Food & Drink

Back in business

WE'VE HIT ANOTHER MILESTONE DATE IN THE ROAD TO REALITY, AND WE'RE OVERJOYED TO BE BACK OUT ENJOYING SOME OF OUR CITY'S FINEST BARS AND RESTAURANTS - INDOORS AND OUTDOORS! TO CELEBRATE, WE’VE ROUNDED UP SOME OF OUR FAVOURITE SPOTS TO SIT BACK AND ENJOY AS THEY RETURN TO BUSINESS THIS MAY. GOOD LUCK GUYS! Restaurants >>

MANTRA THAI DINING OPENING 19 MAY

Diaries at the ready! Mantra Thai Dining is reopening for indoor dining from 19 May. We simply can’t wait to be reunited with the authentic flavours and vibrant atmosphere of this NE1 foodie spot. We’re not ashamed to admit that we’re already browsing the menu ahead of our visit. Lamb massaman curry or spicy stir-fried rice noodles with beef? We’ve certainly missed making these decisions. mantra-thai.co.uk

THE BOTANIST

Grab your pals and pencil in a date at The Botanist. It's been a while and we can't wait to get back to it! Enjoy all of your favourite dishes including their famous hanging kebabs, Botanist boards, mouthwatering burgers and gorgeous cocktails from the comfort of an indoor table boasting gorgeous views over Grey Street and beyond! thebotanist.uk.com

UNO’S TRATTORIA

While dining al fresco under the Tyne Bridge has been amazing, we’re extremely excited at the thought of being seated at a table for two in the cosy, warm and welcoming vibes of this authentic Italian restaurant! unosrestaurant.co.uk

CÔTE BRASSERIE

We’re swapping Côte at Home for a spot of indoor dining and we can’t wait to feel like we've been whisked away to Paris again at this Grainger Street hotspot! Tuck into your favourite French dishes including their incredible salmon ratatouille, succulent beef bourguignon and delicious signature Côte burger. Rally your troops and get your table booked this May! cote.co.uk

LOLA JEANS

Say hello to Lola Jeans! We’ve been dreaming about our return, with a cocktail or two and the famous Lola’s Classic burger. Think two signature beef patties, mature cheddar, smoked streaky bacon, shoestring onions, pickles, shredded iceberg and Lola’s sauce with heaps of triple cooked chips. Sounds delicious, right? lolajeans.co.uk

MARCO PIERRE WHITE STEAKHOUSE BAR & GRILL

Did someone say steak? We’re drooling just thinking about the fillet steak with garlic king prawns, béarnaise sauce, toasted sourdough and chunky chips. But more than that, the Marco’as experience has definitely been missed amongst us Geordies this past year - the buzzy atmosphere, exquisite food, delicious cocktails and comfortable surroundings come as a package deal and we can’t wait to get booked in. mpwrestaurants.co.uk

21

The delicious 21 at Home kerbside collection service became our saving grace in the several lockdown periods, serving us with restaurant-quality food from 21 Hospitality kitchens. But now we've hit that 17 May milestone, we can finally reunite with our pals at this Newcastle icon by the Quayside! 21 is a classic, modern bistro offering mouthwatering seasonal dishes, paired with exceptional service and a buzzy atmosphere - the perfect tonic for your first meal out. 21newcastle.co.uk

TRÄKOL @ BY THE RIVER BREW CO OPENING 19 MAY

Wednesday 19 May is the date for your diary! Gather your mates and head for By The River Brew Co to try the fresh and seasonal treats from Träkol. Boasting a vibrant menu packed full of interesting flavours and ethical cooking techniques, this spot on the city's 'Southbank' is perfect for those looking to dine with dazzling views! bytheriverbrew.co/trakol

HOUSE OF TIDES OPENING 19 MAY

Book yourself in for an evening at Newcastle’s very own Michelin starred restaurant from 19 May. Think ambitious flavours, stunning interiors and a gorgeous Quayside location! houseoftides.co.uk

MILLER & CARTER

Anyone else dreaming of 50-day aged steaks with beef dripping sauce? If you’ve missed the refined steak experience in a restaurant as much as we have, you’ll be pleased to know that you can now book in for indoor dining. Go here for sophisticated dining packed with gorgeous food, a vibrant atmosphere and a bottle of the good stuff! millerandcarter.co.uk

