Five independent Middlesbrough coffee shops you need to try

Redcar and Cleveland was recently named the North East’s “coffee capital” in a study conducted by Manchester marketing agency Dark Horse, and it’s easy to understand why.

A wave of independent coffee shops are turning areas like Middlesbrough and Redcar into must-visit destinations for coffee lovers, and we have compiled a list of five Teesside cafe’s you need to try.

1. Off The Ground Coffee, Middlesbrough

Off the Ground Coffee, Middlesbrough. (Image: Tees Valley Combined Authority)

A speciality coffee shop on Grange Road, Off The Ground has built its reputation on expertly made, ethically sourced coffee and a rotating selection of baked goods. It feels more like a coffee bar than a café‑restaurant, making it ideal for people who care about the brew itself.

2. Café Etch, Middlesbrough

Café Etch, Middlesbrough. (Image: Cafe Etch)

Tucked away on Gilkes Street, Café Etch is an independent spot where the focus is firmly on drinks and cake. Reviewers praise the quality of the coffee, the homemade bakes and the relaxed, creative décor, making it a natural stop for a mid‑morning or afternoon pick‑me‑up.

3. De Melo, Middlesbrough

De Melo, Middlesbrough. (Image: De Melo)

On Linthorpe Road, De Melo is a family‑run venue that locals know for coffee, ice‑cream and desserts. Customer reviews frequently highlight it as a go‑to for a latte and something sweet with a range of treats on offer.

4. Cacau Brazilian Patisserie, Redcar

Cacau Brazilian Patisserie, Redcar. (Image: Tees Valley Combined Authority)

Cacau is an independently run patisserie in Redcar, consistently ranked among the town’s best cafés. It specialises in Brazilian‑inspired cakes and pastries, paired with good coffee, and is regularly recommended to visitors looking for somewhere a bit different for their sweet fix.

5. Route 1 Coffee House, Redcar

Route 1 Coffee House, Redcar. (Image: Route 1 Coffee House)

Route 1 Coffee House offers a modern, relaxed setting for locals and visitors of the seaside town. It features near the top of local “best coffee” lists, with customers praising the friendly service and quality of the drinks.

An honourable mention goes to Headland Espresso, a newer spot on the Stray between Marske and Redcar that’s fast earning a reputation for speciality coffee paired with an unbeatable sea view.

Independent coffee shops and cafés are quietly putting the North East on the map as a friendly, down‑to‑earth destination for people who care about an authentic brew and a freshly baked slice of cake.