Exploring Jesmond Food Market

Discover Jesmond Food Market, a vibrant hub of local produce and street food in Newcastle. Explore artisan stalls, fresh ingredients, and enjoy a family-friendly day out on Armstrong Bridge.

There’s something truly special about a Saturday spent strolling through a local market, isn’t there? The aroma of freshly baked bread, the vibrant colours of seasonal vegetables, and the hum of people chatting over handcrafted goods—it’s the perfect way to slow down and savour a simple, authentic experience. If you haven’t yet visited Jesmond Food Market, you’re in for a treat.

Nestled along Armstrong Bridge, this bustling market offers everything from artisan cheeses to hearty street food, all sourced from local North East producers. Whether you’re looking to pick up fresh ingredients for a family meal or simply enjoy a relaxed morning outdoors, Jesmond Food Market has something for everyone. In this guide, I’ll walk you through what to expect, the best stalls to visit, and a few insider tips to make the most of your visit. Ready to explore? Let’s dive in!

Visiting Jesmond Food Market

Jesmond Dene Park is an oasis of calm in the middle of the city centre. It is easy to spend a while there wandering through the woodland and visiting Pets Corner. Autumn is a lovely time to visit Jesmond Dene when the trees are full of colour.

Armstrong Bridge is an iron pedestrian bridge that spans Jesmond Dene. It was opened in 1878 and built by Sir William Armstrong, who played a large part in the industrial heritage of the North East. I have memories of visiting the Armstrong Bridge Craft Fair which used to take place every Sunday. It was always full of gorgeous paintings and crafts from local suppliers. It was a great place to source presents.

This has now been replaced by the Jesmond Food Market, which brings together local food producers and street food traders in a vibrant, bustling market. This was the first time I had been for a while and I was impressed at how much it had expanded and how busy it was.

What to Expect at Jesmond Food Market

You can visit the market on the first and third Saturday of every month between 10 am and 3 pm. The market is vibrant and family-friendly. Expect lots of hustle and bustle, crowds and gorgeous local produce. It is best to arrive early to miss the lunchtime crowds.

Armstrong Bridge is a stunning backdrop for the market, the ironwork railings and the view over Jesmond Dene Park set off the different stalls. It was a crisp Autumn day with the last of the sunshine making an appearance. The market was bustling. When we got there a jazz band was playing at the entrance to the market which uplifted the mood.

We decided to stroll from one end of the bridge to the other and find out what was there before buying anything. There was plenty to choose from and the smell of food cooking soon made us hungry.

Top Finds

As we reached the far end of the bridge, we were greeted by a bustling line-up of street food vendors. It was lunchtime, so the area was lively with hungry shoppers, all drawn to the tempting aromas in the air. The hardest part? Deciding what to try, because everything looked so delicious!

Street Food Vendors

One of the things I love most about markets like Jesmond is discovering local street food vendors. They always seem to offer something unique and different, making it the perfect place to explore new flavours.

Why not treat yourself to a gooey grilled cheese from The Meltdown or an Asian-inspired rice bowl from Copper Ricebox? If you’re in the mood for pizza, Lucca Pizza Co., a family-run business, serves up slices straight from their wood-fired oven—always a crowd favourite. For something hearty, Geordie Bangers offers mouthwatering sausages in buns, and you can even grab a pack to cook at home—I always make sure to stock up, they’re just that good! Acropolis was also buzzing, serving up their ever-popular Greek gyros and street food delights.

Our choice for the day was a Beef Dip Sandwich from Chez Dips. f you haven’t had one before, it’s a sandwich made with crusty French bread, filled with tender beef, melted Swiss cheese, caramelized onions, and a hit of English mustard. It’s served with a pot of rich Au Jus for dipping, and you can opt to have it with hand-cut fries. I have to say, it was absolutely delicious—so much so that I couldn’t finish it all in one go and ended up taking half home for later!

My trip to the market was the perfect excuse to wear my Laurel coat from Lighthouse Clothing, ideal for a crisp autumn day. It’s water-repellent and wonderfully cosy, keeping me comfortable while browsing the stalls. I paired it with the Causeway Breton top, also from Lighthouse Clothing, which complements the coat perfectly for a stylish yet practical autumn look.

