Grainger Market: Must-Visit Shops and Food Stalls

The city centre indoor market has been an important part of Newcastle's history and heritage for nearly 200 years and is still a must-visit location for anyone visiting Newcastle today.

First opened in 1835, Grainger Market was originally divided into two sections with a butchers and vegetable market. Two-centuries later and the indoor market is still a bustling retail hub which has a thriving range of butchers, greengrocers and fishmongers as well as diversifying with the addition of bakeries, patisseries, cafes, clothes retailers and haberdasheries.

Nowadays the Grainger Market is also the go-to place in Newcastle for independent food shopping and a tasty range of street food venders, international flavours and budget-friendly lunch options for shoppers, visitors and commuters on the go.  

A little history...

Grainger Market is an award-winning, Grade I Listed Market, which retains much of the stunning light and airy architecture that was designed by John Dobson. The indoor market was built as part of Newcastle's redevelopment by architect Richard Grainger in the 1830s. The striking glazed barrelled roof of the Grainger Market was added in 1901 to replace the original timber roof which had been damaged in a fire. Visitors to Newcastle and Gateshead who are keen to admire the architecture of the city and explore the region's heritage should make sure Grainger Market is on their to do list, alongside other landmarks found in the heart of Newcastle city centre such as nearby Central Arcade, stunning architecture along Grey Street and of course Grey's Monument. 

Grainger Market is currently undergoing renovation work, particularly of its impressive barrelled roof, but continues to be a thriving shopping centre in Newcastle and a great place to visit if you're looking to support local businesses and tuck into the delights of their many food stalls. If you're local to Newcastle, Grainger Market also provides an excellent delivery service - its delivery patch extended as a result of Grainger Market's resilience during the coronavirus pandemic - so check out what local produce you can order online from the indoor market.

Firebrick Brewery

Blaydon-based brewery, Firebrick Brewery have a friendly stall within Grainger Market. Pop along and browse the full wall of their excellent IPAs, stouts, craft beers and blondes. If you don't know where to begin, then make sure to ask as the knowledgeable staff will sort you right out. 

King Baby Bagels 

Hot off the press - King Baby Bagel recently opened their Grainger Market stall. As regular traders at Tynemouth Market, the bagel kings built up a loyal following and have now gone full time in the Grainger Market to bring you the best of their bagels in the heart of Newcastle. Get your teeth into a HUGE bagel Tuesdays, 10.30am - 4pm and Wednesdays - Saturdays, 8am - 4pm.

Pet Lamb Patisserie

The trendy patisserie tucked in the corner of Grainger Market is small but perfectly formed. Pet Lamb Patisserie smells as good as it looks as the artisan coffee shop bakes its tasty produce on site. Pet Lamb Patisserie is still well-worth investigating in person and even delivers its bakes to the rest of the UK. Choose from an impressive and creative array of cupcakes, traybakes and celebration cakes as well as hot drinks and popular, seasonal flavours like spiced apple and pumpkin. Currently open Thursdays to Saturdays from 9.30am - 4pm (ish!).

Matthew's Cheese Specialist 

If cheese is your thing then take your time browsing the very many options at Matthew's Cheese Specialist in Grainger Market. The independent deli also deliver direct to your home so you can enjoy a Geordie cheese board wherever you are! 

Cubanos

Hit up Cuban flavours at the latest addition to Grainger Market. Cubanos is dedicated to bringing the sass, spice and flavour to Newcastle's historic Grainger Market. Specialising in Cuban Street Food, you can expect Cuban sandwiches, fresh rice bowls, chimichurri, chipotle, pink pickled onions, nachos, saffron rice, mango salsa and so much more. Cubanos is a great shout for quick but flavour-filled lunches and pretending you're in warmer climes! 

Acropolis

Acropolis is a firm favourite street food stall which has made a regular appearance at a variety of markets including the Quayside Market and Tynemouth Market, for many years. The local vendor has also got a permanent home in Grainger Market where it serves up authentic Greek street food six days a week. Acropolis is independently ran and often has the longest queue for it's award-winning mezze platters and wraps.

Redhead's Mac N Cheese

Fans of the ultimate comfort food, mac n cheese, listen up... Grainger Market is home to Redhead's Mac N Cheese which prides itself on being the first dedicated street food venue which focuses on the humble, British dish. Perfect for a chilly afternoon or an on-the-go lunch, drop by Redhead's Mac N Cheese six days a week and choose from a range of toppings or stick with the classic macaroni and melted cheese.

La Casa Delicatessen

Continue your tour of the Mediterranean all under the one roof of Grainger Market with stop at Spanish food stall and deli, La Casa Delicatessen. Pick up a selection of Spanish cured meats, wine, chocolate and cheese or pull up a chair and watch the world go by while you enjoy a plate of tapas.

Slice

Grab a pizza by the slice from local favourite - Slice. The enormous 18" pizzas are freshly made and ready to go with a range of classic toppings. Whether you fancy tackling the whole thing or just want a slice - the Italian handmade pizzas provide a budget-friendly lunch option in a brilliant, relaxed environment. 

The French Oven

The French Oven sells fresh and artisan bread, bakes, scones, pies and savoury delights six days a week. The independent bakery is a very popular part of the Grainger Market family and has a focus on selling homemade and locally-sourced produce.

Snackwallah 

Packed with fresh ingredients, full of flavour and colour - Snackwallah is Grainger Market's vegan Indian Street Food vendor. Their menu of reasonably priced small dishes includes authentic Indian plant-based Chaat, samosas and a curry of the day as well as mango Lassi and Masala Chai to accompany your meal. Drop in from Tuesdays - Saturdays and choose from a light menu of dishes or dive into a sharing mixed platter or Maharaja's Banquet. 

New on the vegan food scene in Grainger Market is Glazed - another brilliant independent food stall which specialises in doughnuts of all flavours.

Dumpling and Bun

Dumpling and Bun is an independently-run, Chinese food stall in Grainger Market which makes picture-perfect dumplings, stuffed buns and other Chinese delicacies. Open 9am - 5pm, six days a week - visit Dumpling and Bun from authentic flavours and excellent Asian street food. 

The Yesterday Society Vintage Shop

Fashionistas and ethical shoppers will be pleased to find The Yesterday Society Vintage Shop in Grainger Market with wall to wall vintage and retro goodies. Browse the rails of vintage clothes which are updated each day or scour for a bargain in the shelves of retro accessories and homeware. Check their social media for updates of what is in stock and news of any vintage treasures. 

Geordie Gifts

Whether you're a local or visiting Newcastle for a city break - there is always room for another tea towel or mug in your house right? Geordie Gifts in Grainger Market is a great place to pick up your gifts and souvenirs. The unique range of cards, key rings and prints ooze Geordie flair and wit. 

M&S Penny Bazaar

Did you know that Grainger Market is also home to Marks and Spencer Original Penny Bazaar? The world's smallest Marks and Spencer store has been part of the indoor market for nearly its whole lifetime. It is still open today and is the last surviving example of the Penny Bazaar shops which gave birth to the well known Marks and Spencer chain of stores.

Nil Living

Nil Living is a one-stop shop for ethically sourced products in reusable containers. One of the first zero waste shops of its kind in Newcastle and Gateshead, Nil Living sells a wide range of dry foods and household products.