Castaways in Northumberland

My cousin and I were hugely impressed by Castaways. I had been reluctant to go because about 20 years ago the original café had been taken over by a useless couple. But when I passed and looked in, I could see that its original atmosphere had been recreated by the current management. Our reception was very friendly. The café was full (always a good sign) and we were third in the queue. Our table was soon ready and we were seatedby a waitress. We were very comfortable and the atmosphere was nice. Many pleasant people there as customers happily dining and chatting. Good choice of food and drink. I had the traditional breakfast and my cousin had… I think it was avocado and egg on sourdough bread. We were both very content with our lunch. I will certainly return and bring members of my family to enjoy castaways. Nicely sited, easy car parking and great views over Seaton Sluice and the sea. Get yourself along there and have a treat!

This cafe could easily be missed in Seaton Sluice but wort a visit for refreshments

Closed Tuesday. Bit different. Quite small with small outside area. Exotic cakes. Menu choice a bit limited. Can be very busy at breakfast time .

Little gem of a place! We found on a day visit after staying nearby. Amazing food and great service. Halloumi and roasted veg Nanwich was so good I had to message and ask for recipe to try and recreate and they were very obliging and gave me it. Thanks so much guys! I hope to visit again one day 🙂

Fabulous coffee, and high quality food. Great cakes too. Service always excellent. Visit often and take all guests who visit.

A lovely cozy welcoming little cafe, cakes on display look absolutely delicious. One thing though if you’re buying coffee go for a milky or frothy variety which will disguise the taste, or even better choose tea because the black coffee I bought was the most putrid coffee I’ve tasted to date

This was an accidental fined, and I'm very happy we did. I have never tasted coffee this good in this country. And the embarrassing thing is I was born and bred not even 2 miles away. Will probably become regulars.😁

After 3 km walk in -2°, this is Heaven! Welcoming smiles, cosy atmosphere! Make sure you visit this little jewel when in Seaton Sluice.

Lovely cafe right by the beach on Seaton Sluice. Great choice of cakes.

Cosy dog friendly cafe on the seafront. Lovely, unusual menu.

A lovely find and a stone's throw from the harbour, it was a warm and sheltered haven on a blustery damp day. Dogs welcome on the floor. Outside seating for fine days. Lots of choice on the menu and a nice place to relax.

Amazing lunch! Great service and friendly

Excellent gem of a cafe. It was busy when we arrived and its dog friendly which was lovely. Staff very polite and efficient. Excellent veggie and vegan choices. We had a great breakfast, very generous with excellent hot coffee. Would recommend without a doubt.

Excellent. Prompt, friendly service. Really good quality food, well-cooked and nicely presented. Great location. Lovely atmosphere. We had smashed avocado toast on delicious, locally made, organic sourdough bread with tomato salad and two poached eggs. Healthy-sized portion. No complaints about quality, price or taste. We sat outside on a warm day. Great views of Collywell Bay and the sea.

Highly recommend this tea shop for delicious food and very friendly staff.

I have travelled all around the world and never tasted a better vegan cake than the homemade one here. Came back again for breakfast and that was super too. The owner and the waitresses were delightful people just to top it off plus an obvious good vibe atmosphere from the locals. Great job!!

Stayed nearby for a holiday and I was genuinely surprised how doggy friendly this place is. I highly recommend anyone in the area stop off and grab something to eat and drink! I tried the breakfast stottie sandwiches and was not disappointed. The pooch was also a fan of the sausages. Thank you making our holiday extra special!

