Ouseburn is home to some of the best restaurants in Newcastle, however new eatery The Lockup offers something a little different. This collaborative neighbourhood venue on Maling Street is set to host regularly-changing dining residencies, starting with local favourites SOKU.
SOKU
Lawrence Norman (North East Chef award winner and former sous chef at Michelin-starred Hjem) and partner Alana Whenary launched SOKU after travelling around Asia last summer and they’ve quickly built a loyal following with pop-ups around town and a cool collaboration with Meat:Stack.
For a limited time, they’re cooking up an exciting menu of sharing plates with flavours from across Asia, using exceptional seasonal produce.
The Lockup
The Lockup is an absolute gem with a cosy, contemporary dining room and an upstairs roof terrace for cocktails and bites with views over Ouseburn Valley. It’s definitely the best place to spend the summer months on the Quayside.
The dishes
We visited for lunch and ordered a selection of small plates to share. The first dish to arrive was sesame prawn toast, yuzu mayo, prawn hot sauce, spring onion, katsuobushi. This was the most luxurious prawn toast I’ve ever had with chunky pieces of fresh king prawn, intense sauces and pungent katsuobushi (bonito flakes) shaved so thin that it literally waves and curls.
Crispy pork som tum salad, bitter leaves, peanuts, fish sauce was aromatic and refreshing. The salty, crispy pork was lightened by the bitter leaves and fresh mint and the light dressing was zesty and delicious.
Rump steak, green peppercorns, barbecued vegetables and SOKU sauce was an absolute delight. The top quality, tender steak had a smoky flavour and was cooked perfectly medium-rare on a bed of sweet, slow-cooked peppers and onions and finished with crispy shallots.
The steak went nicely with a big bowl of SOKU fries, nahm jim, crispy shallots. The hot, golden fries were smothered in a tangy, sweet and sour nahm jim sauce and topped with more crispy shallots – so addictive!
The cooking at SOKU is bold and uncompromising – every dish we tried was well-crafted with punchy, complex flavours. The food is on the rich side, so be sure to order a salad or veggie dish for freshness and balance. I’m looking forward to seeing what SOKU does next (hopefully their own restaurant) and who will be cooking for the second half of 2025 at The Lockup.
The Lockup recently opened in Ouseburn and its first kitchen residency is by local favourites SOKU. Lawrence Norman (former sous chef at Hjem) and Alana Whenary launched SOKU as a pop-up after eating around Asia last summer. For a limited time only, they’re bringing creative Asian flavours to The Lockup, a cosy neighbourhood dining space with a fabulous rooftop terrace. We visited for lunch and enjoyed: ?? Sesame prawn toast, yuzu mayo, prawn hot sauce, spring onion, katsuobushi. ?? Crispy pork som tum salad, bitter leaves, peanuts, fish sauce. ?? Flat iron steak, green peppercorns, barbequed veg, SOKU sauce. ?? SOKU fries, nahm jim, crispy shallots Everything was fantastic with intense, aromatic Thai flavours, home-made sauces and fresh ingredients. The level of cooking at SOKU is high and service is great too. The menu seems to change often, so be quick to try these dishes. #ouseburn#thaifood#newcastleupontyne#newcastle#steak#newcastlefoodie#FoodTok
A Geordie weekend brunch is serious business, so be prepared for some next level scran with killer portion sizes that will set you up for the day. From perfect pancake stacks and French toast to spicy Shakshuka and Eggs Benny, morning food reigns supreme here and the local love for hash browns is real!
Here are some of the best places for an all-day breakfast fix in Newcastle upon Tyne…
Aidan’s Kitchen
Let’s start with a banger… Aidan’s Kitchen is one of my favourite brunch spots not just in Newcastle, but anywhere! This petite cafe on the corner of Starbeck Road in Sandyford is dedicated solely to breakfast and brunch and draws a big crowd every day.
Chef Aidan Jackson takes a creative approach to classic morning dishes and uses top ingredients from local suppliers including Northern Rye. You can enjoy delights such as Jalapeno eggs royale, Shakshuka, French toast and unreal pancake stacks.
Favourites are the rich Beef shin ragu on toasted sourdough with tangy salsa verde and a fried egg and the indulgent Braised ham hock with sautéed field mushrooms, buttery scrambled eggs and smooth hollandaise sauce on toasted sourdough. The full English breakfast is also hard to beat.
It’s essential to find some room for Aidan’s signature pancake stacks loaded with dulce de leche, bananas, chantilly cream and chocolate shavings. They also come in half portions (still monster-sized) so you can share some for dessert.
Gosforth folk can now also get a piece of the breakfast action at newly-opened Little Aidan’s – it’s small but just as good!
Cook House
Local favourite Cook House has long been the crown jewel of Newcastle’s Ouseburn Valley and now it has the ultimate recognition from the critics, gaining a prestigious Michelin Plate in 2021.
Chef, author and restaurateur Anna Hedworth started Cook House in two converted shipping containers, after leaving a career in architecture for the kitchens of London’s Rochelle Canteen and Quo Vadis and hosting regular supper clubs.
Cook House now has a permanent home at Foundry Lane Studios, set across two floors with a provisions stores, garden and sunny outdoor terrace. It has a cosy, rustic feel with a striking wall mural, dried flowers and a roaring wood burner. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Cook House’s menu follows the seasons and highlights the best local produce.
We visited for brunch and were impressed with the sizzling skillet of Baked eggs in cream with ham and curried leeks with sourdough toast – so unique and satisfying. We were also wowed by the lighter yet heavenly Spiced pancakes with apple compote, sultanas, almond crumble, Greek yoghurt and honey.
We washed them all down with a flat white and fresh mint tea and they also make home-made shrubs, cordials and syrups.
Kiln
Another Ouseburn gem is Kiln, an all-day cafe, bar and restaurant set in a former car garage just moments away from the canal. As the name reveals, Kiln also houses its own ceramics studio, where potter Jun Rhee creates pots, vases and tableware for clients including the UK’s top Michelin-starred restaurants.
Kiln’s dishes are a mix of Middle Eastern and Northumbrian cuisine – creative and richly-spiced, using ingredients by top local producers and bread made in-house. The menu changes frequently, but we can highly recommend the delicious Flat iron steak with fried egg, salsa verde and sourdough and Sea bass fillet open sandwich with cherry tomatoes and garlic aioli.
