Alison Cowie samples the historic Newcastle City Centre restaurant to see what’s new.
Blackfriars restaurant in Newcastle is steeped in history dating back to 1239. The main restaurant, with its exposed stonework and stained glass windows, occupies a former friary’s refectory and is believed to be the oldest dining room in the UK. It offers lunch, dinner and afternoon teas overseen by executive head chef Chris Wardale, who has been with Blackfriars for more than 13 years.
The Parlour Bar, thought to be the oldest standing bar in Newcastle, also provides a cosy location for a pre or post-meal drink, while the stunning medieval Banquet Hall – once used by royalty in 1334 – continues to provide a memorable location for monthly themed dinners, atmospheric medieval banquets and around 40 weddings a year.
Not one to rest on its laurels, though, Blackfriars – which also has a Tasting Room and a cookery school – has recently taken over the Kings Suite above the Banquet Hall to offer an additional flexible meeting and entertaining space. It also refurbished its medieval-inspired meeting rooms overlooking the Cloister Garden in 2022, which can accommodate up to 25 people.
In May this year, Blackfriars opened an exciting new al fresco dining area in the Cloister Garden, set to host events such as hog roasts now that summer has finally arrived.
It also received an AA Rosette last year and a renewed inclusion into the Good Food Guide, confirming Blackfriars’ place as one of Newcastle’s most prized dining and event spaces.
My friend and I visited one weekday lunchtime and like all my previous visits, the restaurant was already bustling with business clientele, couples and small groups when we arrived.
In light of the new Cloister Garden space opening, the restaurant has decided to slim down its lunch offering to its set menu (the al carte is still available in the evening) but there were still plenty of options that demonstrated deft British cookery. I was also pleased to see North East favourite Pan Haggerty still a feature.
The cost – two courses for £21 or three courses for £25 (or £24/£29.50 with a glass of fizz) - also represents superb value for money.
To start, my friend went for the goats cheese with candied walnut, roast beetroot and honey dressing while I chose the smoked duck ham, red cabbage sauerkraut and mustard sauce. As we waited, we enjoyed beautifully soft homemade bread with creamy seasoned butter while sipping on our glasses of fizz.
Both the starters were beautifully presented and well-proportioned. The classic combination of goats cheese, walnut and beetroot was perfectly balanced and the duck ham was full of flavour.
For my main course, I chose the beetroot, potato and smoked cheddar Wellington. Meat eaters (of which I am one) may baulk at the notion of swapping succulent beef with beetroot, but the sweet roast vegetable in velvety mash, wrapped in the most delicious golden pastry and bathed in a fragrant chervil cream, provided a tasty and hearty lunchtime dish that I would – well – heartily recommend anyone trying.
My friend’s less controversial grilled sole was well cooked and came with a plethora of complementary flavours and textures with a poached hen’s egg, creamed spinach, smoked bacon lardons, crispy onions and smooth wild garlic poke purée.
Leaving enough room for dessert, we opted for the rich and indulgent dark chocolate and orange délice with pistachio ice cream, and the delightful mini hot cross bun with vanilla cream pâtisserie and rum and raisin ice cream.
Finishing with a coffee to provide us with an injection of energy for the trip home, we left well-fed and intrigued to sample the new Cloister Garden the next time we visit this eatery, which skilfully balances a historic setting with a modern dining experience.
For more information and bookings, visit www.blackfriarsrestaurant.co.uk