**Cafe Review: A Coastal Gem in Whitley Bay** Nestled along the stunning coastline of Whitley Bay, this beachfront cafe is nothing short of a hidden gem. With its prime location offering unobstructed views of the North Sea, the cafe provides a perfect blend of scenic beauty and culinary delight. It’s an ideal spot for both locals and visitors who seek a tranquil yet vibrant place to relax, eat, and enjoy the fresh sea breeze. **Atmosphere and Ambiance** The cafe’s atmosphere is one of its most compelling features. From the moment you step in, you're greeted by the warm and inviting decor that mirrors the coastal charm of Whitley Bay. The interior is a harmonious mix of rustic and modern elements, with weathered wood, soft lighting, and nautical accents. Large windows ensure that the view of the beach is always within sight, making it a perfect place to unwind whether you're sitting inside or on the spacious outdoor terrace. The ambiance is relaxed yet lively, with the sound of waves crashing in the background adding to the overall serene environment. The staff contribute significantly to the welcoming atmosphere, offering friendly and attentive service without being overbearing. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick coffee or settling in for a long, leisurely meal, the cafe manages to make everyone feel right at home. **Food and Drink** The menu is a delightful mix of classic British favourites and contemporary dishes, all prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Breakfast is particularly popular, with options ranging from hearty full English breakfasts to lighter choices like avocado toast and granola with fresh berries. The pastries are freshly baked daily, and the scones served with clotted cream and jam are a must-try. For lunch, the cafe offers a variety of sandwiches, salads, and more substantial meals. The seafood chowder, made with local catch, is rich and flavourful, providing a perfect complement to the coastal setting. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available, ensuring that there’s something for everyone. The portions are generous, and each dish is presented with care, reflecting the cafe’s commitment to quality. The coffee here is another highlight. Sourced from a local roastery, it’s robust and full of flavour, making it an excellent accompaniment to any meal. The cafe also offers a range of teas, smoothies, and freshly squeezed juices. For those in the mood for something stronger, there’s a carefully curated selection of wines, beers, and even cocktails. **Service and Experience** The service at this Whitley Bay cafe is exceptional. The staff are knowledgeable about the menu and are more than happy to make recommendations based on your preferences. They are attentive without being intrusive, ensuring that your experience is both comfortable and memorable. The cafe also caters to families, with a children’s menu and high chairs available, making it a great spot for a family outing. One of the standout aspects of the cafe is its community feel. Many of the patrons are regulars, and there’s a sense of camaraderie that pervades the space. It’s the kind of place where you can come alone and still feel like part of the local scene, whether you’re enjoying a book, working on your laptop, or simply watching the world go by. **Conclusion** In summary, this beachfront cafe in Whitley Bay is a true treasure. Its combination of breathtaking views, delectable food, and outstanding service makes it a must-visit for anyone in the area. Whether you’re

Visited following a visit to Seaton Delavel. This cafe is full of character. I had a tea, which was excellent, and my wife had a decaf latte which was, she says, the best she's ever had. Great place - we will return at some stage.

Great little tea/coffee shop. Excellent coffee and we had cheese scones which were spot on. Very reasonably priced. Highly recommended

Lovely little cafe. The vegan dishes were excellent. Lovely coffee and very friendly towards the two dogs we took with us. Nice to find a vegan and dog friendly place.

We went to this cafe 4 times on our recent holiday in Seaton Sluice. The food is amazing; clearly made with good quality fresh ingredients. We were really impressed with the choice on offer. We were lucky with the weather so could sit outside every time looking out at the sea. We would definitely highly recommend this cafe to anyone visiting Seaton Sluice.

Handy if your in Sluice area,very pricey, poor service( wait time)lacks personality....

Spot on love it here great place to unwind !!

Lovely food and environment but service very slow and today the staff that served us appeared uninterested in their jobs, put my drink and food down and walked off, didn’t say a word. Usually good for gluten free but only caramel shortbread as a sweet treat, lots of vegan cakes but none suitable for gluten free diets

Loved our lunch visit. Delicious homemade food - flatbread with figs, feta and beetroot for some and sweet potato soup for others, and the kids enjoyed their toasties too. Perfect little stop off whilst out on a coastal walk.

Lovely little cafe,with great staff that make you feel welcome.nicw food and coffee be prepared to wait as a lot of people luke this tea shop

What an amazing tea room. It might look like an end terrace from the outside, but when you walk through the door, you'll be blown away by the beautiful cafe that hides within. Decorated to perfection, with food to match. Definitely recommend.

Just had coffee, but nice place.

Very comfortable, good range of options, pleasant but slow service

Thought food was expensive for what I got. 2 poached eggs and 1 slice of sourdough toast which was small

Lovely place full of eccentric and interesting bric-a-brac. Friendly, helpful staff and good service. Sadly our sandwiches were a bit disappointing. The bacon was chewy and overcooked, the sausages were a bit burnt on the ends although the middle bit was tasty and the fried egg yolk was solid . I was hoping for a runny yolk to make the sandwich less dry as I don't like sauces. However I found it all very dry. Lovely little cafe, shame about the sandwich.

Sausage and hash brown in a soft stottie. Dogs welcome, lush view out to see. Defo come again.

My favorite place where I always eat breakfast when I'm in the area. It's not cheap but worth the price

Best hot chocolate for miles and lovely service!