The Kiln team have also recently opened Patina, an ambitious restaurant, cafe, bakery and arts space in Edinburgh – one to add to your list for any Scotland trips.
BURDS
BURDS is one of the best places to enjoy brunch in Jesmond, whether it’s on the glorious, leafy sun terrace in the summer or in the cosy Gatehouse cafe during the colder months. Chef Ross Sinclair’s dishes are always super indulgent and generously-sized, using the best local produce from the likes of Charlotte’s Butchery.
Everything we’ve tried at BURDS has been next level, so you can’t go wrong with the Eggs Benny, an induldent grilled cheese with cherry cola ham, shakshuka or my personal favourite, The Muff – a luxury McMuffin dupe with a homemade pork patty, crispy bacon, golden hash brown, fried egg, American cheese and ketchup on a toasted English muffin.
If you have any room left, the counter is filled with delicious baked goods from Pet Lamb Patisserie and nearby Cake Stories.
Claremont Teahouse
Pair your brunch with a specialist loose-leaf brew at Claremont Teahouse next to Newcastle University at Haymarket. This all-day tea and coffee house is owned by Dot Bagels, so you can get a next level bagel fix (including the legendary Salt on Chilli Road or a North East Parmo) alongside classic breakfast and lunch dishes.
The buttermilk pancakes and the enormous Full English are both fantastic and available all day.
Smoke & Sear Kitchen
Smoke & Sear Kitchen started as a local food truck and then took up residency at the Quayside’s HWKRMRKT. Its new home on Heaton Road may look like a cute caff with wood-panelled decor, but it is in fact a temple to live-fire cooking over wood and charcoal.
High-welfare meat is sourced from legendary butcher Block + Bottle, just a few doors down, and given the Smoke & Sear treatment in a Josper charcoal oven and wood-fired smoker.
I was wowed by the Steak and eggs – strips of flat iron steak with fried eggs, sweet fire-roasted red pepper sauce and house green sauce. Equally delicious is the Steak supper – strips of bavette steak in signature Newcastle Brown Ale marinade with garlic butter, apple slaw, salsa verde, remoulade sauce and home-made triple-cooked fries. A side of crunchy, salty home-made hash browns is also a must, to scoop up all of those yummy home-made sauces.
Beyond steak, the menu is full of tempting dishes like coconut prawn sandwich, Toon pastrami on Northern Rye sourdough, beer-braised short rib burger and mac ‘n’ cheese bombs.
Harvest Canteen
Harvest is a chilled out coffee house with plenty of outdoor seating on St George’s Terrace in Jesmond. It’s the flagship cafe from Ouseburn Coffee Company (OCC), whose expertly roasted coffee can be found at food markets around the north east, as well as the coffee bar in Fenwick Food Hall.
The Harvest all-day breakfast and brunch menu isn’t huge, but you can find poached eggs on toasted sourdough with a range of toppings, avocado smash, toasted crumpets, honey granola with yoghurt and berries and scrumptious pancakes with fresh strawberries, ice cream and chocolate sauce.
Cafe 21 at Fenwick
Since opening in 2006, Cafe 21 at Fenwick has been known as Newcastle’s ‘fashion cafe’, tucked away in the corner of the department store’s French Salon, among rails filled with Roksanda, Ganni, Stine Goya and Proenza Schouler.
It’s the more casual daytime offering from Chef Terry Laybourne’s popular restaurant group, which includes the Quayside’s acclaimed 21, St. Vincent and The Broad Chare pub (with a Michelin Bib Gourmand), plus Porterhouse Butcher and Grill and Saltwater Fish Company at Fenwick Food Hall.
They do a fantastic, authentic Croque Madame loaded with gooey cheese, bechamel and honey-roast ham, served with a dressed green salad and cornichons. I usually order it with a side of crispy French fries and a pot of Rington’s Earl Grey Tea. It’s also worth trying the delicious truffle burger, steak frites or the signature Cheddar cheese and spinach souffle.
Quay Ingredient
There’s nothing better than a hearty breakfast at local institution Quay Ingredient followed by a brisk walk along the Quayside. It’s a small, cheerful coffee house nestled under the Tyne Bridge, offering well-priced brunch dishes with a few surprises.
The Full English is an epic feast with all of the fixings and should only be attempted if you bring your appetite. Otherwise, go for a traditional Geordie stottie filled with bacon and a fried egg, Dutch pancakes or their creative versions of Eggs Benedict with tempura tiger prawns or confit duck and plum Hollandaise.
Be sure to leave some room for a gooey, molten Nutella brownie, it’s definitely worth it!
Grey Owl
You really can’t miss Grey Owl, as its numerous glass chandeliers bathe elegant Grey Street in a warm, golden glow. This stunning cafe and cocktail bar in a former jewellers next to the Theatre Royal is the little sister of nearby high-end restaurant Hibou Blanc. It’s a stylish spot to start the day over a tasty breakfast, refuel during a shopping trip or enjoy after-work Negronis with a charcuterie board and fresh oysters.
The brunch menu is quite concise, but we found the Eggs Benedict and Turkish Eggs to be high quality and perfectly cooked.
Have you been to any of these Newcastle brunch spots? Where are your favourite places?
When the sun is shining, there’s nothing better than going for a leisurely weekend brunch and finding a new favourite. Kiln in Newcastle has been high on my list for a while, so I was excited to visit and try the new brunch menu.
Kiln is a fabulous all-day cafe, bar and restaurant set in a former car garage in the heart of Ouseburn. This picturesque valley by the Quayside was named one of the “coolest neighbourhoods in the world right now” by TimeOut. It’s characterised by its post-industrial, repurposed buildings containing artisan bakeries, craft breweries, independent shops and art galleries. The area is lively and creative but still feels peaceful by the waterside.
Kiln has a cool yet welcoming feel with cosy booths, Scandi-style wooden tables and ink blue walls adorned with colourful risograph art prints. It’s also dog-friendly and has a lovely outdoor terrace for summer dining.