PITCHER & PIANO

Weekends down by the Quayside just got a whole lot better! With the reopening of indoor dining, fill your schedule with bottomless brunch dates, post-work tipples and plenty of gorgeous dinners at Pitcher & Piano! pitcherandpiano.com

THE DISPENSARY

Perfect eggs, banging burgers and fluffy pancakes - yes, we could only be talking about The Dispensary! Reunite with this Toon favourite and tuck into a pretty-as-a-picture stack of pancakes from this uber-cool foodie hangout. What are you waiting for? Gather your gang and book in for some delicious grub! instagram.com/thedispensaryncl

PACIFIC HOUSE

This contemporary American kitchen is back with a brand new food menu brought to you by Pizza Squared - experts when it comes to Sicilian square pizza! Whether you’re looking for an after-work tipple or two, something to satisfy the mid-week munchies, a mate date or a bite to eat during the footy, Pacific House has got you covered. pacifichouse.co.uk

PIZZA PUNKS

Fluffy sourdough, melted cheese and a choice of over 50 toppings. A trip to this Grey Street pizzeria should be at the top of your agenda this May. Go here for gorgeous wood-fired pizzas, classic desserts, killer cocktails, craft beer, mint tunes and an even better atmosphere. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options are all available as well as a menu designed to satisfy even the fussiest of eaters! pizzapunks.co.uk

Bars >>

REVOLUCIÓN DE CUBA

Picture this, you’re sitting on the Santiago Sun Terrace drinking cocktails, tucking into delicious food and embracing the Latin-inspired vibes - sounds good, right? And guess what? If it’s raining, you don’t have to worry because we can sit inside once again! Let the good times roll... revoluciondecuba.com

CITY TAVERN

Pals and pints - the combo we’ve been missing a lot recently, but the wait is finally over. Venture over to this Toon favourite from 17 May and, whether you’re looking for post-work drinks or a boozy weekend, City Tavern has got you covered. citytavern.co.uk

LADY GREYS

Purveyors of cask ales, fine wines, premium spirits and much more! With a focus on local produce from cask breweries and local farms in Northumberland, this is the place to go to feel right at home while you're out-out! instagram.com/ladygreys

THE ALCHEMIST

Who’s ready for some scroll-stopping cocktails? We certainly are! Renowned for their scientifically satisfying cocktails, this Eldon Square hangout will be reopening its doors on 17 May. We can’t wait to get our hands on their truly unique cocktail menu and try the likes of the Lightbulb Moment, Colour Changing One, Bath Bomb and so many more. thealchemist.uk.com

THE PURPLE PEACOCK

Luxury styling, Asian cuisine and gorgeous cocktails. The Purple Peacock is the place to go for an extravagant night filled with glamour, style and sophistication - perfect for catching up with friends or indulging for date night. ilovepurplepeacock.com

BIJOUX

Mosley Street favourite, Bijoux, is one of Newcastle’s busiest bars and has certainly been a miss this past year. Expect three floors of international quality DJs, swanky decor and drinks aplenty. Get your table booked in advance, ahead of the venue reopening their doors. bijouxbarnewcastle.co.uk

MARKET SHAKER

This independent, all-day bar is a firm favourite and we cannot wait to return for a boozy afternoon. Lush food, mint drinks and an even better atmosphere. We’re loving this return to normality. instagram.com/marketshakernewcastle

THE DOG & PARROT

Indie tunes, rock ‘n’ roll vibes and even better beverages, The Dog & Parrot is a Toon favourite and we can't wait to return! Grab your pals and go here for a night of pool, red stripe and two floors of music anthems. thedogandparrot.co.uk

BAR 52

Located at 55 Degrees North, Bar 52 is the place to go to enjoy live sports, fresh beers, and a buzzy atmosphere. Think stateside vibes, cool interiors, a dazzling drinks offering and mouthwatering food! Book your table and head down to this city centre spot for an unforgettable night in Newcastle. bar-52.co.uk/newcastle

REVOLUTION

Cocktails anyone? Let us set the scene, it’s Friday night, you’ve finished a busy week at work, you’re sitting in a booth at Revs, sipping on a Strawberry Daiquiri. Perfection! While we enjoyed a range of exclusive cocktail kits to try at home, it’s safe to say we’re patiently waiting to reunite with our favourite tipple from the comfort of this uber-cool cocktail hub. revolution-bars.co.uk

BREWDOG

The news we’ve all been waiting for! Yes - that’s right - these craft beer experts will be reopening their doors on 17 May. Go here for chilled vibes, perfectly poured IPAs and board games galore. Oh how we've missed spending time at this iconic hangout. brewdog.com

