Newcastle, England — Food and Dining
Restaurants in Newcastle, England
Restaurants
Expensive
Blackfriars Restaurant
Tucked away in a peaceful square that was formerly used by the Black Friars, this elegant restaurant serves excellent locally sourced British food including aged beef, old breeds of pork and lamb, delicious award-winning cheeses and ice creams, walnuts from the trees in the courtyard, organic vegetables from their own allotment and wild garlic, nettles and blackberries from Jesmond Dene. Its dining history dates back to 1239 when it served as the monks’ refectory.
Friars Street
Tel: (0191) 261 5945.
Website: www.blackfriarsrestaurant.co.uk
Brasserie Black Door
This 100-seat brasserie serves excellent modern British food in a relaxed, informal contemporary arty atmosphere with light wooden floorings, a range of soft furnishings and warm colors.
The Biscuit Factory, 16 Stoddart Street
Tel: (0191) 260 5411.
Website: www.brasserieblackdoor.co.uk
Jesmond Dene House Restaurant
In a quiet, woodland setting this luxury boutique hotel offers an award-winning restaurant featuring classic continental dining combined with local elements. Only the very best seasonal and local produce is used. The restaurant is split into two so diners can eat in either the dramatically decorated former music room or the Garden Room with its outdoor terrace in the summer.
Jesmond Dene Road
Tel: (0191) 212 5555.
Website: www.jesmonddenehouse.co.uk
Moderate
Café 21
Generally regarded as one of the very best restaurants in the north east, Café 21, situated near the Tyne Bridge, serves modern British and classic bistro style dishes in bright and stylish surroundings. The food is fresh and flavorsome, prepared and presented with flair and assurance. The excellent service is attentive and friendly.
Trinity Gardens, Quayside
Tel: (0191) 222 0755.
Website: www.cafetwentyone.co.uk
Cheap
Barluga
One of the city’s most striking bars, with an award-winning interior set in a typical gracious Victorian building on the city’s most handsome street. This gastro-pub offers excellent-value modern European food and wine (particularly early evening) and attracts a mixed crowd as well as Newcastle’s beautiful people.
35 Grey Street
Tel: (0191) 230 2306.
Website: www.barluga.co.uk
Uno's Trattoria
A near legendary quayside restaurant with a vibrant feel and great food. Everything is very reasonably priced and the happy hour pizza and pastas are astonishing value for money. Uno's is also known as a popular haunt for visiting celebrities.
18 Sandhill
Tel: (0191) 261 5264.
Website: www.unotrattoria.co.uk
Nightlife
Geordies have a well-deserved reputation for knowing how to have a good time and the great range of pubs, bars and clubs in Newcastle reflect this thirst for life. The focus of drinking at the weekend is the Bigg Market but unless you’re a young reveller in search of cheap alcohol it’s best to avoid this area. More sophisticated watering holes are located close to the river.
Bars
Apartment
For something more modern, Apartment is a cool sophisticated loft-style bar, restaurant and club.
Collingwood Street
Tel: (0191) 230 1022.
Website: www.apartment-luxebar.com
Centurion
Formerly the first class lounge at Central Station, Centurion on Neville Street, with its beautiful high ceiling and antique tiling, is an attractive train station bar that offers a good pit stop if you're about to hop on a train.
Neville Street
Tel: (0191) 261 6611.
Website: www.centurion-newcastle.com
The Gate
The Gate is a large glass-fronted entertainment center, popular with young revelers, that includes a number of bars, restaurants and Aspers Casino, in addition to a cinema.
Newgate Street
Website: www.thegatenewcastle.co.uk
The Living Room
This smart, contemporary piano bar attracts a well-dressed crowd. It offers a good selection of cocktails, resident musicians, plus a 130-seater restaurant if you want to linger.
12 Grey Street
Tel: (0191) 255 4450.
Website: www.thelivingroom.co.uk
Clubs
Blue
Try Blue, (formerly Julies 2), on the trendy Quayside, attracts an older, energetic crowd.
The Close
Tel: (0191) 232 4144.
Sea
Just a few doors down is Sea, which hosts numerous nights and attracts big names in the clubbing world, such as Cream.
Neptune House, The Close
Tel: (0191) 230 1813.
Live Music
Metro Radio Arena
For internationally renowned acts, head to the impressive Metro Radio Arena.
Arena Way
Tel: 0844 493 6666.
Website: www.metroradioarena.co.uk
Newcastle University Union
This is a great place for up-and-coming indie bands and also sometimes for bigger names too. The venue also hosts the Newcastle CAMRA Beer Festival.
King's Walk
Tel: (0191) 261 2606.
Website: www.unionsociety.co.uk
O2 Academy
For nationally known bands, try the O2 Academy.
Westgate Road
Tel: (0191) 260 2020.
Website: www.o2academynewcastle.co.uk
The Head of Steam at The Cluny
This bar attracts top local rock and pop bands.
36 Lime Street
Website: www.theheadofsteam.co.uk
World Headquarters
For something a little different, try the World Headquarters for its eclectic blend of the best music from around the world but with a particular focus on rare funk, hip hop, soul, R&B and reggae. It's housed in one of the city's former gaols dating back to medieval times.
Carliol Square, East Pilgrim Street
Tel: (0191) 281 3445.
Website: www.welovewhq.com
