Ferry View South Shields Review: Coffee, Dutch Fries & Coastal Views by the Ferry Landing

Ferry View in South Shields is the town’s newest waterfront hangout, a quirky container café set right beside the Shields Ferry landing. Offering everything from freshly brewed coffee and indulgent Dutch fries to pastries, sweet treats, and even e-bike hire, it’s quickly becoming a must-visit spot for both locals and tourists looking for good food with a coastal twist.

A Drinks Menu Packed With Choice

Ferry View’s drinks selection is surprisingly extensive. Coffee lovers can enjoy all the classics: lattes, flat whites, Americanos, cappuccinos, and iced coffees. There are also speciality drinks including matcha lattes, smoothies, and rich hot chocolates.
Tea drinkers aren’t left out either, with English Breakfast, Earl Grey, peppermint, chamomile, and green tea all available.

On my first visit, I went for something completely different: a strawberry matcha latte. I’d never tried one before, but it was a winner, earthy matcha blended with sweet strawberry for a drink that felt refreshing, smooth, and slightly indulgent.

Pastries and Sweet Treats Worth Stopping For

To go with my drink, I ordered a hazelnut pain au chocolat, and it was exactly the kind of pastry that makes you slow down and savour every bite: buttery, flaky, and perfectly nutty. Ferry View also serves a selection of pastries and ice cream, making it a great stop for a mid-morning or afternoon treat.

Beer, Cider, Wine & Clarkson’s Hawkstone

Ferry View isn’t just a daytime coffee hub — they also serve beer, cider, and wine. Fans of Clarkson’s Farm will be pleased to know they stock Hawkstone Beer and Cider, brewed using barley from Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat Farm.

My partner ordered a pint, although it wasn't to his liking, it was crisp, clean, and ideal for enjoying while watching the ferry glide back and forth on the River Tyne.

The Famous Dutch Fries: A Must-Try

The highlight of the menu has to be the Dutch Fries. These golden, crispy chips come with more than a dozen sauce options, from classic ketchup and BBQ to bolder choices like peanut sauce, curry mayo, truffle mayo, and garlic.

You can also upgrade to loaded fries with toppings such as cheese, chilli, or crispy onions. I didn’t grab them on my first visit, but after seeing other people’s plates, they’re top of my list for next time.

E-Bike Hire: Explore the North East Coast

Ferry View also doubles as a starting point for adventure thanks to its partnership with The Electric Bike Shed. You can hire an e-bike by the hour or for the full day, with recommended routes along the North East coast.

Whether you’re planning a short ride around South Shields or a longer trip up to Sunderland, it’s a fun and scenic way to explore the area.

A Mini Coastal Escape

After finishing my latte, pastry, and Hawkstone pint, I wandered along the ferry landing. With the sea breeze, the sound of the river, and the steady rhythm of the ferry crossing, the whole visit felt like a small coastal escape rather than just a café stop.

Final Thoughts

Ferry View isn’t just a café, it’s a mix of great coffee, Dutch fries, pastries, craft beer, and one of the best views in South Shields. Whether you’re a visitor or a local, it’s well worth stopping by for good food, good drinks, and a taste of coastal calm.

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