’s rare when you live in a city centre to hear pure silence like that.
I wandered around taking as many photos as I could. A really beautiful setting and the last place you’d expect to find such a wonderful little cafe!
Be sure to pop along to Dog Leap Cafe for a cheap and delicious meal and check them out on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Also check out Rob’s review here!
What cool other little cafes should I look out for?
Thanks for Reading!
S x
*This post was created in collaboration with DogLeap Cafe who invited us to review their cafe, but all opinions are my own*