What really makes Kiln stand out from the rest is the pottery studio, where you can watch South Korean potter Jun Rhee at work. Jun’s exquisite ceramics are in high demand locally and he has also created tableware for Michelin-starred chefs and TV shows such as BBC Master Chef and BBC Great British Menu. You can enjoy these fantastic plates, bowls and cups during your meal and buy some new ones to take home.
At Kiln, everything from the bread to the sauces is prepared in-house daily using the finest local ingredients. The brunch and dinner menus have Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences and there’s plenty of choice for vegetarians and vegans.
We started with some cooling drinks – a zesty and refreshing Homemade lemonade and an aromatic Hibiscus and pomegranate spritz with torn fresh mint and lots of ice.
Everything on the brunch menu sounded tempting, but I couldn’t resist trying the Flat iron steak with fried egg, salsa verde and sourdough. The perfectly seared steak (from local hero Charlotte’s Butchery) was exceptionally tender, well-seasoned and generously sized. It was well complemented by the runny fried egg and vibrant, punchy salsa verde. I also liked how the sourdough had been lightly toasted and rubbed with sea salt and olive oil – a small detail that makes all the difference.
Just as satisfying was the Sea bass fillet open sandwich with cherry tomatoes and garlic aioli. The fish looked magnificent and was ever so fresh with a bold, smokey flavour and crispy skin. Oozing roasted tomatoes brightened the flavours and there was a touch of richness from the oily garlic aioli. The fired Egyptian sourdough pita was also deliciously fluffy and lightly charred on the edges.
We saw some beautifully-presented dishes coming out of the kitchen and will definitely return to try the Shakshuka with Greek feta and focaccia, Scrambled eggs with asparagus, Kale with chilli oil and fried eggs and Home-made Kiln granola.
Of course, we couldn’t resist ending with something sweet, so we chose a dessert from the menu and an enormous slice of cake from the counter. Chocolate mousse had a velvety, whipped texture and I was amazed to find it was both vegan and gluten free. It was served with some tangy orange segments and crushed toasted hazelnuts.
We were somewhat defeated by the mountainous vegan Chocolate cake, which had the most indulgent buttercream frosting and a light texture. The desserts were washed down with a strong, rich-roasted Flat white using beans from St. Martin’s Coffee Roasters and a fragrant Jasmine loose-leaf tea.
Kiln is a real local gem with incredible food, a soulful vibe, reasonable prices and of course, fantastic pottery. The team behind Kiln is soon to open Patina, a sister restaurant in Edinburgh, and I can’t wait to see what exciting things they’ve come up with.
Jesmond has another fabulous place to eat out with the recent arrival of BURDS, a stylish all-day cafe and coffee shop on Burdon Terrace.
This cosy neighbourhood gem is in a peaceful part of Newcastle’s leafy suburb, nestled in the Grade II listed Gatehouse of the Fleming building, close to nearby schools and universities. It has a spacious patio terrace for outdoor dining in the warmer months and dogs are also welcome.
Owner Sarah Tod, formerly an art curator and assistant manager of Castle Fine Art Gallery, has added a creative touch to the recently renovated space with gorgeous interiors and attention to small details.
The tempting all-day brunch menu comes courtesy of chef Ross Sinclair, previously at Kith & Kin in Whitley Bay, and ingredients are sourced from the best local producers. You can enjoy classics like Eggs Benny, Nduja baked eggs and Buttermilk fried chicken brioche – all with a bit of a twist.
We visited for brunch, catching the last of the summer sun on the terrace, and ordered a delicious Pink Lane iced latte and a pot of Earl Grey made with Estate Tea Co. loose-leaf tea. It wasn’t long before our food arrived and it was pretty epic!
I couldn’t resist The Muff – a towering, Insta-worthy version of the famous McMuffin but made with top quality meat from Charlotte’s Butchery in Gosforth. The fluffy, toasted English muffin was packed with a succulent, herby homemade pork patty, thick and crispy bacon, a golden hash brown, a perfectly fried egg, lots of gooey American cheese & ketchup.
Another hit was the Grilled cheese with Charlotte’s Butchery ham cooked in cherry cola. The thick-cut slices of sourdough bread were fried in butter until golden and packed with generous chunks of sweet, juicy ham and a tasty blend of creamy, gooey cheeses.
Both dishes were absolutely scrumptious and ever so indulgent. We were left with no room at all for dessert, but if you can manage it, the counter is filled with baked goods from Pet Lamb Patisserie and Cake Stories.
BURDS is a brilliant new addition to Jesmond and clearly a lot of thought has been put into the experience, from the colourful pottery plates and gold cutlery to the well-crafted menu and focus on local produce. I’ll definitely be returning for burger night and to try some of the new autumn dishes.
BURDS is currently offering 50% off food and drink on north east-based social media app, Snapsaver.
Newcastle has been named one of the best UK cities for street food and it’s only getting bigger and bolder with new vendors constantly popping up.
Along with the usual gourmet burgers and loaded fries, it’s easy to find exceptional dishes from around the world like bubbling Alpine raclette, hearty Armenian chicken khorovats, juicy tacos al pastor, aromatic rendang curry, toasted cubanos and fiery jerk chicken.
Such diverse cuisines can be found at the region’s indoor and outdoor food markets, including St James’ STACK and the historic Grainger Market in the city centre, Jesmond and the Quayside weekend markets and the buzzing HWKRLAND at By The River Brew Co. in Gateshead.
Here are some top places for delicious street food in Newcastle…
Square Pizza
The Detroit deep square pizza trend has made its way to Newcastle at Square, a slice house and take-away counter on Market Street (recently catching the attention of food critic Marina O’Loughlin).
Detroit-style pizza has its own unique character with a completely different set of rules. 48-hour dough is cooked in blue steel pans with the toppings baked in and finally finished with a rich, herb-infused red sauce. This makes the base golden and crisp yet springy inside with caramelised cheese edges and lets the sauce come through.
Square keeps it authentic with classics like the Red top with basil oil, whipped ricotta and chilli flakes and the sweet and spicy Pep talk with double pepperoni, burrata, chilli flakes and hot honey, but also goes wild with inventive American-inspired pies topped with fried chicken, mac and cheese and ranch.
Then there’s the collaboration with Lola Jeans next door, capturing the magic of their award-winning burgers on a pizza pie with bold topping like bacon Frazzles, shoestring onions, baconnaise and Lola’s burger sauce.
