Cafe Direct

14a Portberry St, South Shields NE33 1QX, United Kingdom
$$$ cafe
(61 Reviews)
Price Range £1–10

Welcome to Cafe Direct, a delightful gem nestled in the heart of South Shields at 14a Portberry St, NE33 1QX. This charming cafe stands out not just for its inviting atmosphere but also for its commitment to providing superb quality food at affordable prices.

As you step inside, you’re embraced by a warm and welcoming ambiance that feels just like home. Regular patrons rave about the friendly staff, who consistently go above and beyond to ensure every guest leaves with a smile. Maz Coombs beautifully captures the essence of Cafe Direct in her heartfelt farewell to Pat and John, highlighting that this cafe is truly a place where everyone feels like family.

Cafe Direct is celebrated for its hearty menu that showcases comforting, traditional dishes. Among the fan-favorites, you will find the mince and dumplings that have earned rave reviews for their rich flavors and generous portions, alongside the beloved full English breakfast that keeps hungry customers coming back for more. Many have also enjoyed their delectable Sunday roasts, noting the tender beef and ample trimmings that create a feast to remember, despite recent changes to the menu that have left some wishing for the return of these classics.

Food enthusiasts will appreciate the attention to dietary concerns, as seen in Debra Picken's review, where the staff catered thoughtfully to personal requests. Whether you require meals cooked without oil or prefer your toast butter-free, the team at Cafe Direct is dedicated to accommodating your needs, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Don't miss out on other special treats like the homemade apple crumble paired with custard, a decadent finish to any meal that leaves you wanting more. As one delighted customer noted, meals are not just good—they’re first-class.

The cafe’s dedication to cleanliness and friendly service further enhances its appeal. Reviewers like Owen Masson and Angela Rostron consistently commend the reliability and affordability of Cafe Direct—it's a dependable choice that doesn’t compromise on flavor or quality.

In a world filled with impersonal dining chains, Cafe Direct stands as a beacon of charm, warmth, and quality. Whether you're local to South Shields or just passing through, this cafe is an essential stop for anyone who treasures a delicious meal served by genuinely friendly faces.

Plan your visit today and experience the cozy embrace of Cafe Direct, where every meal feels like a special occasion. You can reach them at +44 191 454 8568 to inquire about daily specials or just swing by and see why so many consider it a second home.

Service options
Delivery
Takeaway
Dine-in
Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Coffee
Quick bite
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Amenities
Gender-neutral toilets
Toilet
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Crowd
Family friendly
Groups
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

08:00 AM - 02:00 PM

Tuesday

08:00 AM - 02:00 PM

Wednesday

08:00 AM - 02:00 PM

Thursday

08:00 AM - 02:00 PM

Friday

08:00 AM - 02:00 PM

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

61 Reviews
Maz Coombs

15 Sep 2025

Over the years Pat and John have looked after us so well when we have came in for food. The girls that work there as well have been a fantastic addition to the team. 5 stars all round for everything, the cafe is so welcoming it's like home from home, so sad to see them leave, but happy retirement guys you are both amazing and so glad we got to no you all All our love Maz & Bob xx

Owen Masson

12 Sep 2025

Lovely food for a really cheap price, staff were really welcoming. Really reliable and affordable place to eat at.

Angela Rostron

05 Sep 2025

Nice tastey food. Like the mince & dumplings. Shame they stopped making Sunday roast. Was best in town by far. Lovely staff. Clean cafe inside. Deluvery driver lovely friendly. Bern useing these for about 3 years off and on. Eaten breakfast in cafe as well. Hubby loves the full English. Hope they never close. Do find portions got smaller in delivery cartons. Just bit advise to cafe direct would be nice to get more gravy in mince dumplings. Really should ask them when ordering I suppose. My fault Keep up the good food cafe direct. Soup nice bread rolls very fresh. Should try it.. would be glad you did fills you up. Rolls big

Sonia Hodgson

17 Jul 2025

First time we have tried cafe direct for Sunday lunch. Have to say it was delicious. Lovely tender beef with all the trimmings. Arrived on time and piping hot. Will definitely order again

Debra Picken

24 Jun 2025

Lovely little cafe Staff are lovely and welcoming I have a few dietary issues and they made my feel so much better by allowing me to order bacon and eggs with no oil, fat cut off bacon and no butter on toast, seems crazy but the amount of place won’t offer to cook without oil and bread is pre buttered Thanks again I will be back

Linda Jukes

18 Jun 2025

Dinner for 3 of us New Year's day. It was absolutely lovely. I had the beef and the other 2 had chicken. All beautifully cooked and well presented. Massive portions loads of veggies and homemade Yorkshire puddings. Followed by apple crumble and custard. Will definitely order again everything was 1st class. Thank you Jane can't recommend your meals enough.

graeme davison

03 Jun 2025

The Mince and Dumplings are absolutely delicious, and the portions great value.

Join the Cafe Direct Newsletter

Get the latest updates on seasonal pastries, special events, and local highlights directly in your inbox.