A Jesmond café says it is up to three times busier when university students are in town, but other local businesses say they are less dependent on student spending.

With students filling Jesmond’s streets during term time, local shops and cafés see a changing mix of customers throughout the year. But when students head home for summer and the holidays, how much difference does it actually make?

At Açaiety Jesmond, a café based on Acorn Road, the change is particularly noticeable.

“We are about two to three times busier when students are around,” said a member of staff, who wished to remain anonymous due to not having permission to speak to the media.

The café, which specialises in cold food and drinks, relies heavily on students, although spring and early summer are its busiest periods.

When students leave for the holidays, the business tries to attract customers through daytime deals. It also offers a student discount of 10% throughout the year.

At Pink Lane Bakery, manager Oliver Tate estimates around 20% of customers are students, but says their presence makes a difference beyond what they spend.

“Jesmond in general has a different atmosphere when the students are there,” he said.

Although the bakery does not rely on students for most of its income, Tate believes having more people in the area encourages others to visit local businesses.

He said: “We are not necessarily relying on them for an income, but more students being around definitely boosts things.”

At Acorn Outfitters, shop manager Judith Walton estimates that students account for around 10% of the shop’s business, typically buying jumpers and scarves.

However, the shop also benefits from visits by students’ families, particularly when they arrive at university or return home.

“We do get a lot of business from students’ mums who come to settle them in to their accommodation,” Walton said.

“At the beginning of term and at the end of term we get a lot of parents coming in, and at graduation.”

The shop offers a 10% student discount throughout the year.

The three businesses show how differently Jesmond’s high street is affected by the university calendar.

While Açaiety relies heavily on students, Pink Lane Bakery benefits from the extra activity they bring, and Acorn Outfitters also gains customers through visiting families. As Tate told JesmondLocal: “More people brings more people.”