You can book a spot at Square’s terrazzo counter to enjoy a slice or two with a craft beer or order a full pie (for 2-3 people) to devour at home, which I highly recommend for a weekend movie night treat.
Kolamba
Sri Lankan food is big right now in Newcastle and Kolamba is leading the way, serving authentic dishes from its colourful food truck. Choose from fried rice with curry, scrambled eggs and veggies, traditional kottu (shredded roti with curry), grilled marinated meat roti wraps or loaded Kolamba fries.
The grilled beef with onion and bell pepper, special sauce and Kolamba fries stuffed into a naan roti is packed full of smoky flavour and extremely tasty. I need to know what goes into that spicy special sauce!
You can find Kolamba at food markets across the north east, including the Quayside Market on Sundays.
Redheads Mac n Cheese
What could be better on a chilly day than an enormous pot of rich, gooey mac and cheese? Redheads Mac n Cheese offers the ultimate comfort food with lots of interesting flavours like Philly cheesesteak, Korean spiced beef, sticky rib, chorizo and truffle. I tend to keep it simple and usually go for the Original with garlic breadcrumbs and Parmesan.
Portion sizes are huge and often overflowing and everything is high quality and delicious. Redheads has a permanent outlet at the Grainger Market and can be found at the Quayside Market and various street food events across the north east. You can even order a mac and cheese to pop in the oven at home, delivered every Friday within a 10-mile radius of NE1.
Goodtimes Tacos
Authentic Mexican food is becoming much easier to find in Newcastle and Goodtimes Tacos are serving up some of the best tacos in the city.
Goodtimes can be found at By The River Brew Co on weekends and at The Collingwood Arms in Jesmond for Taco Tuesdays, as well as food events across the north east in their shiny black taco van.
Everything is top quality with slow-cooked meat sourced from Charlotte’s Butchery, sustainably caught fish, fresh herbs and punchy home-made sauces.
We absolutely loved the vibrant, tangy Carnitas – three soft corn tortillas topped with juicy pork belly, salsa verde, Yucatan pink onions and salsa picante. Even more indulgent are the Birria tacos with Jalisco shredded beef shin and oxtail, melted cheese, smoky chipotle bbq, white onion, coriander and a pot of rich, meaty cooking liquor for dipping.
Cubanos
Cubanos brings some Havana heat to Newcastle with the tastiest pressed sandwiches in town. This wildly successful street food business always has a queue at the Quayside Market and they now have a cute, colourful cantina inside the Grainger Market.
The pressed sandwiches are absolute flavour bombs filled with spicy meat, melted cheese, fresh herbs and tangy hot sauces and salsas. My favourite is the Medianoche – slow-cooked and shredded grass-fed beef, cheese, pickled pink onions, chargrilled peppers, feta creme, coriander, Caribbean peach hot sauce and jalapeno cream cheese sauce.
Or, go gluten-free with a Cubanos Bowl loaded with your choice of meat or beans, saffron rice, salted tortilla chips and all of the fixings. Authentic empanadas are also freshly-baked in the morning, but you have to be quick to grab one!
Dabbawal
Dabbawal was a pioneer of the now hyped Indian street food concept in the UK, opening its first urban kitchen on High Bridge Street in 2008 (two years before Dishoom). The family-run group now has a second location in Jesmond and a spot at HWKRLAND food market, just over the river from upscale sister restaurant Khai Khai.
It’s all about the spicy, barbecue-grilled meats, which you can enjoy packed into in a freshly-baked roomali roti wrap or as a burger. To try a bit of everything, I recommend the insanely delicious smoke tray with Punjabi chicken tikka, lamb seekh kebab, gunpowder chips, makhani sauce, salad and roomali roti.
The Little Dumpling House
One of my favourite finds for authentic Chinese street food is The Little Dumpling House, a modern canteen on Ridley Place in the centre of Newcastle.
It’s known for its home-made steamed dumplings, served piping hot from the open kitchen in bamboo steaming baskets. The dumpling are always nicely-sized and generously filled with well-seasoned lamb and carrot, beef and onion and seasonal pumpkin and sweetcorn.
Another hit is the enormous, fluffy stuffed bao zi, packed with succulent pork and Chinese leaf and tasty broth. It’s also hard to resist the pillowy Chinese burger and the Chinese wrap with chicken and black bean sauce, fried shredded potato and carrot is ideal if you’re on the go.
FED’s Fried Chicken
FED’s Fried Chicken is known to be the best in town and once you’ve tried it, KFC will be a distant memory. It’s the sibling of beloved burger spot Meat:Stack, so you can expect the same attention to quality and sourcing.
FED’s only uses higher welfare chicken from Soanes family poultry farm in the Yorkshire Wolds. The secret to making the chicken tender yet crisp is brining it in sweet tea and dredging in a blend of fine spices, finished with natural, house-made sauces.
Choose from crunchy tenders and wings or go large with a fried chicken sandwich. My favourite is the High-Rise – FED’s sticky BBQ, hash brown, American cheese, crispy onions and pickles in a steam hot bun. Add some delicious skin-on fries (big enough to share) and don’t miss out on the moreish Southern-style sausage gravy.
The FED’s counter at the Grainger Market is a vibe – grab a seat there for freshly-cooked chicken, served with some tunes and top craic from the friendly guys in the kitchen. They also have a residency at Louie’s Liquor Store nearby in the Bigg Market.
I Scream For Pizza
I Scream For Pizza, a cool New York-style pizza slice and soft serve ice cream shop, has just opened on the Quayside. Founded by the clever duo behind Sandyford’s OG Scream For Pizza, it offers something a little different to their famed authentic Neapolitan pizza.
Alex Walker and Vicky Featherby have spent the summer testing new pizza recipes and sampling a lot of soft serve (documenting their adventures on Instagram) to make sure theirs is just right and the results are fantastic.
Pizza is served by the slice or the full 20″ pie with six to choose from, including the piquant Bushwick Sting with pepperoni, green chillies, chilli honey and basil, the smoky Texas Flyer with Texan BBQ sauce, brisket, red onion, green peppers, bread and butter pickles and the vegan Truffle in Paradise with vegan truffle cream, mushrooms, caramelised fennel and toasted pumpkin seeds.