We just popped in for a coffee and a tea cake. We were pleasantly surprised by the lovely slightly quirky decor and the warmth of the place and the staff on a rather cold damp morning. The coffee and tea cake were good and overall a good experience. We’d definitely go back!

This used to be a nice little tea shop but it's gone downhill, wouldn't recommend.

Fantastic dog friendly place. Food delicious and service prompt and friendly. I would certainly recommend a visit with or without a dog ☺️

Just popped in for a drink. Will go back as menu looked very good.

Used to visit Castaway many many years ago, not how I remebered it. Then it was mostly a coffee and cake cafe. Our beef sandwich was tasty but not exceptional. A handy stopping off place for quick refreshment.

My husband and I visited with our baby as we were staying nearby. It was a nice day so we sat outside. We had a really lovely breakfast (I had maple pancakes and my husband had a vegan breakfast). It was delicious and we had really great service. I got a latte and it was really good. I disagree with another review that says it’s too weak - it was perfect. When we are next visiting, we will definitely be back.

Cute breakfast spot on the water. The avocado on sourdough was delicious.

Fab cafe, good coffee, cake, view and staff.

Lovely coffee and good choice of delicious scones and cakes. Card payment only to warn anyone hoping to pay by cash.

We loved the unique quirky atmosphere here. The staff were friendly and we were greeted with a smile and got a table quite quickly. They had some lovely looking cakes but we were too stuffed for any this time. Their Full English was delicious, my daughter had the bacon and pancakes and she mentioned that it was deeeeelicious. Of course she didn’t leave us any 🤨 We will be back for the cakes! 😅

Nice place and food, but weak coffee. We asked for additional shots of espresso which was provided, but they tried to charge us. Other cafes serve weak coffee but are happy to provide an extra shot, but not Castaways. We will not be back.

Pleasent little cafe, good food and nice atmosphere.

Went for walk with friend on beach with her dog decided we would have coffee when we got there went in was told card only 🙈 what about older generations not everyone pays by card never go back

We were welcomed, unflinchingly, for a welcome break from our cycle ride, despite being spectacularly muddy. (We did our best not to abuse this hospitality by containing the mud as best we could and clearing up after ourselves.) The coffee was good and stayed hot while we drank it. Each of our chosen breakfasts was well cooked and well presented. I went for an old fashioned bacon and sausage bun, which was delicious and came with a bottle of Heinz ketchup so I could lather it with as much red sauce as I liked. My fella's poached eggs and mushrooms were served, at his request, on ordinary toast rather than sourdough and decorated with pea shoots. Nothing was a bother to the lovely staff and the bill was very reasonable. I'll go again and have already recommended it to friends.

Not a pleasant experience at all. I waited 25 minutes for cold food to arrive; which was inedible too much mayo in the tuna sandwich, bread very dry, scone full of bicarb!, price range is extremely overpriced for the quality and standard of the food .

Good quality food. Flatbread of the day is really nice. A bit costly for lunch but dog friendly and tasty

A lovely cafe, busy with locals, visitors, and dog walkers. Quirky decor, friendly and efficient staff, and delicious quality food. A hidden gem.

Food great as always, although avo toast is becoming a little too overloaded with other ingredients! Service however - diabolical. We live on the same street as the cafe so frequent it quite a lot. Each time we’ve been over the last year the new manager (I think that’s who she is, bob like brunette hair) has been nothing but rude. At first we accepted it as maybe she was having a bad morning, these things happen. As time has gone on it’s started to feel personal towards only myself and my wife. Every single other table gets greeted with a morning, how are you, idle chit chat, talking to the dog or children.. we barely get a hello. Our order is taken like it’s an effort, no please or thank yous and on our last visit our food was slammed to the table. We’re never asked if we’d like more drinks or need any condiments etc whilst everybody else around us has flowing conversation. It doesn’t seem to matter how overly friendly we try to be - it’s the same blank stare and attitude. It’s such a shame to have a local, great, cafe ruined by one person. We will no longer be visiting or spending our money here.

The menu is about as large as this tiny tearoom which perhaps seat 20 at maximum. That said it is indeed an ambitious and varied menu backed up by a chiller display of lovely-looking cakes. The service is smiling and efficient and hard to fault.

