Café at the Cat & Dog Steps

Inside Café at the Cat & Dog Steps

Café at the Cat & Dog Steps sits right along The Promenade in Sunderland, offering a laid-back spot to pause with a coffee and take in some fresh sea air. The café is very much a casual, no-fuss kind of place where locals often drop in for a straightforward Americano or a Salmon & Cream Cheese Bagel, especially in the morning when the early sunshine hits the outdoor tables.

The sea view is a defining feature here—tables positioned near the promenade look out over the beach and the distant lighthouse, creating a setting that naturally invites a slower pace. Whether you’re up early to catch the sunrise or stopping by for a quick caffeine hit, the blend of salty air and gentle tide sounds works as a quiet backdrop for anyone wanting to unwind or watch the world go by.

The café clearly attracts a mix of people: older visitors drawn by the calm views and straightforward breakfast options, alongside walkers and runners using the nearby Cat & Dog Steps for exercise. It’s common to see regulars relaxing after a morning workout or seniors out for a social catch-up. Though the service has reportedly shifted since new ownership, the environment remains welcoming enough for a quick bite or a casual meet-up.

Seating can get busy on sunny days, with those seeking a spot sometimes spilling onto nearby benches by the promenade. Watch out for seagulls eyeing your chips or toast, which adds a bit of seaside character to the visit. Overall, it’s best for anyone who enjoys a simple, honest café experience set right at the water’s edge, ideal for mornings or early afternoons when the light brings the beach alive.

Highlights & Local Essentials

Highlights

Great coffee

Great tea selection

Popular for

Breakfast

Solo dining

What they serve

Coffee

Quick bite

Best for

Breakfast

Brunch

Seating

Table service

Accessibility

Wheelchair-accessible seating

Local Moments in Photos

Find It on the Map

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

08:30 AM - 04:00 PM

Tuesday

08:30 AM - 04:00 PM

Wednesday

08:30 AM - 04:00 PM

Thursday

08:30 AM - 04:00 PM

Friday

08:30 AM - 04:00 PM

Saturday

08:30 AM - 04:00 PM

Sunday

08:30 AM - 04:00 PM

What Locals & Travelers Say

76 Reviews

Den Wanley

07 Jan 2026

Positively the best place to catch the early morning sunshine. There's some lovely tables right on the promenade and you can look out across to the lighthouse. I love nothing more than a Nice cheap, no frills bacon butty and a coffee in the sunshine, any time if the year . Although just lately it's not the friendliest service with the new owners. It always seems to attract a huge amount of elderly people just sitting in the sun first thing on a morning. Always makes me chuckle! And of course a huge amount of dog walkers. You can walk round the bay on the sand when the tide is low and often when dolphins and seals are spotted along the coast its here that they come.

Peter Curtis

07 Jan 2026

These steps lead to a fantastic beach and are also great for excercise. Run up and down these ten times and you know about it.

colin fishwick

30 Dec 2025

A beautiful place with plenty of seats and a beautiful view what could anybody else ask for

leigh francis

09 Dec 2025

Good for a quick coffee stop. The seagulls try to nick ya chips etc. Lovely view of the beach. Staff are friendly. If there aren't any tables available then there are some benches a bit further along.

Ben English

08 Dec 2025

Nice coffee and tosted tea cake, lovely beach view.

Robert Hadden

06 Dec 2025

Lovely views but there was a plague of flies there today

John B

04 Dec 2025

Fantastic hide out, but very well known coffee hut.. the couple who runs it are so friendly and always make time to chat to you.. the service is second to none and the hot drinks and food are fabulous.. seating area is perfectly situated to watch the sea waves and just chill out.. Pleasant, polite and professional business.. highly recommend..

Steph C

03 Oct 2025

Total sun trap here and always a lovely egg sandwich from Gary's kiosk walk here most days, whether it be morning or evening always a nice view