FIKA Gallery: Morpeth's Scandi-Inspired Cafe and Art Gallery

Morpeth has never been short of good cafes, but the arrival of FIKA Gallery on Oldgate has added something genuinely different to the town. Part contemporary art gallery, part all-day brunch spot, part creative workshop studio, FIKA brings a distinctly Scandinavian sensibility to one of the most prominent buildings in the town centre — right next to the Clock Tower, its expansive windows flooding the space with natural light.

The name says it all. In Swedish, fika refers to the moment you pause, slow down, and enjoy a coffee and something sweet. It is a philosophy that runs through everything here.

The cafe

The coffee is Italian, roasted in the foothills of the Dolomites, and served with the kind of care you would expect from a place that takes its fika seriously. The cakes are baked fresh daily by Pink Lane Bakery — the acclaimed Newcastle bakery whose sourdough and pastries have a devoted following across the North East.

Beyond coffee and cake, FIKA serves an all-day brunch menu alongside lunches, afternoon teas, and a curated wine and cocktail list. The space seats 52, is dog-friendly, and has a takeaway counter for those in a rush — though the whole point of fika is that you are not.

The gallery

The gallery space is bright, relaxed, and entirely unpretentious. Over 30 contemporary artists from Northumberland and the wider North East are represented, with work ranging from sculptures and oil paintings to mixed-media pieces. Prices start from around fifty pounds for smaller prints and go up to several thousand for larger original works.

Notable artists shown include sculptor Tom Maley, oil painter Ruth Bond — whose exhibition Textures of Sea and Land was the gallery's first solo show — and the gallery's own founder, Jonathan Antony, whose large-format mixed-media pieces using concrete, metal, glass and ink have sold in over 40 countries. Staff are knowledgeable and happy to talk about the work without any of the stuffiness that can sometimes accompany gallery visits.

The story

FIKA was opened in March 2024 by Jonathan Antony, a mixed-media artist born in Ryton who has lived in Northumberland for over two decades. Jonathan worked in design and building before discovering his artistic practice during the first Covid lockdown, when he constructed a studio in his garden and began creating the large-scale abstract pieces that would eventually reach collectors worldwide.

The gallery grew from a desire to create a space where art, community, and good coffee could coexist — and where emerging North East artists could show and sell their work alongside more established names.

The workshops

Upstairs, a dedicated studio space hosts a rolling programme of creative workshops for all ages and abilities. Recent sessions have included pottery, sculpture, paint-and-sip evenings, metal clay jewellery making, antique fabric heart making, and sunrise pilates. The atmosphere is described as chilled out and friendly, with approachable tutors and no prior experience required.

The studio is also available for private hire, making it a popular venue for birthday parties, baby showers, team events, and other gatherings. Check the FIKA website for the current workshop schedule.

Practical details

FIKA Gallery is open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm, and Sunday until 4pm. The address is 1-3 Oldgate, Morpeth, NE61 1LT — you will find it immediately next to the Clock Tower, impossible to miss.

Best for: Art, coffee, and community in a beautiful light-filled space. Open seven days a week and dog-friendly.

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