When I began studying at Newcastle University in 2023, I had moved away from my small village in the North-West to a big North-East city. Coming from a small village, I was used to being surrounded by local businesses and cafés. Still, I was anxious about visiting unfamiliar cafés and so foolishly limited my search to more well-known businesses.
During my second year, I heard about this little café in Sandyford called Aidan’s Kitchen that specialises in brunch. My friend and I decided to try it in May 2025.
My Experiences
We arrived with ease, with our booking meaning that we had a large table where we felt comfortable and relaxed. The walls were decorated with plants, but they were positioned out of the way so as not to interfere with the customer experience. The specials were placed on an easy-to-read board – useful for me as I wear glasses, as it meant I did not need to move closer and could read the specials and the menu at the same time.
My companion ordered the pancakes with blueberry compote and maple butter on top and three hash browns for us to share. I, on the other hand, chose the Little Aidan’s classic: the Mexicana – smashed avocado, Pico de Gallo, two poached eggs, chorizo sausages and sriracha hollandaise and chives.
Not only was the food delicious, but it was also filling – I was able to take leftovers home and eat them later. We may have left looking more like Santa Claus, but it was worth every bite.
This experience inspired me to bring a friend who was visiting Newcastle there again the following year, this time in February. Even though I had booked, we did have to wait about 25 minutes outside, which was unfortunate as it was cold.
However, once inside, we experienced the same warm and welcoming environment I had experienced the previous year.
We chose to share the pancakes topped with maple butter, chopped banana and candied pecans, and a plate of hash browns – not together!
Again, the food was amazing and very filling.
Both experiences inspired me to recommend this local Newcastle gem to others. I would warn that wait times for food can be long, but the food is well worth the wait. If you are with someone and socialising, time goes by very quickly because of the relaxed environment.
The Story of Aidan’s Kitchen
In 2018, Aidan’s Kitchen was created by (you guessed it) Aidan Jackson. Aidan was originally from Washington, a small town near Newcastle, and attended Gateshead College, where he strengthened his culinary skills and expanded his knowledge of the food business. Through working at several different food establishments, Aidan enhanced his skills, which he then used to create Aidan’s Kitchen, where he is now the head chef.
The relaxed environment I mentioned earlier was purposefully designed by Aidan to allow customers to “feel as though they’re dining in their own living room”, introducing a new environment to Sandyford.
The success of Aidan’s Kitchen has led to an expansion of the business into Gosforth. Little Aidan’s opened in June 2023 and features a similar menu and look to the original. Whilst I do not have personal experience of the newer café, it appears to be very similar to the original and reviews suggest that the quality of food is excellent.
Both places are open 9am until 4pm every day apart from Sunday, when they are open from 9 am until 3pm.
Beyond Brunch
The café hosts a Drum ‘n’ Thigh menu the first Friday of every month from 5pm until 9pm. Unfortunately, I have not personally tried their chicken menu, but it is definitely on my list!
News of the culinary experience at Aidan’s Kitchen has even reached the world of television, with Channel 5’s The Feud filming scenes at the café in 2024.
Akon visited the café earlier this year before his concert at Utilita Arena. The Senegalese-American singer ordered well-done steak and eggs. DJ Sammy Virji also visited in 2025, while Strictly Come Dancing stars, including Geordie Shore star Vicky Pattison, visited in January 2026.
There is also an outdoor area, which is dog-friendly and seems lovely on warm days, with the added privacy of not being directly on a busy road.
So, should you try it?
If my review has not relieved your anxiety – nor the fact that Aidan’s Kitchen has been successful enough to expand into Gosforth, feature on television and attract a multitude of celebrities – then I suppose you will have to try the food for yourself to make your assessment.
For me, two visits to the original café have done more than relieve my anxiety about trying unfamiliar food places: they have encouraged me to spread the word so that others can experience this place for themselves.
Aidan’s Kitchen is friendly to students, non-students and families alike. There are also highchairs available for young families with babies. Aidan’s Kitchen is open to everyone and, in my opinion, is well worth trying when you are in Newcastle. Booking in advance is advised, as the place is rarely quiet and there are limited seat choices, especially if it is chilly outside.
So, why not step out of your comfort zone and explore a new culinary experience?