Leaving room for a soft serve ‘Screamie’ is essential, as they are insanely good! My favourite is the indulgent I Love S’more with fior di latte and chocolate soft serve, cracker biscuit chocolate brownie and chocolate ganache, topped with a toasted marshmallow.
Knead & Favør
For an epic deli sandwich, head to Knead & Favør Café at By The River on Gateshead Quay. A lot of care goes into these enormous, seasonal sandwiches with freshly-baked bread, quality local ingredients and self-grown herbs and salads from the Träkol kitchen garden.
Go for the super indulgent Los Pollos Hermanos with crispy fried chicken, hash brown, pickles (I swapped them for red peppers), lettuce and chilli honey mayo all packed into golden, springy focaccia. Another winner is the New York classic Bronx chopped cheese with chopped beef, cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles and K&F sauce.
You can enjoy them inside the warm, cosy café or at an outdoor table with a view of the Tyne Bridge.
Dot Bagels
It’s hard to believe that Dot Bagels was born during lockdown, as it feels like a Newcastle institution. Dot began as a freshly-baked New York bagel delivery service and soon opened a number of bagel shops around town. Under new ownership by local bakers Kennedy and Rhind, Dot has since gone back to basics with its original store on Chillingham Road and Claremont Teahouse at Haymarket.
Dot is known for its creative bagel toppings with a Geordie twist, working with the best north east producers for superior quality meat and cheese. Go large with an indulgent North East Parmo, a classic Reuben with Block & Bottle pastrami, Boujie lox or the signature Salt on Chilli Road – salt and chilli chicken with fried onion, garlic, fresh chilli, sesame slaw and gochujang mayo (definitely the best). The Classic All Dayer breakfast bagel is also unreal and don’t miss out on a side of crispy hash pops.
Acropolis
Acropolis has become a real local success story and luckily you can find them (usually with a long queue) at most of the big food markets.
In 2016, brothers Filip and Viktor teamed up with their friend Yusuf to bring authentic Greek street food to the north east and they now have a loyal following and permanent sites at the Grainger Market, STACK Seaburn and By The River Brew Co. They also were the 2020 winners of Greek Restaurant of the Year at the North England Prestige Awards.
The most popular choice is the enormous chicken gyros – a fluffy pita packed full of fresh salads, sauces and fries – and it’s hard to resist the moreish special fries toppped with gyros meat and melted cheese and fried halloumi bites.
Pablo Eggsgobao
Pablo Eggsgobao is more than just a cheeky name – its legendary breakfast bao buns really do get you (legally) buzzing.
Pablo started as a pop-up at Bao Bar in Heaton and became so successful, it opened a take-away shop in Whitley Bay and then Newcastle – both with bright yolk yellow storefronts. Simplicity is key with just one absolute banger on the menu – the signature Breakfast Bao, plus a vegetarian and vegan version.
The Breakfast Bao includes a crispy hash brown, high welfare pork sausage patty, melted cheese, soft omelette and sriracha sauce. It’s fluffy, gooey and incredibly satisfying with a little spicy kick – a proper upgrade from your average McMuffin. The size is reasonable, but you can make a meal of it with a box of Hashies, freshly-squeezed OJ and speciality coffee.
Pablo Eggsgobao is open daily from 7am to 2pm, however at 3pm the Newcastle store becomes hidden tequila bar, Leave Me Alone, Lisa. Here you can indulge in a Big Mac Bao, teriyaki chicken rice bowl, buttered corn and a boozy Tequilamisu.
Longsands Fish Kitchen
While Longsands Fish Kitchen is by the coast in Tynemouth (so technically not Newcastle), it would be wrong not to include such a great fish and chip shop. This local favourite on busy Front Street always has a queue out of the door and it’s not just because of its central location, it’s simply because it’s one of the best.
You can go traditional with prime cod or line-caught haddock with chunky, golden chips or try something a bit fancy like jumbo Whitby scampi, tiger prawns with chilli jam, salmon fishcakes or crispy halloumi fritters. All of their cod and haddock comes from MSC sustainable sources and you can see the origins of the daily catch written on the chalkboard each day.
Whatever you order, you can be assured that it will be massive and a brisk walk along the seafront or an afternoon nap will be needed.
Have you been out for some delicious street food in Newcastle? Where are your favourite spots?
Newcastle has always been known for its oustanding Indian restaurants, and more recently its game-changing street food eateries, so the recent opening of Khai Khai was full of promise.
While Tier Three restrictions last December put Khai Khai’s initial opening on hold, the restaurant pushed forward with a popular take-away service and launched an ‘at home’ range on the deli counter at Fenwick Food Hall.
With an established fan base and glowing reviews, Khai Khai finally opened at the end of May and I was thrilled to be able to book a table to celebrate my birthday. Perhaps news also reached Hollywood, as just this week, Harrison Ford stopped by for lunch while filming Indiana Jones 5 in the North East.
Khai Khai occupies a prime spot on upscale Queen Street, just off the Quayside, and is set across two floors of a beautiful Victorian grade II listed building, nestled among exotic plants. Inside is just as impressive with earth-toned interiors, cosy leather booths, smoked marble tables and flashes of neon, designed by creative agency Run For The Hills.
Khai Khai explores the art of ‘smoke play’, offering heritage Indian comfort food cooked over hot stones, coals and wood fires. You can experience time-honoured favourites from diverse regions such as Delhi, Kolkata and Lucknow.
Owner Jaf Ali (director of local favourite Dabbawal) has worked closely with renowned Michelin-starred chef Alfred Prasad to evoke the nostalgic flavours of his grandma’s kitchen with game-changing cooking techniques.
We were shown to a lovely table at the centre of the Heritage Room and ordered from the early evening menu, boasting a generous selection of the restaurant’s signature dishes for £16 per person.
To start, we shared the most delicious Chicken 65 – crispy, tender fried chicken with a subtle kick, served with a cooling chive yogurt dip. Onion and samphire bhaji was the best I’ve ever had and the chilli garlic dip was a great match. They almost had the texture of a rosti with super-fine strands of golden, deep-fried onion and the addition of samphire was an inspired choice.
