Caffe 1901: My unplanned trip to the hidden Newcastle gem of a cafe

Cafe 1901 is, quite literally, a religious experience for foodies in Newcastle
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

After a Bank Holiday Monday stroll through Jesmond Dene, all of a sudden, the rather specific craving for a milkshake hit.

It was too late for lunch but too early for tea, which left me thinking that a calorie-filled sweet treat would do the job to replenish energy levels after climbing the seemingly endless hills up and down the Dene.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Returning to the car in Jesmond, a quick search online pulled up Cafe 1901 as a site to score the shake and, given the sugary cravings were becoming overwhelming, I was on my way.

I was certainly not expecting the tucked-away, quirky cafe that was awaiting me at the end of my stroll.

The streets of Jesmond still seem familiar to me thanks to my student years at Newcastle University, but I had never noticed Cafe 1901.

The cafe is right next to the churchThe cafe is right next to the church
The cafe is right next to the church

The cafe is found just past Jesmond Methodist Church - so close that for new visitors like me, you're only a few metres away from a door leading towards a religious service, rather than godly sweet treats next door.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Cafe 1901's interior is unique. Tall windows have stained-glass elements that flood the room with natural light, whilst the glass door entrance feels just as if you are walking into the church. Candlesticks, tall ceilings and a stone wall add to the grandeur.

The Caramel Biscoff milkshake The Caramel Biscoff milkshake
The Caramel Biscoff milkshake

Greeted by a young and friendly team, I wasted no time placing my order for a Caramel Biscoff Shake (£5). Not in the mood to eat, I couldn't help but have a peek at the menu which included classic all-day breakfasts and chunky sandwiches that looked fantastic as they arrived at other tables.

Sitting on a long table with hairdresser-esque chairs, the drinks arrived in no time, spilling over the top with whipped cream and biscoff sprinkles. I wasted no time in getting my slurp on.

Cafe 1901 is filled with natural lightCafe 1901 is filled with natural light
Cafe 1901 is filled with natural light

Not only did it fix my sugary cravings, but the Cafe 1901 experience was much more than I imagined. The laidback atmosphere had also pulled in couples on dates, students catching up after a summer away and workers sipping coffee behind laptops. My unplanned trip resulted in stumbling into a hidden Newcastle gem.

Related topics: