Best Cafes in Hexham

Where to go for a great cup of coffee in Hexham

Hexham punches well above its weight when it comes to independent cafes. From a charity-run vegetarian kitchen tucked down a medieval chare to a riverside spot beside Tyne Green, the town has a genuine cafe culture rooted in community. Whether you are after a full brunch, a slab of homemade cake, or simply somewhere to sit with a decent flat white, here are the best cafes to visit in Hexham.

Small World Cafe

Small World Cafe has been a fixture on Market Place for years and regularly tops TripAdvisor rankings for the town. This family-run, licensed coffee shop sources its dairy, cakes and produce locally wherever possible and has a strong menu of jacket potatoes, salads and daily specials. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are clearly labelled, and the warm, unhurried atmosphere makes it a natural meeting point for locals and visitors alike.

Hextol Tans

Hextol Tans on St Mary's Chare is Hexham's only exclusively vegetarian and vegan cafe, and it is also a social enterprise run by the Hextol Foundation — a charity that creates meaningful work and training opportunities for people with learning disabilities or mental health needs. The menu leans on hearty homemade soups, daily hot specials, bean-to-cup coffee and gluten-free cakes, all made fresh from locally sourced ingredients. Eating here means your money goes directly back into supporting the community.

Bunters Coffee Shop

Bunters Coffee Shop on Hallgate is the kind of traditional cafe that Northumberland towns do so well. Celebrated for its freshly baked scones (the cheese scone in particular has a devoted following), homemade cakes and generous light lunches. The cafe is fully licensed, dog-friendly and doubles as Athena's Greek restaurant in the evenings — proof that good things come in compact packages.

The Shire Gate

The Shire Gate sits at Cattle Market with a spacious patio that overlooks Hexham Old Gaol, making it one of the most atmospheric outdoor spots in town on a sunny day. Inside, the menu blends English cafe staples — think Sunday roasts and steak pies — with Mediterranean touches that reflect the owners' background. There is always something on the specials board for meat-free diners, and the home-baked goods are a reliable draw throughout the week.

Queen's Hall Cafe

The cafe inside Queen's Hall Arts Centre on Beaumont Street is family-friendly and dog-friendly, with a menu of scones, sandwiches, soups and tray bakes that fuels visitors before and after shows. It is an ideal stop if you are exploring the arts centre or waiting to browse the library next door.

Rising Cafe

Rising Cafe occupies a prime spot beside the Benson Monument at the top of Beaumont Street, with plenty of outdoor seating looking over the park towards Hexham Abbey. Part of the Betel UK charity — which supports people recovering from homelessness and addiction — the cafe has a distinctive 1940s feel, with salads named after golden-age Hollywood stars. Vegan and gluten-free options sit alongside inventive hot dishes, and all proceeds fund the charity's work.

Wentworth Cafe

Wentworth Cafe at Wentworth Place is a short walk from the town centre with outside seating next to one of Hexham's main car parks — handy if you have just arrived in town. The menu is confidently modern: smashed avocado with harissa, halloumi fries, eggs Benedict and shakshuka sit alongside more traditional breakfasts and lunchtime sandwiches. It opens seven days a week and has clearly labelled vegan options throughout.

Cafe Enna

Cafe Enna on Tyne Green is a little different from the town-centre options — it sits right beside the riverside park, making it a natural refuelling stop for walkers and cyclists on the Tyne Valley trails. The menu covers espresso drinks, paninis, toasted wraps, salads and freshly prepared brunch plates. On a fine day, the location is unbeatable: grab a coffee and take it out to the green with a view of the river.

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Hexham's cafe scene is one of the quiet pleasures of visiting the town. Most of these places are independently run, many have a social purpose, and all of them are better than a chain. If you are new to the area or just passing through on the way to Hadrian's Wall, any one of the above is a worthy stop.