Old Delhi butter chicken has to be my all-time favourite curry and Khai Khai’s was insanely good. The chicken tikka kebabs are cooked in both a traditional tandoor oven and a josper oven to get an extra smoky flavour, then smothered in an aromatic tomato sauce with herb butter – perfection!
A wonderful contrast was the Grilled seabass – a substantial pan-grilled fillet with lots of flavour and crispy skin, sat atop a vibrant yet mellow, slightly sweet Kerala moilee sauce and fresh spinach poriyal.
The mains also came with fluffy steamed Basmati rice, some punchy Tadka yellow lentils and moreish, bubbly naan. I couldn’t resist ordering an extra naan to mop up all of that lovely, rich sauce.
From the all-day menu, you can also indulge in dishes such as Achari tiger prawn, Josper lamb chops, Dumm Gosht Biryani, Gunpowder chips and all different kinds of naan and pulao rice. For the ultimate decadence, Khai Khai will take care of your entire table with the Chef’s Feast at £35 per person.
If you manage to find room, there’s Josper-grilled pineapple for dessert, as well as luscious, smoke-inspired cocktails and spicy masala chai.
Khai Khai was just as fabulous as expected, with delightful staff, efficient service and exquisite food. I can’t wait to return and try some more dishes.
Growing up in Newcastle, one of my favourite places to get out in the fresh air was leafy, wild Jesmond Dene. It’s an incredibly beautiful wooded valley where you can walk alongside the river Ouseburn with stunning waterfalls and spot exotic trees and wildlife including red squirrels and kingfishers.
I have happy memories of going to see the peacocks and goats at Pets Corner and rollerblading down the bank to the local artist market on the bridge every Sunday. So you can imagine how excited I was to visit Jesmond Dene House for a rare luxury staycation in my home city.
The House
Jesmond Dene House opened as Newcastle’s first independently owned boutique hotel in 2005 and the building itself has quite a history. The original Georgian house was bought in 1871 by Captain Andrew Noble (business partner of Lord Armstrong), who moved in high society and hosted luminaries such as Rudyard Kipling, Arthur Conan Doyle and royalty from the Far East.
Today, Jesmond Dene House enhances its historic features with contemporary design and a striking art collection. I adored the charming little dogs made from twisted wire dotted around the hallway and sitting next to the fire in the lounge. It’s also a real foodie destination with many locals visiting the restaurant for its popular afternoon, Sunday roast and innovative tasting menus at dinner.
The Room
We received a warm welcome at check-in and were shown to our Deluxe Room on the second floor. It was lovely and cosy with high ceilings and a partial view of Jesmond Dene. The room was designed in a classic-contemporary style and soft neutral shades and featured a comfy seating area, writing desk, flat-screen HD TV, an iPod docking radio and free wifi.
The hotel knows how much Northerners need a good cuppa and they’ve really put some thought into the tea and coffee making facilities. I was impressed with the plentiful selection of JING teas, freshly-ground coffee produced by Ringtons for Jesmond Dene House, mini bottle of fresh milk and ginger cookies. A china tea pot and cafetiere completed the very civilised tea experience and we were also provided complimentary bottles of mineral water and fresh fruit.
The bed was very comfortable with high quality linen and the room was so quiet that we had an excellent night’s sleep.
The Bathroom
The bright, modern tiled bathroom was pristine and featured a wide soaking tub, high quality towels and face cloths, plush bathrobe and slippers and a full set of uplifting Arran Aromatics bathroom products.
The Restaurant
That evening, my mum and I dined at The Restaurant with a modern British menu by Head Chef Michael Penaluna. The restaurant is stylish and colourful with intriguing artwork and pleasantly dimmed lighting and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. However, fine dining touches are in place, as we were offered a selection of freshly-baked breads with a choice or salted, unsalted or seaweed butter and presented a yummy amuse-bouche before our starters and desserts.
My mum and I both started with Celeriac soup with roasted chestnuts, apple and Stilton tortellini. The velvety, creamy soup was simply lovely and the single tortellini filled with potent Stilton packed a real punch – only one piece was required to make an impact.
I followed with Roast chicken with fondant potato, wild leeks and baby carrots. The chicken breast was succulent and juicy with a well-seasoned crispy skin and the delicate roasted vegetables and rich, meaty jus were the perfect accompaniment.
My mum also enjoyed her Flat iron steak with fat cut chips, watercress and Bearnaise sauce. The lean, tender steak had a deep, mature flavour, the chips were crisp and moreish and the Bearnaise was silky and tangy with plenty of fresh tarragon.
Since my mum is a rhubarb fan, it was only right that she should order the Vanilla and rhubarb gateaux with rhubarb sorbet. Not only did it look ever so pretty, but it was delicious with a thick layer of rhubarb jelly, springy golden sponge and vanilla cream that was light as air.
My Chocolate and salted caramel tart with vanilla ice cream didn’t disappoint either. The dark chocolate ganache was full of flavour and went perfectly with the indulgent, sticky salted caramel, buttery pastry and home-made ice cream.
The Bar
The staff were so welcoming and friendly and we liked that seasonal ingredients are locally sourced from Northumberland and the North Sea coast. If you fancy a nightcap, there’s a relaxing wood-panelled bar next door or a cosy place next to the open fire in the lounge.
Breakfast
Breakfast in the Garden Room is quite an event at Jesmond Dene House, with everything you could possibly want to start the day. We enjoyed the Continental Breakfast spread, which included Neil Robson’s smoked salmon, home-cured gravlax, cured meats, Continental cheeses, delicious pastries, banana bread, French set yoghurts, Bircher muesli, cereals, fruit compote and poached pears.
You can also order hot dishes such as Haggis and duck egg with salsa verde, Grilled Craster kipper, Eggs Benedict or French toast with the Continental breakfast included in the price. Be sure to leave plenty of time for a long, leisurely breakfast – it’s worth it!
Jesmond Dene House feels like a secret hideaway retreat surrounded by lush greenery, but it’s also close to Jesmond’s lively Osborne Road and Newcastle city centre for shopping and dining. We loved our relaxing staycation and will no doubt be back at Jesmond Dene House soon – a decadent afternoon tea on the terrace among the palm trees is high on my ‘to do list’.