Cosy café with beautiful decor, fantastic service, great home cooked food/snacks including vegan options. Highly recommended 💫

An amazing little gem of a place!! A warm and friendly atmosphere with brilliant staff and lovely customers. The food options are incredible for a small business, my youngest has a severe cow milk allergy and we often struggle to find places suitable for him. I was very impressed at the choice available to him, both my children loved it, we will definitely be returning 😊 x

Nice little dog friendly cafe, good home cooked food, and great service

Really lovely little place, used to come here in the 90's as kids with my parents, this place has been lovingly restored. Great place to come after a chilly beach walk. Fab coffee and the nicest toasties! And they are dog friendly which is great 👍🏻

Had a lovely visit, I had one of their festival special drink and a piece of lovely cake. Staff were very friendly, very communicative and comfortable atmosphere

Busy but worth the wait. We brunched. Gloriously.

Not like it used to be. Very pricey for what you get. Won’t be rushing back. Cheese scones were sweet

Dog Friendly but not customer friendly. Three sometimes four or five of us every Wednesday go for breakfast and have done for years even before the new owners took over. This week we were shown to a table for three but next to a dog (nothing against them) allergic and prefer not to if another table is free which there was. Every week there are two seperate individuals sitting on two tables of four. This week one of them wasnt there so asked if we could sit on the empty table. Quite aggressively were told no it was a table for four and we were three and was shown another table for three the other side of the dog. When I pointed out that she had already set a precedent of having one individual on a table for four and does every week then surely a three would be fine. After all there was no queue. She didnt like my attitude apparently perhaps it was my logic. We have put up with staff fondling dogs and having to ask them to sanitise there hands before serving our food as they hadnt, we have even had our order forgotten two weeks ago. Everyone makes mistakes but we cant forgive the attitude I presume of the owner to us yesterday. Her behaviour was totally unprofessional and sorry to say after this we shall not be back.

Great cuppa , great food , great staff the breakfast is amazing

Cracking spot Food was hot and flavoursome And you don't feel rushed

What a great little cafe that looked so unassuming from the outside but was tastefully decorated and very welcoming. Had to wait a short while for table which highlights its popularity. Lovely quirky scones, clearly home made. Lovely friendly staff … thank you

Castaways is a very pleasant place and well worth a visit. The only thing that let it down when we called was the service. We ordered soup, teacakes and coffee all of which were very pleasent. We finished our soup but sadly by the time the teacakes arrived the coffees had gone cold . I had to remind the waitress that we were waiting.

We visited at the weekend, we both had the build your breakfasts, when they arrived both bits of bacon were burnt to a crisp! The dirty beans were cold, the hash brown was soggy like it had been microwaved and the whole breakfast generally was very underwhelming. No table checks, otherwise I would have told a staff member. The staff looked miserable, had no craic and it was extremely expensive. I'll not be back. Shame, if it was ran by passionate people this place could be fantastic.

This is such a hidden gem of a place to eat. We have been going for breakfast/lunch for a couple of years now and it never fails to disappoint. The staff make you feel so welcome, always a smile when you arent feeling the best. The atmosphere is great, and the decor is funky..background music is just our 'cup of tea' too! It gets busy at times as its popular but we know if we cant get in then we will sneak back when its quieter! Lovely place..get yourself there (just not when we go!)

Mine and my dogs absolute favourite place for a coffee (and a sausage) on the weekend. The staff are the sweetest team and the food is great. They always have great, well thought vegan options too!

Hidden delight. Interior was quaint yet vibrant. Warm interior and staff. Such a surprise considering the exterior view. Food delicious.

A lovely quaint cafe by the sea, great atmosphere and lovely food, had soup of the day and a toastie, the cakes looked amazing and they had a great selection of specialist drinks, it's also dog friendly so there's lots of small furry friends around to keep you entertained

What a fabulous place!! Magical quirky decor, great service. I had a giant piece of pistachio cake. Excellent before a big walk on the beach! (dog friendly too)

1st time I've visited with a friend and we certainly will be back.

Everything we wanted from a cafe. Great coffee, really friendly helpful staff and an amazing slice of cake. The cafe had a great atmosphere we some lovely art on the walls

Castaways is a great place to eat, drink, and meet friends. The food is great, and the staff friendly and helpful. Well worth a visit..!

Nice cafe with reasonable prices

What a lovely find after a swim. The food was delicious and the cakes were delicious. Would definitely recommend for a spot of lunch.

Perfect! Beautifully decorated with lots of love and attention to detail. Lovely staff and great breakfast. Excellent service, warm and friendly atmosphere. Cheryl is a lovely lady 😘

Food always tasty and hot ,but you wait a while for hot drinks. Nice outside seating area.

