Café Royal will always and forever remind me of my good friend Heidi who introduced me to this hidden gem back in 2003 (I realise it’s very well-known now). I remember being shocked that I’d never heard of it, yet it was so close to Monument (I used to spend all of my spare time & money in Waterstones – which then became H&M and has recently closed down). Thanks Heidi!
When I started my blog last year, I wanted Café Royal to be the first place I featured. Off we went, very early one saturday morning, we ordered breakfast and I just couldn’t bring myself to take any photos (even though I had taken my camera out of my bag). It was already full with hungry diners and when a man glanced over, I assumed he hated me because I had a camera. Paranoid or what?! So a year later, I thought it was time to take some pics! I did get some funny looks, but I never photograph other diners so carried on doing my thing.
Located on Nelson Street, opposite the Grainger Market and a minute’s walk from Monument, it’s always been a favourite of mine over the years. I always turn up with the expectation that I’ll have to wait to be seated. It’s always busy, no matter when I go, which speaks volumes really. It’s an SJF establishment, but doesn’t feel like part of a chain at all. If anyone asks me where to go for breakfast/brunch in town, this is always my first suggestion.
Not surprisingly, I went for breakfast with my friend Julie and as always we discussed our food choices at length so there was no chance of food-envy 🙂 I usually opt for Eggs Benedict/Florentine or Scrambled Eggs… but on this occasion I picked Waffles with Bacon & Maple Syrup and Julie chose the Café Royal Big Breakfast. I fancied a fruity juice as well as coffee so ordered the Berry Nice (I think that’s what it was called) and a Flat White. Tea for Julie. Obv.
The waffles and bacon were both crispy and delicious and there was more than enough maple syrup (I do worry about running out, there’s nowt worse than a dry waffle). I know this is going to sound odd, but despite really enjoying my food, I wish I’d chosen Scrambled Eggs or Eggs Florentine like I usually do – they’re just so good. Julie’s breakfast looked great, Blagdon sausages, dry cured bacon, fried egg, beans and local black pudding. The toast arrived after I’d taken photos and it seemed cruel to make her wait any longer to eat. The verdict was that it was tasty and filling. The black pudding was softer than Julie’s preference and the beans were very different. I wish I’d tasted the beans – I do love homemade baked beans.
Once you’re seated you order at the till, where there’s a huge array of delicious items to tempt you. I now regret not getting a few things to bring home. Namely, a chocolate florentine and a cheese scone.
I’m most likely to visit Café Royal for breakfast/brunch but lunch has always been brilliant too. I’ve not had the Afternoon Tea yet but it’s at the top of my list. It looks great and £25 for two is fine by me! It’s served from 2.30-5.30pm, Monday-Friday.
I’ve had both great service and average service during my countless visits, but it’s never been bad and I always go back… I love the feel of the place, as well as the delicious food. If you’ve not been, do pop along. If you’re going for breakfast maybe I’ll come with you! Would love to hear what you think if you’ve already eaten here 🙂
What should I order on my next visit?
Cloud in a Teacup 
This place looks so good!! I’ve only just moved to Newcastle and have been looking for some new breakfast haunts! Lucy, aspectatorsport.com xx
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Welcome to Newcastle Lucy! Hope you’re enjoying it here so far 🙂 Definitely give Café Royal a visit, I love eating out for breakfast and this is always my first choice in the city centre. Another place for you to try is the Butterfly Cabinet on Heaton Road – https://cloudinateacup.com/2014/05/17/the-butterfly-cabinet/ x x
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Love the pictures! I really loved that sign of the different ways you can get your coffee! I still have trouble figuring out the different names, I only know black! I don’t even drink or like coffee but since I watch so many foodie shows on TV and read too many food blogs (no offense, I love yours!) I’ve actually a few things. 😀
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Thank you so much Meghan! I loved that sign too, really helpful (I love coffee). You made me laugh, no offence taken at all! 🙂
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Whew! Good! And you’re welcome!
By the way, to answer your question at the bottom of the post you should definitely get one of those brownies! They looked amazing! 😀
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You’re right – I will!
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The first time we went here I really enjoyed it – the second time not so much (I know it’s a small thing but on our first visit they had fancy brown sauce in glass jars and on our second it was just regular HP). I think Cafe Royal would be much better suited to being table service as well. I can’t grumble at the food/coffee though – always goes down a treat and it’s always very busy so clearly doing something right 😀
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I do know what you mean with table service Samantha. It’s always been this way so I’m used to it and don’t give it a second thought 🙂 I think I’m a bit sentimental about this place, so many nice memories of trips there over the past 12 years 🙂 x
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This is one of my favourite places from when I was living in the city centre. I’m out by the coast now so don’t go as often but like you I do have happy memories of all the delicious food!
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Ahh the coast is gorgeous, I’d love to live out there 🙂 I love that you also have happy memories of delicious food at Café Royal. I remember the old layout so well and almost forget that it’s changed, each time I walk in!
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Looks delicious! all those cakes and muffins have my tummy rumbling! Another place to add to my ever growing list!!
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Ha ha, I know exactly what you mean with the ever growing list! Hope you like it if you decide to go 🙂
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Ooh this place sounds lovely! Definitely fancy a visit here!
http://www.gingerbreadsmiles.co.uk
xox
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It’s lovely Danni! x
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