A small-group walking tour is always a good way to get to know a city, to learn a bit about its culture and traditions, and to discover some of the main landmarks. And, if it is a food tour, there is the added benefit of enjoying some great food, of finding culinary experiences that you might not have discovered for yourself. The Newcastle Street Food Tour did all of this and more, taking participants on a culinary adventure around the city, with a few surprises along the way.
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Street Food And More
This tour was run by Newcastle Tour Company, which specialises in small group tours, each led by a local guide offering immersive storytelling and experiences that go beyond simple sightseeing. Newcastle is one of the most vibrant cities in England, and a gateway to the wider region, and the company’s mission is to encourage visitors to scratch beneath the surface, to stay longer and to see more.
Their walking food tours are designed to showcase the city through its flavours, its people, and its history. The company works closely with independent traders and artisan producers, ensuring that every stop highlights the city’s small businesses and its evolving food scene. But it is not just a food tour: the route takes in historic places, city highlights, and even a few oddities.
The Diverse Flavours Of Newcastle
I joined an abbreviated version of the usual three-hour experience, which runs at weekends. We had three food stops in place of the normal five, but we certainly didn’t go hungry! Our tour was led by Katy Maddison, a lively guide with a wealth of knowledge. She was able to bring the city to life in an enjoyable way, weaving in local history and quirky stories as we went.
There was an eclectic mixture of tastings, reflecting both the region’s traditions and its multicultural influences. But they all had something to say about the current food scene, and they all showcased local produce and independent businesses. Our first stop, at the Pink Lane Bakery, set the stage for the tour with excellent sausage rolls (I can honestly say that my vegan sausage roll was the best I have ever tasted).
A Walk Through Chinatown
The walk between tastings was as important as the food itself. From Pink Lane we moved into Chinatown, an area shaped by settlers from Hong Kong and now home to many restaurants and supermarkets. On the way, we passed the Blackfriars Restaurant – originally an 11th century friary, it now claims to be the oldest restaurant in England, complete with its original Banquet Hall.
We carried on to the Bigg Market, once a medieval marketplace and now Newcastle’s busiest nightlife district. Here Katy pointed out a glass‑topped Victorian underground toilet that had been transformed into a gin bar, and the Old George Inn, once frequented by King Charles I.
A Wide Variety Of Traditions
Our next two stops couldn’t have been more different. First there was Stack, a leisure and entertainment centre with bars and street food outlets. For us it was Korean bao buns (I chose tofu and mushroom but there were several different options) and the welcome chance to sit down with a drink from the bar. Elsewhere in Stack you can find Greek, Mexican and pizza, a reminder that Newcastle embraces a wide variety of traditions.
And then there was the Grainger Market. This is Newcastle’s famous indoor market, where locals have been shopping since 1835. You can still see the original weigh house, and an early Marks and Spencer stall, but for us it was the end of our culinary journey, a place to enjoy our last treat: a yummy brownie from the Pet Lamb Patisserie.
Discovering The City
We learnt a lot about Newcastle food, and a lot about the city. Katy added a personal touch with unexpected snippets such as the Newcastle witch trials, and the origins of Earl Grey tea. We saw contrasting architectural styles, and notable locations like the Fenwick Food Hall and Newcastle United football ground. It was an opportunity to get my bearings and to see places I might not have found on my own.
First‑time visitors will find that this is a perfect introduction to the city. Touring at a relaxed pace, you’ll learn where to eat, what to explore, and how Newcastle’s past shapes its present.
Newcastle Street Food Tour – Practical Information
- Newcastle food tours normally run at weekends and last around three hours. You can book on the website.
- Make sure you wear comfortable shoes as you will be walking for much of the time.
- Vegetarian and vegan options are available, but you need to advise of dietary requirements when booking.
- The exact tastings offered may vary between tours.
- The full tour includes five tastings – don’t eat before you go!
- All tours are conducted in small groups with experienced tour guides, allowing for plenty of interaction.
- The Newcastle Tour Company also offers a range of other tours within Newcastle (including True Crime or Geordie Culture), and bespoke private tours in the wider region (I enjoyed a Castles and Coast tour of Lindisfarne and Bamburgh Castle).
