Over the last decade there has been a cultural revolution in the North East with a constant stream of exciting new ventures from gourmet gastro pubs to brilliant modern bistros, as well as the dazzling heights of Michelin star restaurants. This August discover our favourite North East top summer hangouts...
Eleven Ponteland
11 Main Street, Ponteland, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE20 9NH
www.elevenponteland.co.uk
@elevenponteland
A great new restaurant championing the very best of seasonal produce, all of which is locally sourced by chefs Danny and Ryan. A laid-back atmosphere is guaranteed along with attentive service from Stephen throughout the 5-course set menu - perfect if like us, you usually order just about everything from the à la carte through fear of missing out! The wine by the glass list is extensive, however, where this restaurant really shines is via their great value fine wines... take advantage of the reasonable priced top stuff, such as a bottle of Tenuta San Guido Le Difese; a little firecracker of a wine from the producers of Sassicaia.
House of Tides
28-30 The Close, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 3RF
www.houseoftides.co.uk
@houseoftides
Established in 2014 by Kenny Atkinson, House of Tides is located in a Grade 1 listed 16th Century former merchant's warehouse on the Quayside. One of the leading lights in the Newcastle restaurant scene, it was the first restaurant to receive a heralded Michelin star (since Terry Laybourne at 21 Queen Street) and also holds 4 AA Rosettes - nevertheless, this is fine dining in a relaxed and informal atmosphere where top class service, exquisite food and a superb wine list bode for one of the best experiences in the city. Begin your 8-course tasting menu with a glass of the best; Pol Roger Brut Réserve Champagne NV... what better way to begin!
Jesmond Dene House
Jesmond Dene Road, Jesmond, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE2 2EY
www.jesmonddenehouse.co.uk
@jesmonddenehouse
Slip away from the hustle and bustle of the city life... within the city itself. The hotel is situated just 2 miles from the city centre and is nestled at the top of the historic, natural beauty spot of Jesmond Dene - go for a stroll and make sure to walk across Armstrong Bridge and visit the tranquil waterfall at the end of the trail. Finish the loop with lunch on the terrace and a bottle of chilled Provençal Rosé such as Figuière Mediterranée. Close your eyes and you could almost be in the sunnier climes of the Côte d'Azur...
Peace and Loaf Jesmond
217 Jesmond Road, Jesmond, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE2 1LA
www.peaceandloaf.co.uk
@peaceandloafjes
Exciting and innovative food from Head Chef, Dave Coulson, coupled with wonderful service in a laid-back and un-pretentious manner. Yes this is a restaurant that serves a tasting menu, however, it’s far from stuffy! The music is cool, the menu is cool and, of course, so are the cocktails too... what's not to like? In addition, their beer made especially for the restaurant by Anarchy Brew Co. is a must try. And the wine, well their by the glass and bottle options are great - especially the Villa Wolf Dry Riesling - a winner with the Teriyaki Iberico, Cabbage and Salt Plum...
Don't forget, they also run "Peace of Pie" out of the restaurant if you’ want to try a more casual dining experience at home!
The Ox Inn Middleton
Middleton, Morpeth, NE61 4QZ
www.Oxinn.wordpress.com
@the_ox_inn_middleton
@wild_and_dine
This is probably one of the most tranquil village pubs within driving distance from the city. Recently taken on by chef Max Gott (formerly of Bistro Forty-Six in West Jesmond), who is famed for seasonal cooking and is truly a champion of game, and wild foraged delights. This a proper pub at heart; great for a post walk pint... in addition, they have just launched Sunday lunches and themed supper clubs, as well as an à la carte menu coming soon. A little reminder that their sister business, Wild and Dine, provides open-fired wood cooking in the Northumbrian wilderness... so whether it’s Venison haunch or charred Sirloin, a bottle of Cielo Primitivo is the perfect pairing!
The Barn at Beal
Beal Farm, Beal, Berwick-upon-Tweed, TD15 2PB
www.barnatbeal.com
@barnatbeal
For those travelling up for a staycation in Scotland or down to England this summer and need to stop for refreshment, then the family-owned Barn at Beal is conveniently located just off the A1 overlooking the Holy Island of Lindisfarne. Fantastic seafood is on offer, served alongside warm, attentive service. For those holidaying in the locality, lunch, or dinner here is a must. Locally sourced seafood platter for two and a bottle of Roberto Sarotto Gavi di Gavi... pure perfection.
We hope you do visit some of these excellent venues in the North East - if you go, do let us know your thoughts... enjoy!
