The Drift Café, Cresswell – why it’s in the spotlight

With a 4.5-star rating and consistent praise for its homemade food and friendly service, the café is widely regarded as a “must-stop” after a walk along Druridge Bay, according to reviews

Reviews repeatedly highlight the café’s food quality, particularly its soups, pies and baked goods. Cheese scones, in particular, have built something of a cult following, with people saying it’s an “all-round brilliant” place.

The Drift Cafe (Image: TRIPADVISOR)

One recent visitor said: “The cheese scone was easily the best I’ve ever paid for, loads of cheese, well risen and plenty of butter.”

Others point to generous portions and comfort-food favourites, with soups, corned beef pie and vegetarian haggis among the most frequently mentioned dishes.

The café’s vegetarian options also earn strong feedback, with one reviewer describing the vegetarian haggis and soups as “amazing.”

The Drift Café is often described as “heaving”, even outside peak summer months, something most customers see as a positive sign rather than a drawback.

The Drift Cafe (Image: TRIPADVISOR)

Despite the crowds, staff are regularly praised for staying calm and good-humoured.

One reviewer wrote: “Absolutely heaving, but they get the pace so right.

“Staff were friendly and didn’t get stressed by the volume of customers.”

Another added that the atmosphere remains “buzzing”, particularly after busy beach days.

Its position just behind the shoreline makes The Drift Café a natural stop-off for walkers and dog owners finishing a stroll along the beach.

Many reviews mention the ease of parking, outdoor seating and the short walk back to the sand.

One customer described it as: “An exceptional little café right on the coast, a must visit if you’re at the south end of Druridge Bay.”

The overwhelming tone of reviews is positive, with many customers returning repeatedly during their stay in the area.

One visitor summed it up simply: “We went almost every day of our week. Great food, lovely staff, how it should be done.”

For those visiting Cresswell Beach or exploring Druridge Bay, The Drift Café continues to stand out as one of the Northumberland coast’s most talked-about seaside cafés, “busy, well-loved and very much part of the local experience”.