Other Stalls

One of the main draws of Jesmond Food Market is the chance to buy fresh, local food directly from the producers. After indulging in some street food, we took a leisurely stroll to explore the other stalls, and the variety didn’t disappoint. The vibrant display of vegetables from Greenfield Growers and North East Growers caught our eye, with produce freshly picked from the ground. I was excited to learn that North East Growers even offers a veg box delivery scheme—perfect for those who want to enjoy fresh, seasonal produce at home.

The air was filled with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread from Pink Lane Bakery, tempting us to take some home. For those with a sweet tooth, there were plenty of treats to choose from, including delicious pastries from Studio 28 and handcrafted artisan chocolates from Davenport’s. If savoury snacks are more your style, you’ll love the selection of cheeses from Weardale Cheese Company and charcuterie from Stonehouse Smokery. There was even a stall offering homemade treats for dogs!

It’s wonderful to see such a diverse selection of the best local produce on display. And the best part? Every visit to the market brings something new to discover, whether it’s a fresh supplier or a new seasonal offering.

Practical Tips for Visiting

Planning your visit to Jesmond Food Market? Here are some handy tips to help you make the most of your day out, whether you’re coming for the fresh produce or the delicious street food.

When is Jesmond Food Market open?

Jesmond Food Market runs on the first and third Saturday of every month, from 10 AM to 3 PM. It’s a good idea to get there early if you want to beat the lunchtime rush, especially around the street food stalls, which get busy as the day goes on. This way, you’ll have plenty of time to browse the stalls at your own pace before deciding on lunch.

Find it here: 2 Benton Bank, Newcastle upon Tyne NE7 7BQ

Where to Park and How to Get There

While Jesmond Food Market is located along Armstrong Bridge, parking can be a bit limited, especially on busy market days. Your best bet is to find street parking nearby, there is some on street parking and paid parking at Benton Bank and Red Walk.

If you’re coming from central Newcastle, consider taking the Metro to Jesmond or West Jesmond stations, which are both just a short walk away. Alternatively, buses from Newcastle city centre—such as the 306, 308, 307, and 309 from Haymarket Bus Station—will drop you off close by. Public transport is a great option to avoid parking stress—and more eco-friendly, too!

Is Jesmond Food Market dog-friendly?

Yes, it absolutely is! One of the things I love about Jesmond Food Market is how welcoming it is to families and pets alike. You’ll often see plenty of four-legged friends wandering happily beside their owners, so feel free to bring your dog along for a stroll. Just be mindful of busy areas, especially around the food stalls.

What to Bring

• Reusable Bags: With so many tempting artisan goods and fresh produce, you’ll want to have a sturdy bag or two to carry home your finds. Plus, it’s a great way to cut down on plastic waste!
• Cash and cards: While most vendors accept cards, bringing a bit of cash is always a good idea, just in case. You never know when you’ll spot something irresistible from a stall that’s cash-only.
• Dress for the weather: The market is open year-round, so be prepared for whatever the North East weather throws your way. If it rains, everything continues as usual, with umbrellas popping up and plastic sheeting covering the produce to keep things dry.

Accessibility and Toilets

The market is fully accessible for visitors using wheelchairs or pushchairs, so everyone can enjoy a relaxed day out. As for toilet facilities, the nearest public toilets are located at Jesmond Dene Visitor Centre, just a 5-minute walk away.

Why Jesmond Food Market is a Must-Visit

Jesmond Food Market is more than just a place to shop—it’s a celebration of local producers, fresh ingredients, and community spirit. Whether you’re coming for the street food, artisan goods, or simply to enjoy a leisurely stroll through the stalls, there’s always something new to discover. So why not make a visit part of your next weekend plan?

Have you been to Jesmond Food Market before? I’d love to hear about your favorite stalls or any hidden gems you’ve found! Leave a comment below or share your experience on social media—I can’t wait to hear what you discover.

If you enjoyed this you might also like ….

• Afternoon tea at Jesmond Dene House
• A wander around Jesmond Dene

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