Grainger Market Food Tour Part 2 – A Deeper Taste of Newcastle with Triple A Food Tours
Invited | Review by Aaron Whittington
Grainger Market has long been one of Newcastle’s crown jewels — a place where history, tradition, and independent food culture blend under one roof. Built in 1835, the Grade I-listed market has stood the test of time, adapting from Victorian butchers and greengrocers to a modern hub where street food stalls sit alongside artisan bakers, vintage traders, and coffee roasters. For locals and visitors alike, it’s not just a shopping arcade but a living snapshot of Newcastle’s evolving tastes.
Triple A Food Tours have already made a name for themselves with their original Grainger Market tour, guiding food lovers through hidden gems and telling the stories behind the stalls. Now, they’ve introduced a Part 2 tour, a sequel that digs even deeper into the Market’s rich culinary landscape, and this was the first ever one, on that basis I do expect it to grow, change and evolve through feedback but if Part 1 was a curtain-raiser, Part 2 is the encore — one designed for those hungry to discover even more.
The food tour actually starts at The Monument, why well you may not know that its actually tied into the food and drink theme, most appropriate for the tour. Where do you think Earl Grey Tea came from….? Find out as you start your tour.
Amy was the tour guide today. It is her business that creates these tours, and from the moment you meet, you are personally greeted without prompt, made to feel at ease, and introduced to the group you will spend your time with, which is important as you’ll find yourself in conversation together throughout. Amy’s passion for Newcastle, food and local vendors shines through which makes this tour engaging.
Unlike its predecessor, Grainger Market Tour Part 2 deliberately avoids repetition. Every stop is new, every vendor different. The idea is to showcase just how vast and varied the market is, and how many independent businesses are thriving beneath its cast-iron roof. While the exact line-up of tastings is kept flexible — after all, stalls change and seasons influence produce — the focus is always on local flavour and small-scale passion. This tour is also aimed at a more breakfast/brunch feel.
Expect to meet traders you might not stumble across on your own: perhaps a family-run deli tucked away on a quieter aisle, or a street-food counter serving global flavours with a Newcastle twist. The route is short in distance — around a third of a mile — but packed with history, atmosphere, and flavour. Every stop comes with a story, connecting the food on your plate with the people behind it.
I’m not mentioning where we went as i would like to keep a bit of a surprise and mystery. The tastings themselves are varied, from savoury to sweet, comforting to surprising. Triple A has a reputation for curating generous portions rather than mere samples, so come with an appetite, as i certainly left full. As mentioned it’s carefully curated and so the balance and timings of each venue is carefully planned as to not overwhelm with food as the last experience settles. On a given tour, you might experience tea making, cultured breakfasts, tapas, or street-style dishes that showcase the multicultural influences shaping Newcastle today. Drinks often feature too, whether it’s a matcha tea, a glass of wine, or something non-alcoholic and refreshing.
But this is more than a food crawl. Alongside the eating, guides share anecdotes about Grainger Market’s past — from its role as a Victorian shopping centre to its modern-day place as a foodie destination. I also didn’t know there used to be an air raid shelter below it! They highlight the resilience of independent businesses, the quirks of the architecture, and the cultural role the Market continues to play in city life. Amy often shared personal experience of her visits to the market and her thoughts on the traders she now collaborates with.
Grainger Market Tour Part 2 is perfect for anyone who has already taken the first route and wants to keep exploring. But it also works as a standalone experience — you don’t need to have done Part 1 to enjoy it. At £39 per person for two hours of guided eating and exploring, it’s also an accessible way to get to know Newcastle beyond the usual high-street offerings.
The tour does come with some caveats: it isn’t suitable for those requiring a gluten-free option, and anyone with allergies should confirm with Triple A in advance. That said, the organisers are known for being accommodating wherever possible.
Tours like this are more than just fun outings — they’re a way of keeping Newcastle’s food scene thriving. Every booking supports small traders, many of whom rely on word-of-mouth and loyal local followings rather than large advertising budgets. By spotlighting them, Triple A ensures that visitors and locals alike discover businesses they’ll want to return to again and again.
Grainger Market itself remains the heart of the experience: bustling, colourful, steeped in history. With Part 2 of the food tour, you get a fresh excuse to wander its avenues, plate in hand, and taste the city’s story one bite at a time.
Other Tours Available with Triple A Food Tours
- A Taste of Newcastle – A 3.5-hour guided walk from Grey’s Monument through five of the city’s best independent eateries, blending food, drink and stories about Newcastle’s history. Find out more
- Sunderland Food Tour (“Taste of Sunderland”) – Explore Sunderland’s emerging food scene across five food and drink venues, while learning about the city’s heritage. Find out more
- Hoults Yard Food Tour – A three-hour discovery of Hoults Yard in Byker, packed with independent food stops and a behind-the-scenes brewery visit with tastings. Find out more
- Ouseburn Food Tour (including Victoria Tunnel) – A 3.5-hour tour of Newcastle’s creative quarter, mixing food, drink, street art and a guided walk through the historic Victoria Tunnel. Find out more
- Grainger Market Food Tour Part 1 – The original two-hour route through Grainger Market, showcasing global flavours, seasonal bites and local vendor stories. Find out more
- Grainger Market Food Tour Part 2 – The brand-new “second route”, highlighting independent stalls not covered in Part 1. Find out more
- Northumbrian Coastline Food Tour – A full-day guided trip along the stunning Northumberland coast, stopping for seafood, local produce and historic seaside villages. Find out more
- Meet the Makers Food Tour (Northumberland) – A six-hour behind-the-scenes journey through Northumberland to meet local producers, sample seasonal food, spirits and artisan goods. Find out more
- Durham Food Tour – A 3.5-hour experience through Durham’s cobbled streets, indoor market and riverside, stopping at several independent bars and restaurants. Find out more
- Ultimate Cheese & Wine Tour – A 3.5-hour indulgent city centre walk for cheese and wine lovers, with pairings across four venues plus charcuterie boards. Find out more