5 places to find the best scran in Newcastle

Traditional pancakes

If you’re a fan of the classic stack, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re looking for 3-pancake masterpieces drizzled in syrup, or you like ‘em savoury with bacon rashers, there’s something for everyone in Newcastle. Here’s our top picks for traditional Pancake Day scran.

Aidan’s Kitchen

Already hugely popular among locals, students, and tourists alike, heading up this list is Starbeck Avenue’s Aidan’s Kitchen.

AK come up with fresh new pancake combos regularly, so there’s sure to be something to get your tastebuds tingling whenever you turn up. Fair warning, though — their creations have been known to sell out, so make sure you turn up early to avoid missing out! Past menu highlights include their peanut butter, chopped banana, and Chantilly cream stack and chocolate crumb, bacon, and maple syrup. We’re in pancake heaven just thinking about it.

This local independent leads the pack (or should we say stack?) with their tasty pancake creations year-round, so we definitely reckon you should give them a visit this February.

Oh, and for die-hard Aidan’s Kitchen fans, you can now get their famous stack on a tee.

The Dispensary

Heber Street coffee house The Dispensary also deserves a well-earned spot on this list with their stack selection. They’ve got all the firm favourites like Lotus Biscoff and strawberry and Nutella — but the jam and custard stack really caught our eye. Warm custard, berry jam, biscuit crumb, and vanilla ice cream piled on top of four fluffy ‘cakes, topped with a syringe full of maple syrup. Yum.

The best bit? If you’re strapped for time this Pancake Day, you’re in luck. The Dispensary are selling their own tasty pancake batter on their website, so you can enjoy a stack from the comfort of your own home if that’s more up your street.

Jam Jar

Jesmond-based Jam Jar take the next spot on this list, with four flavours of pancake to choose from: jammy dodgers, jam, and white chocolate, Biscoff and chocolate chips, Nutella, Maltesers, and cream, and the timeless classic bacon and maple syrup. Sounds delicious, right? You’re telling us. For those who fancy some prosecco with their pancakes, Jam Jar also host bottomless brunch from £30pp for two hours (and £16pp for virgin bottomless). See you there!

Vegan pancakes

Think you can’t enjoy Newcastle’s famous stacks if you’re vegan? Think again. That’s right — head to our favourite vegan-friendly creperie this Pancake Day to make sure any soggy pancake mishaps are a thing of the past.

Monsieur Crepe

Opened by locals Marc and Gary after they bought a holiday home in the South of France, Monsieur Crepe is inspired by traditional French creperies and prides itself on serving fresh local produce in a relaxed setting. Here, you can find the pancake stacks of your dreams, alongside the finest coffee and sandwiches. What’s not to love?

Great name aside, Monsieur Crepe have a large selection of both sweet crêpes and savoury galettes on offer, all available with original, vegan, or gluten-free batter and your choice of topping.

Something different

Don’t give a toss about pancakes? Don’t worry, you’re catered for in Newcastle. We’ve included our favourite spot for doughnuts below, if you fancy a break from the ‘cake.

Harry’s Handcrafted Doughnuts

If you’re already sick of pancakes, then this one’s for you. With vegan options available, Harry’s Handcrafted Doughnuts refresh their menu and introduce new indulgent flavour combos on the regular.

Our favourite invention is the Tiramisu doughnut, but close runners-up include birthday cake doughnuts (made with strawberry glaze, cake crumb, vanilla frosting, and topped with a cherry and expensive sprinkles) and their carrot cake doughnut (vanilla glaze, carrot cake crumb, vanilla frosting, and topped with a mini carrot). Head down to Forth Banks Goods Yard to find your new favourite.

Another fair warning: when they’re gone, they’re gone, so if you spot something you fancy, get yourself down there. Check out their latest creations on Insta @harrys_handcrafted_doughnuts.

Wherever you’re planning to spend your Pancake Day this year, we’d flippin’ love to know. Shout us out on socials @ncapartments_.