Every Christmas I head back to my hometown of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne to spend the festive season with my family. Seeing the Tyne Bridge all lit up as my train pulls in to Newcastle Central Station, after a few hectic weeks of parties, crowds and tying up all those loose ends, always makes me excited to be home.
This year is a huge change, as I’m spending my first Christmas Day in London with Steven. Following our recent engagement and new work commitments, it seemed like the right time to shake things up. Of course, we’ll still be visiting Newcastle during the festive period to soak up some of the merriment and legendary North East crack (PG humour, if you didn’t already know).
Christmas is one of my favourite times to be back in Geordieland, as there’s always a buzz in the air and so much happening around town. Here are some of my top picks for a canny Christmas in Newcastle…
Fenwick Christmas Window
The Fenwick Christmas window is a real institution in Newcastle and as soon as it’s unveiled, you know Christmas is here. The first Fenwick department store was founded in 1882 by John James Fenwick in Newcastle and every year brings a new creative display. Over the past decade, we’ve been treated to The Snowman, Gulliver’s Travels, Peter Rabbit and even aliens in Santa’s Workshop.
Christmas Markets
In the run up to Christmas, Newcastle’s elegant Grey Street becomes an outdoor marketplace with stalls offering artisan food and drink products. Warm up with mulled wine and mince pies while picking up gifts made by local producers including microbrewery beer, home-made jams, cakes and hand-made chocolates. The Christmas Markets are perfect for finding unique treats that can’t be found on the high street.
Live music at Sage Gateshead
Concert venues don’t come much better than Sage Gateshead. This striking part of the Quayside landscape is world renowned for its cutting-edge design and superior acoustics, as well as being a prestigious music education centre. This Christmas, Sage Gateshead has really pushed the boat out with a programme of live music from St Etienne, he Overtones, Music of Motown and local heroes Smoove & Turrell, as well as The Snowman accompanied by a live orchestra.
Art on the Tyne
I always like to make time to see the latest exhibitions at BALTIC, another vital cultural institution on the Quayside. Not only does it feature world-class exhibitions from international contemporary artists, but it’s a prime spot for dining, shopping and viewing the city from high above. Brian Griffiths’ must-see exhibition Bill Murray: a story of distance, size and sincerity runs throughout the festive period until the end of February.
Christmas Flicks & Fizz
One of my regular haunts in Newcastle is the Tyneside Cinema, a beautifully-restored theatre on Pilgrim Street where you can see the best of independent and world cinema. I love its cosmopolitan Intermezzo Coffee Bar for a pre or post film cocktail or coffee and cake. The cinema’s festive screenings of It’s a Wonderland Life are sure to make you feel all warm and fuzzy for Christmas!
Festive Feasting
Newcastle is a real treat for foodies, whether it’s fine dining at Jesmond Dene House and Six at BALTIC, creative cuisine at House of Tides and Peace & Loaf or high end pub grub at The Broad Chare and Pleased To Meet You.
My Christmas Eve ritual with my mum is to dash around Eldon Square to pick up last-minute Christmas gifts and then reward ourselves with the most delicious Eggs Benedict and Omelette with French fries at my favourite Cafe 21 by acclaimed chef and restaurateur Terry Laybourne.
Street food has really taken off in Newcastle, so be sure to look out for the best vendors including Riley’s Fish Bar, Papaganoush, The Fat Hippo, Patty Smith’s, Pizzette and Dabbawal.
If you’re visiting Newcastle for Christmas or New Year, send me a postcard and share your favourite spots to eat, drink and be merry!
2013 has been a year of amazing foodie adventures, from low-key, local discoveries to hot Michelin-starred restaurants on the other side of the world.
My biggest highlight of the year was visiting China twice and being blown away by the incredible, authentic food there, particularly the addictive dim sum.
It’s been a year of trying new delicacies such as sea cucumber and abalone, embracing the joys of halloumi and finding some of the best burgers ever.
It’s tough to narrow them down to a small list, but here are some of my favourite foodie moments from 2013…
Temple Restaurant Beijing
Housed in a Ming Dynasty Tibetan temple with slick, contemporary interiors, Temple Restaurant Beijing is one of the coolest places to eat in Beijing. The five course Weekend Brunch is fabulous and surprisingly well-priced.
Le Castiglione Paris
Loved by Sofia Coppola and Lara Stone, Le Casti burger at Le Castiglione on rue Saint-Honoré, oozes deliciousness and is truly worthy of its legendary status.
Lardo, London
With the best pizzas in Hackney and tempting antipasti, Lardo is my new favourite local Italian restaurant and well worth a visit.
Ralph’s, Paris
The stylish restaurant inside the Ralph Lauren flagship store brings a touch of New England country club chic to the Left Bank. It’s a must for a juicy, American style Ralph’s Burger or a drink in the stunning courtyard.
L’Abeille at Shangri-La Paris
It was a delight to dine at two Michelin star restaurant L’Abeille and have the pleasure of meeting Executive Chef Philippe Labbé during my stay at Shangri-La Paris. There is real artistry in the food and it’s a beautifully choreographed, unforgettable dining experience.
Asiate at Mandarin Oriental New York
I adored the fun, bento brunch concept and exquisite food, matched with spectacular views over Central Park at Asiate at Mandarin Oriental New York.
The Bar at Hôtel Costes, Paris
This is the first year I’ve braved walking into Hôtel Costes and it was surprisingly relaxed and atmospheric with charming staff. The cocktails are expensive and tend not to veer far from the classics (mine was a Negroni), but it’s worth visiting at least once for a chic drink and some tasty bar plates.
Street Feast, London
2013 was the year that London street food really upped its game with more adventurous food and elaborate settings than ever. My Street Feast summer love-in was a flurry of dreamy burgers from Mother Flipper and Honest Burger, The Rib Man’s insanely tasty pulled pork rolls and lobster mac and cheese at B.O.B’s Lobster.
Night Tales, London
While Street Feast moved over to Hawker House, Night Tales kept the party going in Dalston with incredible Patty & Bun burgers, Hot Negronis, QuiQuiRiQui Mezcal cocktails, Le Petit Paris French toast and seriously delicious Soya Milk Fried Chicken and Steamed Pork Buns by BAO.
Sweet Revenge, New York
Bringing together cupcakes and booze, Sweet Revenge is one of the coolest spots in the West Village for an afternoon indulgence. I recommend the signature Sweet Revenge® cupcake with a cup of Spiked Spiced Cider.
