Blackfriars
Blackfriars is a Newcastle restaurant located in a former 13th century refectory, believed to be the oldest dining room in the UK. We reminded ourselves of this delightful restaurant when walking past a few weeks previous and noticing their menus have plenty of gluten free options. Embarrassingly we haven’t visited since our first wedding anniversary nineteen years before.
We were served fresh homemade bread, they even had a gluten free option, while we were given time to make ourselves comfortable and browse the menus. We ordered from the set menu as this offered more choices to our taste. We both opted for North Sea fishcakes with tartare sauce for starters. For main I decided on the handmade pork and sage sausage with whipped potato, onion rings and beer and mustard jus. Onion rings are rarely offered gluten free and so I was delighted but did confirm with the waitress that they were suitable several times before tucking in. Gavin decided on the North Shields fish market catch of the day which was Trout this was cooked to perfection and accompanied by potato rosti and cabbage slaw.
The atmosphere was relaxed and informal. Although service was efficient, we never felt rushed, and many customers sat enjoying coffees and more drinks after their meal. After a break we decided to stay for dessert and soak up the atmosphere. There were three gluten free dessert options on the set menu and again I could have had the same as Gavin but decided instead to try the black forest cherry cheesecake with a cocoa and hazelnut base and dark chocolate ice cream. It was divine, light but full of flavour with the bonus of honeycomb pieces. Gavin went for his reliable favourite sticky toffee pudding with salted caramel sauce and banana ice cream which he said was subtle.
We had the best time and cannot believe we forgot about this gem of a place. It would be a perfect venue in the city centre for a special occasion.
Dabawal
With two restaurants in Newcastle, one on High Bridge in the City Centre and this one in Jesmond located near West Jesmond Metro station, Dabawal serve tapas-style Indian street food with style.
Having visited the city centre branch on several occasions we were keen to try the Jesmond restaurant to celebrate our daughter’s 16th birthday. We were delighted we made this choice, first impressions were great, from the friendly attentive team to the immaculate décor and atmosphere. We were given plenty of time to browse the menus and select our dishes and were afforded sufficient space between course to enjoy our food. The food was outstanding, and most dishes are gluten free, we enjoyed Onion Bhajis and Chicken Pakora for starters, then shared Old Delhi Style-Butter Chicken, Chicken Jhalfrezi, Pilau Rice and Bombay Potatoes for our main course followed by the homemade carrot dessert( the only non gluten free item) and chocolate ice cream. A fantastic evening of food in beautiful surroundings and we cannot recommend this place highly enough!
Brinkburn St Brewery, Bar and Kitchen
Located in one of our favourite spots in Newcastle in Ouseburn, it is an eclectic bar and brewery and the perfect spot for a spot of pub grub.
We visited on a Saturday lunch time and grabbed a table in amongst the busy bar area, I ordered a steak pie with chips and Leanne was able to choose a burger with bacon jam, which was served with a gluten free bun and a portion of fries. The food was great, although I am not usually a fan of a pot pie, and it was the perfect spot to spend a few weekend hours soaking up the atmosphere in the bar.
Redhouse
Based in the heart of the Quayside, with amazing views of the Tyne Bridge if you are lucky enough to grab a window seat. This pub based in a Grade II listed building with wooden beams, a meandering array of nooks and crannies serves pie and mash and a large selection of drinks.
You choose your pie, choice of potatoes, peas and liquor and if you are feeling especially hungry you can add a side or a dessert. I opted for the steak and Newcastle Brown Ale pie with cheddar cheese mash, mushy pies and gravy, whilst Leanne enjoyed the same but with a gluten free variant of the same pie.
If you love your pies we cannot recommend this place highly enough, great surroundings and atmosphere and the perfect spot for a walk along the Quayside to burn off some calories afterwards.
Tomahawk
We booked a table at Tomahawk to celebrate our wedding anniversary, situated on the Quayside adjacent to the Millennium Bridge, we parked in Ouseburn and had a stroll along the river in the late summer sun.
Whilst it is a specialist steak restaurant, the choice on the menu also included chicken and fish. It was busy as it was a Friday evening, however the service was good, and the atmosphere was relaxed. I ordered the Barbecue ribs and Leanne ordered the Chicken Shawarma board which came minus the tortilla wraps to ensure it was gluten free. Both meals were very filling, I should have selected the half rib option as I couldn’t finish my portion. As an extra bonus, the waitress delivered a generous slice of chocolate cake for us to share as it was our anniversary, it wasn’t gluten free, so I had to try and tackle it on my own.
