Ouseburn Favourite Heads to Exhibition Park This Summer

Visitors to Exhibition Park will soon be greeted by a familiar North East name after Deep North was chosen as the new operator of the park's popular cafe. For many Newcastle residents, the independent business has already built a loyal following through its handcrafted doughnuts and speciality coffee, but for others this could be their first introduction to one of the region's fastest-growing food brands.

The move represents more than simply a change of operator. It brings an award-winning independent North East business into one of Newcastle's best-loved public parks, creating another link between the city's thriving food scene and one of its most historic green spaces.

From local start-up to North East favourite.

Deep North was founded in 2022 by Phil King and Tom Clark with a simple idea of producing premium artisan doughnuts made entirely from scratch. Unlike many high street bakeries, the business prepares its dough, fillings, jams and glazes in-house using fresh ingredients rather than relying on pre-made mixes.

What began as a small operation has grown rapidly. The company now has locations in Ouseburn, Tynemouth and Sunderland, while also supplying events, corporate customers and wholesale partners across the region.

Earlier this year the business opened a new 1,500 square foot production bakery beneath Byker Bridge in Ouseburn. The move more than doubled the size of its previous bakery and created capacity for further expansion across the North East. The company has also revealed ambitions to open four or five additional stores over the next 18 months while targeting around 55 percent sales growth.

Why Ouseburn has been the perfect home.

Deep North's headquarters sits in the heart of Ouseburn, one of Newcastle's fastest-evolving neighbourhoods. Once known for heavy industry, glassworks and engineering, the valley has become a thriving destination for independent businesses, creative industries, music venues and hospitality.

Rather than separating customers from production, Deep North designed its Ouseburn bakery so visitors can enjoy coffee while watching doughnuts being made. The business also hosts decorating workshops and barista masterclasses, helping create an experience rather than simply another cafe.

That community-focused approach fits naturally with Ouseburn's reputation for supporting local independent businesses and attracting visitors looking for something different from national chains.

Why Exhibition Park is an important next step.

Exhibition Park is no ordinary park. Opened in 1873 following a public campaign that attracted almost 3,000 signatures, it was Newcastle's first public park and remains one of the city's most treasured green spaces. Today it welcomes families, runners, students, office workers and visitors throughout the year.

For Deep North, operating the Exhibition Park cafe places the business in front of thousands of potential customers every week while giving visitors another reason to spend time in the park.

The company's focus on quality coffee, freshly made food and locally produced products could also complement Newcastle's wider independent food scene, which has continued to grow as consumers increasingly choose local businesses over national chains.

Why independent cafes matter to the North East.

Independent coffee shops have become a significant part of the UK economy. Research from Allegra World Coffee Portal estimates the UK branded coffee shop market is worth more than £6 billion annually, while consumers continue to show growing demand for premium coffee and artisan bakery products.

For cities like Newcastle, successful independent businesses generate more than sales. They create local jobs, attract visitors, encourage spending in surrounding businesses and help give neighbourhoods their own distinctive identity.

Deep North currently employs around 29 people and expects to recruit more staff as it continues expanding across the North East.

With its growing reputation, expanding bakery operation and new presence at Exhibition Park, the business appears well positioned to become one of Newcastle's most recognisable independent hospitality brands over the coming years.

Whether visitors arrive for a morning coffee, a weekend walk or simply to try one of the bakery's signature doughnuts, Deep North's latest chapter is another example of a North East business continuing to invest in Newcastle.

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Looking forward to visiting the new Exhibition Park cafe?