17 Speedy Lunches In Newcastle

Delicious smoked meat served in an hour? Yes please. Bierrex offer a cut-down lunch menu, starting at £3.95.

If you don't like meat, there's always halloumi, served with roasted veg in a Geordie staple: the stottie.

The Hippo House may be located on Newcastle's Diamond Strip, better known for its nightlife, but it does a damn good Reuben sandwich at lunchtime.

This popular Jesmond deli is attached to Francesca's restaurant, a homely family-run Italian. What makes Daniela's sandwiches special are the freshly baked bread they're served on.

Pink Lane Coffee isn't just known for its drinks: It has a small but delicious food selection too, of which the falafel wrap is a keeper.

Vegetarian burgers can often be a major disappointment: not the Buddha Burger at the Painted Elephant near the City Library.

The staff at Hugo's make a big claim: that this is the best ham and cheese toastie in the world. That might be hyperbole, but the sandwich is a greasy keeper.

This bustling delicatessen on Brentwood Avenue in Jesmond, the student suburb of Newcastle, gets packed by 12:30pm – for good reason – so you'll need to nip in early to make it back to the office in an hour.

Sometimes lunchtimes need a bit of spicing up, and this Mexican burrito bar with two shops in Newcastle provides that in droves.

This Chinese dumpling stall is a relative newcomer to Newcastle, where it's setting up shop in the Grainger Market. If you fancy your fill of these pillowy dumplings, and live anywhere near the city centre, it should be easy to grab some in time for the afternoon rush at work.

You may spend more time queueing up for your freshly cooked slice of pizza than it takes to eat it, but it's worth it – and because it's fast food on the go, you can have your fill with time to spare.

Panis Café is a stalwart of the Newcastle dining scene, and is as good for lunch as it is during the evening hours. This sandwich – spicy tiger prawns with rocket and sunblushed tomatoes – is a classic.

Fresh oysters caught just hours earlier and served up to you? Yes please. If you're not keen, Lindsay's also offers cooked seafood, prepared by Paulo de Souza Gama – personal chef to footballer Luis Figo.

The Bigg Market is known more for its drunken revelry, but at lunchtime the wide open square becomes a sun spot and the perfect place for a quick bite to eat at Kafe Neon. Dishes here are competitively priced.

This traditional pub tucked behind a row of residential houses and between several schools in Jesmond hides a secret: The chef produces platefuls of delicious empanadas, filled to bursting with a variety of ingredients. Few people know about it, so you're likely to be served quickly.

Olive & Bean is a firm favourite of those in the know for its delicious cakes and sandwiches. Situated in the centre of the city, it's within walking distance of many offices and can be a break from the cubicle routine.

Though you might not have enough time to spare for a sitdown meal at COOP Chicken House, the rotisserie restaurant has a sideline. If you call up and order your lunchtime meal, they'll have it prepared in a cardboard box for you to pick up so you can dash off and eat to your heart's content.