Alison Cowie sets sail to Hotel du Vin Newcastle, located in a former shipping company’s headquarters, to sample the new seasonal menu at its French-inspired bistro.
It is hard to believe that spring is here but restaurants and eateries across the country are busy launching new seasonal offerings that reflect fresher and more bountiful harvests.
Hotel du Vin is no exception with its new menu launching mid-April across the chain’s bistros.
My friend and I were invited to sample the new menu on its first evening and while this wasn’t our first time dining at Hotel du Vin Newcastle, neither of us had visited for a while.
As soon as we arrived, we were reminded of the sumptuous surroundings this hotel on the banks of the River Tyne offers.
Located in the former home of Tyne Tees Steam Shipping Company, Hotel du Vin Newcastle has always made the most of its characterful Edwardian building, with sumptuous panelling, brown leather club chairs, dark navy décor and copper detailing even more in vogue than when I last visited.
My dining companion and I made our way to the French-styled Bistro. It is a lighter and brighter space than the main reception and bar area thanks to large windows that overlook the spacious courtyard. We perused the new a la carte menu (tasting menus are also available) and sizable wine menu – an obvious addition given the hotel’s name!
My friend chose the delightful Severn & Wye smoked salmon (£11.50), which was served with slabs of treacle soda bread and a quenelle of Fromage Blanc mixed with capers and chives for a pop of colour and flavour.
I opted for the sauteed mushrooms (£8.50) on toasted sourdough, and this simple dish was truly elevated by the tasty creamy sauce with sharp mustard kick.
I’m pleased to report our winning starters were followed by equally fine mains.
My pan-fried hake (£22.50), as recommended to us by our attentive wait staff, was well cooked and served with crispy parmentier potatoes and a warm tartare sauce.
My friend’s beef cheek bourguignon (£34.95) was also a treat. When it arrived we both commented on how nice it was to see such a generous serving of creamy mashed potatoes, which was topped with a good amount of tender beef and flavoursome baby onions, mushrooms and pancetta in a rich and intense sauce.
For dessert, my companion picked the perfectly cooked apple tarte tatin (£9.95) topped with a scoop of indulgent ice cream while I toyed with ordering la profiterole (£9.95), which I was told was one giant profiterole filled with ice cream instead of the traditional cream. I decided against it, though, and chose the indulgent pot au chocolate (£9.95) instead.
I was glad I did as a diner on a neighbouring table was soon served la profiterole, which lived up to its gigantic description! Though it looked utterly delicious, it was so huge, you may want to share this particular dessert if you’ve had two previous courses.
I washed my meal down with a small glass of malbec (£9.95) while my friend went for a tomato juice. Once our glasses were drained, it was time to leave.
On the way home, I reflected on a lovely meal in fine surroundings. I also wondered if my fellow diner that evening had managed to finish his giant dessert!
For more information and bookings, visit www.hotelduvin.com/locations/newcastle