Duddell’s, Hong Kong
The first restaurant within an art gallery in Hong Kong, Duddell’s has the feel of a private member’s club and serves superior dim sum and innovative cocktails.
Tony’s Taverna, Cyprus
I’ve been a little late to the halloumi party, but I now can’t get enough of it after trying the very best fried and baked local cheeses, alongside other delicious meze, at Tony’s Taverna and Taverna Mousikos in Cyprus.
DinTaiFung, Shanghai
The dim sum at the Asian super chain Din Tai Fung is definitely worth shouting about. It was here that I first tried Xiao Long Bao (meat or fish dumplings filled with broth) and learned how to eat them gracefully, without them exploding into a hot, soupy mess.
What was your top foodie discovery of 2013? Where are your new favourite restaurants?
Urban Night Feast returns for another year to my hometown of Newcastle for three evenings of delicious street food, music and a bit of a party.
Founded by food writer and private chef Maunika Gowardhan, Urban Night Feast brings the UK’s most exciting vendors to the North East, alongside local food heroes.
The foodie event is taking place at The Boiler Shop, a Grade II listed warehouse space just behind Newcastle Central Station that regularly runs cool cultural and food events.
Confirmed visiting vendors include the brilliant Big Apple Hot Dogs, Indian street food experts Horn Ok Please, The Travelling Gin Co., Fundi Pizza, Luardos burritos, Mother Clucker fried chicken and biscuits, haggis toasty merchants Deeney’s, Passione Vino, Mark Hix’s FishDog and my favourite The Rib Man (his Holy F*ck hot sauce will go down a treat in the Toon).
Here’s what some of the London vendors have to say about Urban Night Feast:
“Mark Hix can’t wait to get up to Newcastle and finally get his fishdogs onto the streets of Newcastle,” says FishDog’s Kevin Gratton. “We’ll be singing ‘dog on the Tyne is all mine all mine’ all the way up there!”
“I can’t freakin’ wait to bring our special type of BAHD-ness to the Toon!” says Big Apple’s Abiye Cole.
Representing the North East are vendor such as Riley’s Fish Shack, Pla’s Asian Kitchen, Jesmond-based burger bar Fat Hippo, Wylam Brewery, Real Nice Ice, Ouseburn Coffee Company and renowned Quayside gastropub The Broad Chare, who will be serving up scotch eggs and black pudding.
As if that wasn’t exciting enough already, London-based mixologists Purl are hosting a pop-up cocktail pod, in their signature prohibition-era speakeasy style. Learn how to mix like the experts at a ticketed cockail masterclass, or just enjoy their innovative concoctions.
Urban Night Feast is sure to be the best night out in Newcastle this week and if last year is anything to go by, it’s worth getting there early to avoid the queues.
Urban Night Feast runs from 6pm to midnight on 3-5 October at The Boiler Shop. Entry is free of charge and the Purl Speakeasy Cocktail Masterclass is priced at £12.50 per person for each 45 minute masterclass (including a complimentary cocktail).
Visiting Hotel du Vin Newcastle with my mum always feels like a real treat and the last time I was back up North, we dropped by for afternoon tea before shopping.
I would have thought that a good roast would draw the Sunday crowds, but the lounge at Hotel du Vin Newcastle was filled with couples and groups of girlfriends enjoying afternoon tea and glasses of Champagne. There was even a little Bichon Frise taking a sneaky nibble at its owner’s cakes in the corner.
We sat on plush leather sofas and were swiftly brought a pot of the most fragrant and lovely loose-leaf Earl Grey Tea. Afternoon tea was then presented on a pretty three tier china stand.
We started with some excellent finger sandwiches that included roast ham, smoked salmon, roast chicken and egg mayonnaise. I’m not usually a fan of tea sandwiches, but the fillings were so delicious and of high quality – the ham and roast chicken were particular favourites.
Freshly-baked scones were served warm on a wooden tray with a thick scoop of clotted cream and strawberry jam. The cakes were beautifully-made and were surprisingly substantial, in fact we had trouble finishing them and took a few home. Rather than lots of mini items, Hotel du Vin’s offering was more focused, with larger portion sizes.
The Red Velvet Cake was dense and moist with a striking hot pink cream cheese frosting. The dome-shaped Carrot Cake was lighter and slightly spiced with a delicate swirl of fresh cream on the top. The indulgent Chocolate Eclairs were smothered in a thick layer of dark chocolate and the exquisite choux pastry was filled with fresh cream.
Afternoon Tea at Hotel du Vin Newcastle is classic with a fun twist and is extremely good value at just £14.50 per person. It’s a perfect treat following a day of shopping or a long walk along the nearby Quayside.
All shopping trips in New York should end with a cupcake and if you’re around the designer department stores of Fifth and Madison Avenues, it has to be Sprinkles Cupcakes. Just a few steps away from Bloomingdales, Sprinkles Cupcakes is known as the world’s first cupcake bakery – founder Candace Nelson opened the original store in Beverly Hills in 2005.
Sprinkles Cupcakes has a small number of high end boutiques across America – just one in New York – and there is even a Cupcake ATM offering cupcakes days and night in Beverly Hills.
The Manhattan Sprinkles is sleek, minimalist, colourful and covered in its trademark modern dots. The selection of cupcakes is overwhelming, with a mix of classics and daily specials to choose from, alongside coffee and teas.
I ordered the Black and White cupcake – Belgian dark chocolate cake with creamy vanilla frosting. The dark cake was moist and rich with a thick layer of dense, sweet high quality vanilla frosting and dark chocolate sprinkles.
Steven went for the Triple Cinnamon cupcake – lightly spiced buttermilk cake with cinnamon cream cheese frosting dusted with cinnamon sugar. The cupcake was deliciously spiced and it went well with the lighter cream cheese frosting with the signature Sprinkles dot.
All cupcakes are $3.50 each and are quite substantial and decadent without being too sugary. I liked that the cupcakes are handcrafted and don’t taste artificial in any way.
If you think you have what it takes to recreate a Sprinkles cupcake at home, home-bake mixes are available to buy in different flavours – what could be a better NYC souvenir for cupcake lovers?