First time here. Fantastic little tea room. Food was outstanding, plenty to choose from. Will definitely be back

Very nice however. It is tiny and you have to queue up.

Popped in after a long walk along the beach. Staff very helpful noticed straight away I had my hands full with 2 wet lively Labradors! Offered assistance straight away. Enjoyed a lovely warm cheese scone and flat white. Will certainly return.

Brilliant cafe. Really friendly and efficient staff. As vegans we were really pleased to find somewhere to eat. The breakfasts are huge and we struggled to finish everything...we did try on a few occassions! There were also vegan lunches available and these were great. Really nice place to eat at and comes highly recommended. Don't forget the vegan cakes!!

May 2023 - We have visited this cafe a number of times as they offered a selection of gluten free cakes. The last time we visited we were very disappointed to see that nearly all the cakes were now vegan, but none of them were gluten free. It would appear that the cafe has changed who they are targeting as their market. Unfortunately we will not be returning, unless gluten free cakes become an option once more.

I had the Nanwhich which was fine friend had ham sandwich with salad. Very dry brown bloomer and half a cherry tomato. Coffee cold by 25 min wait for food. Pink Lane coffee ok but expensive.

Amazing little place. Staff are lovely. Decor and atmosphere are very welcoming and homely. All reasonably priced. Lovely little spot to sit outside on a nice day

Kleine Pause auf unserer Tour,direkt am Meer 💖

First time visiting while on a bike ride. We ordered soup of the day and a cheese and ham toasties with side salad. It was really nice but looking at plates being served to others thought, I need to come back and sample more. It was quite busy, set in a great location and dog friendly

Very good food and good vegan food on

Friendly staff good coffee and scones

Had lunch here recently the flatbread of the day was delicious really enjoyed it will definitely visit again

I have to say I am disappointed with my visit today. The service was very slow and we waited 15 minutes for a menu and ending up having to go to the till to pay. They seem to be plenty of staff but service was lacking. I normally come here due to the fact I am gluten free. They used to have plenty of choices for cake and meals. I was extremely disappointed today to find out the menu is now mainly vegan which precludes me from having most items on the menu. Vegan is a choice I do not have the choice to eat or not eat gluten. I will not be visiting again

Beautiful cakes and a warm friendly environment. Also dog friendly, will be coming back with the pooch.

Just the best coffee shop in the north east. We’ve been coming for almost 2 years now religiously every week sometimes several times a week. Amazing food every time, the best coffee that I now drink at home and just the most amazing staff. They are so welcoming and friendly and they dote on our Labrador (Bailey). We class them as friends, and manager Cheryl is so great. Thank you guys. X

Amazing food. Can’t say more than that. Great interior - won’t spoil it for you. Dog friendly- loads of dogs here inside or outside. Should you go? Yes definitely!!! Thanks for a great lunch.

I think this place needs a reality check on their prices. Called in Sunday morn 2nd April and thought we would grab a tea & 2 hot chocolates before we set off for our walk on the beach. 3x hot drinks in Paper cups (TO TAKE AWAY) OVER £10..YIP £10). Will bring our own flask next time. We love to support local businesses but this is just taking us for a ride. Bertarelli's for example in Newbiggin nearby, you can SIT IN their cafe with 3 hot drinks for £6, now that fair and reasonable In my opinion. Wont be back.

Tried here for brunch after a walk as heard they had vegan options. Plenty of choice & I had the avocado sourbread toast which was delicious & a good size portion. Then had to try one of the vegan cakes which melted in my mouth, it was the raspberry, lemon & coconut. Will be returning to try the lunch menu. Quaint cafe good service friendly staff & delicious food=result!

Half an hour wait for drinks, one hour wait for food, having to chase staff to get even this level of service (as did other customers). Drinks order was wrong and food not as described on the specials board. When leaving I asked to speak to the person in charge to explain the issues we had experienced. Their attitude was sulky and sullen, with no acceptance of fault, no responsibility taken, and no apology offered. It was like a preview of the new series of Fawlty Towers, minus the humour. Will not return.

I come here a lot and every time the service is friendly, fast and the food is delicious. They do fab gluten free, vegan options as well as good traditional meals and amazing cakes that are all decent value for money. Dogs welcome, sea view, it’s a gem of a place.

We came across this place on a coastal walk. It was busy, but we got a table more or less straight away. The menu was very tempting and we both chose to have the curried vegetable soup, which was delicious. We were served promptly and...