Impromptu Cafe

The School House, Elsdon, Newcastle upon Tyne NE19 1AA, United Kingdom
+44 1830 520389
$$$ Cafe
(31 Reviews)
Price Range £1–10

Nestled in the charming countryside of Elsdon, Newcastle upon Tyne, Impromptu Cafe is a delightful hidden gem that captures the essence of warmth and hospitality. With its unique setting in what was once a dining room, this cafe is not just a place to grab a bite; it’s an experience enriched with character and community spirit.

As soon as you approach, the warm greetings from the owners, a lovely older couple with over 47 years of experience running the cafe, put you at ease. The inviting atmosphere makes it feel like you’re stepping into a friend’s home, where conversations flow as easily as the coffee. The cafe's decor features charming cycle memorabilia, each piece telling its own story, adding to the unique charm of the space.

Whether you're a local or just passing through, Impromptu Cafe is a perfect pit stop. It's especially delightful for those cycling through the picturesque landscape, as highlighted by visitors who often chat with fellow cyclists enjoying a well-deserved break. With the lovely garden setting adorned with a plethora of birds and the option to dine al fresco, it’s the ideal backdrop for enjoying a leisurely meal.

The menu offers a tantalizing selection of homemade treats, with a particular emphasis on their famed gibbet cake, a fruit-laden delight that has patrons raving. Reviewers like Terry Wilkins have dubbed it "the most delicious fruit cake ever," encouraging visitors to take some home as a sweet souvenir. You can't visit without trying the hearty bacon butty, described by Sean Starkie as reminiscent of grandma's cooking, paired perfectly with a good pot of coffee served in generous mugs, ensuring your thirst is quenched time after time.

Impromptu Cafe thrives on the notion of simplicity paired with quality that resonates with visitors like Shan Wilkinson, who appreciated the "nice food at reasonable prices." Patrons rave about the excellent service, with many highlighting the friendly, informative nature of the owners, ensuring that every guest feels valued and connected.

For those who visit, prepare to unwind as you sip your beverage while soaking in the serene views over the village green, a setting that Jo Flanagan described as “good for the soul.” Each visit promises more than just food; it’s an invitation to slow down, connect with the community, and revel in the delightful chaos of life’s little pleasures.

In short, should you find yourself in Elsdon, make Impromptu Cafe a must-visit. Whether you're dropping by for a quick coffee or planning to indulge in one of their scrumptious desserts, you're sure to leave with your heart warmed and your spirit lifted.

Service options
Dine-in
Offerings
Coffee
Children
Good for kids
31 Reviews
Shan Wilkinson

17 Sep 2025

Lovely little cafe! Nice food, reasonable prices. Cute dog, we sat outside as the weather was good in the lovely garden with loads of birds. Cycle friendly, chatted with some other people who had also arrived by bike. Powered up for nearby gibbet hill

sean starkie

16 Sep 2025

Impromptu is definitely the right name… driving through on our way around the NL 250… we saw a sign for “tea room” and just pulled in. Greeted by Alan as we got out of the Campervan he promptly had us seated in what must be seen to be appreciated as a truly unique setting. A bacon butty just like grandma used to make and a pot of coffee which was well received. The owners could not have been friendlier! We really recommend this place

Terry Wilkins

09 Sep 2025

What a lovely couple. They've been running this cafe for 47 years ! You have got to try their gibbet cake, it's the most delicious fruit cake ever. We even brought some back to our holiday cottage. We are going back to try their gypsy toast.

Jo Flanagan

03 Sep 2025

A fantastic little cafe which we found by accident. The parking area isn't large but there are plenty of other parking options available on nearby roads. Very friendly staff and drinks of a proper size, no tiny cups, in mugs with a large teapot so you get more than one drink Sitting outside in the sunshine with a lovely view over the village green is good for the soul. Being able to listen to the birds singing in the nearby church yard. We had our dog with us and he was made a fuss of too. We'll be going back next time we are in the area.

Claire Richards

18 Jul 2025

A very unique cafe. It's in a beautiful location and ran by a lovely older couple. The dog was lovely and very friendly. We all enjoyed her coming out to visit us. Apple pie was very yummy. We liked that all the cups were different it was laid back and a great place to stop for a drink or something to eat.

W Maughan

18 Jun 2025

Such a lovely place to stop for a cuppa and a bite to eat. The cafe owner is a local with a lot of local knowledge - he was so interesting! (Remember to take cash).

Iain Jordan

17 Jun 2025

Small cafe, with bags of character and charm. I popped in for a cuppa when out for a ride on motorbike. Cafe is ran by an older couple that are very interesting to all to. I'll definitely be going there again and will eat next time too

Richard Finn

17 Jun 2025

Truly unique experience, former dining room of this couple house. Cycle memorabilia, each one tells a story. Lovely cakes sets you up for a walk in the area, the owner spent quite a bit of time with us chatting, lovely atmosphere.

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