PLEASED TO MEET YOU

Get dolled up, an evening at Pleased To Meet You is on the cards! These Toon favourites are specialists in gin, craft beer, wine, cocktails and food - all of the essentials when it comes to ensuring a great night out with pals. facebook.com/ptmyncl

BILLY BOOTLEGGERS

The guys at Billy Bootleggers know how it’s done. Live music, moonshine and a buzzy atmosphere - oh, and did we mention an indoor seat? Our pals have worked hard during the pandemic to deliver their goods to our homes, but now we can return the favour by paying them a visit! facebook.com/billybootleggers

THE HUDSON

The Hudson is the perfect place to catch-up with friends over a tipple and a bite to eat as the late-afternoon sunshine beats down and our glorious city comes alive! Complete with (vital) patio heaters if you’re going al fresco and super-friendly bar staff, a cold one at The Hudson is calling your name this May! hudsonnewcastle.co.uk

TIGER HORNSBY

Planning a visit to this intimate cocktail bar is a must this May! Go here for gorgeous cocktails and spectacular Quayside views. With a menu updated seasonally, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to sunshine tipples! From classic treats to inspiring experimental concoctions - there’s something for everyone to fall in love with. tigerhornsby.co.uk

THE REDHOUSE

Quayside pint? Go on then! Pencil in 17 May for a date with The Redhouse and get ready to swap your takeout beers for river views, lush food and a sit-down drink. facebook.com/redhousencl

JALOU

Jalou is renowned for its exciting drinks list, great music and lively atmosphere, and we can hardly wait to be reunited this month! With its chic Parisian decor and outdoor terrace, this swanky cocktail bar provides the perfect luxury hangout in the Toon. Book a table in advance to avoid disappointment. jalou.co.uk

PASSING CLOUDS

This Bigg Market favourite is renowned for incredible nights out packed with cool cocktails and good vibes! Live music, special offers and mint atmosphere - what more could you want? passingcloudsbar.co.uk

ALL BAR ONE

From your morning coffee to those Saturday night Espresso Martinis, All Bar One will be back in your lives from 17 May. From picture-perfect cocktails to jaw-dropping food dishes, this vibrant venue has everything you need to enjoy socialising with your friends and family again. allbarone.co.uk

Pack up a picnic

WHILE WE’RE OVERJOYED TO BE BACK ENJOYING OUR FAVOURITE BARS AND RESTAURANTS, NOTHING SAYS BRITISH SUMMERTIME LIKE A PICNIC IN THE PARK! WE’VE ROUNDED UP SOME OF OUR FAVOURITE SPOTS TO PICK UP SOMETHING TASTY TO-GO...

THE BROWNIE BAR

Chocolate-lovers rejoice! No picnic is complete without something sweet to finish. Treat yourself to something gorgeous and gooey at The Brownie Bar, home to everything from chocolate bars and cookies, to the finest brownies you’ll find in the Toon! thebrowniebar.co.uk

THE NAKED DELI

The folks at The Naked Deli do all they can to ensure we can indulge without feeling guilty! Whether you’re looking for big dishes or healthy snacks, this is the place to go for clean and nutritious picnic treats! thenakeddeli.co.uk

FRANKIE & TONY’S SANDWICH BAR

Go here for seriously good sandwiches! With fillings ranging from your old favourite, cheese and ham, to sweet chilli chicken and New York deli-style creations, there’s something for all tastes. If the queues outside don’t do the talking, the food will! facebook.com/frankietonys-sandwich-bar

ZAPATISTA BURRITO BAR

Fire up your picnic with something fast, fresh and fiery from Zapatista! With sites on Ridley Place and Grainger Street, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to enjoying a Mexican-inspired burrito bonanza! zapatistaburrito.com

MASON + RYE

Fancy something sweet? Make sure Mason + Rye inside Fenwick Food Hall is part of your picnic shopping list. Here you’ll find everything from cakes and pastries to savoury treats including sandwiches and artisan breads. A picnic must! fenwick.co.uk

5 of our favourite picnic spots

GREY STREET GATHERING

We might be biased, but our popup park on the always glorious Grey Street is a clear contender when it comes to finding the perfect place to picnic in NE1. A gorgeous green space where you can meet with friends, sit back on a deckchair and people-watch to your heart’s content!

LEAZES PARK

The go-to spot if you really want to stretch out, lay out a blanket and spend the day soaking up the sun. Pack up a picnic using some of our city’s super independents, then set up camp in a sunny spot at the park!

ST THOMAS’ HAYMARKET

A city centre haven - ideal for a stop-off mid-shopping trip or museum hopping. This green oasis outside St Thomas' Church at Haymarket lends itself to picnics and sunbathing in the summer months.

QUAYSIDE

Eat your picnic on-the-go during a scenic stroll along our stunning Quayside. Clock up those steps and reward yourself with a sweet treat and a seat on a bench as you take in the city’s bridges!

#Whataweekend

Time to bring back our wonderful weekend trails through the Toon. Our guide on how to get the best out of the city as we see out another working week!

BREAKFAST BITES SCRUB UP ! T I M E TO GO CRATE DIGGIN ’ MARKET MOOCHING TI ME F OR A PI N T A N A SIAN FUSION FINISH! FANCY A FEW S U N D O W N E R S ? TWO WHEEL FUN IN THE CITY! Brekkie bites Start your day with a sunshine breakfast at Olive & Bean. Best known for its variety of delicious wake-up-and-feel-good dishes that cater to those with both a savoury and sweet tooth, this brekkie bunch certainly know a thing or two about getting the day off to a delicious start! oliveandbean.co.uk Check in for a men’s MOT Whether you’re in for your second trim or you haven’t made it back to the barbers yet, make sure a trip to Patrick Foster is on your May to-do list. Made for ‘men who rightly want more than a quick trim with a set of clippers’, this spot is a real sanctuary for those looking to get that feel-good glow in a relaxed environment. Go here for expert barbering, a good bit of banter and a bash on the Xbox! patrick-forster.co.uk Record rummage at Reflex Having enjoyed a chilled Saturday morning in the city, it’s time to tootle on over to see Alan and co. at Reflex Records! Are you after the latest releases from DIY record labels? Perhaps you’ve been searching for elusive second-hand beauties from the 80s? Maybe you’ve accepted defeat when it comes to bagging Bowie’s 13LP box set behemoth? Worry not - you’ll be spoilt for choice at Reflex! reflexrecordshop.com Cheers to beers! Although they’ve kept our Friday nights in the house well-oiled throughout the various lockdown periods, there’s absolutely nothing like hunkering down at BrewDog on Dean Street with a freshly poured beer. With over 22 concoctions to try straight from the tap, paired with cool tunes and a range of delicious bar snacks, we couldn’t think of a better way to watch the Toon amble on by - Sunday style! brewdog.com Scootscoot! Newcastle City Council and Neuron have introduced a raft of bright orange e-scooters this summer, and these nifty little machines are a brilliant way to get out and experience the city up close without emitting a single carbon emission! Run purely on electric motors, Neuron Scooters can be found at various spots across the city for a bargain price. Talk about pulling up in style this Saturday! rideneuron.com After hours at Alvinos Oh go on then! Fantastic news for all those who love chilled tunes, spectacular cocktails and chilled vibes - our friends at Alvinos are back in business at their Pilgrim Street HQ and this Geordie favourite already feels like it’s never been away! With a brand new cocktail menu and the Newcastle sunshine beating down (fingers crossed), be sure to round up the troops and book a table. alvinosbar.co.uk Pit-stop at Khai Khai Time to experience the tantalising tastes from a brand new addition to NE1’s hospitality scene! Featuring a beautiful, European-feel outdoor courtyard, plenty of seating inside, and authentic Indian cuisine that will take you worlds away with every bite, you can go rogue from your usual Sunday roast and taste what the fuss is all about by making a reservation at Khai Khai! khaikhai.co.uk Quayside shopping Oh how glorious it feels to be able to enjoy a Sunday stroll along the Quayside with a piping hot coffee and a mooch through the Quayside Sunday Market. Expect to find beautifully unique crafts, handmade gifts, cool clothing from extremely talented seamstresses and cute ceramics from local people with big ideas! A Sunday morning must! getintonewcastle.co.uk Sushi Sundays Round off a stellar Sunday with an innovative and indulgent feast at Aveika! Go here for sumptuous sushi, spectacular cocktails and a stylish vibe to match. With everything from robata grilled meats, to maki rolls, and Sunday roasts for those with a traditional taste, there's something for everyone! aveika.co.uk START HERE PM FIERY Q UEEN STREET CUISINE