Five Places to Enjoy a Festive Feast in NewcastleGateshead

November 21, 2019 by Rachel Kershaw in Eating Out 2

The Fenwick window has been revealed, festive bakes are flying off the shelves at Greggs and parking spaces at intu Metrocentre are like gold dust… I think we can safely say that the festive season is well underway in Geordieland.

Some might say it’s still a little early to get excited about Christmas, but when it comes to planning where to go out and enjoy festive food it’s best to be organised, as popular venues get booked up way in advance.

I’ve picked out five of the best places to enjoy a festive feast in Newcastle and Gateshead. These all offer amazing surroundings and delicious food to enjoy with friends, family or colleagues. I wonder if I can squeeze in visits to them all before the big day?

Blackfriars – The Traditional Feast

Whenever I’m asked to recommend a unique and special restaurant in the heart of Newcastle city centre, Blackfriars is always high on my list. The setting is truly magical, an ancient friary dating back to 1239 with exposed brick walls, rustic oak furniture and a medieval banquet hall overlooking the cloister garden which is strewn with fairy lights. It’s like stepping back in time! Blackfriars is famous for using seasonal local produce and offering tempting twists on British classics. The festive menu is bursting with mouthwatering options including ‘Northumbrian game terrine, cranberry & orange sauce’, ‘stuffed turkey, pigs in blankets, creamed Brussels sprouts’ and ‘sticky toffee pudding, salt butter caramel, vanilla ice cream’, I’m drooling just thinking about it!

How much? 3 Course lunch: £29/Dinner: £34 (£34.9/£39.9 with pre-ordered festive cocktail)

See the full menu HERE

Jesmond Dene House – The Luxury Feast

Credit: Alexandria Dawn Photography

On the outskirts of the city, nestled among the natural beauty of Jesmond Dene, this luxury hotel and restaurant offers an oasis of calm during the chaos of Christmas. It’s always beautifully decorated at this time of year, with an abundance of real trees and festive flowers. James and I enjoyed a decadent festive afternoon tea at Jesmond Dene House a couple of years ago (gifted) and it was a wonderful treat, you can read my review HERE. This December there’s a wide range of foodie options on offer, including private dining, party nights and traditional lunches. It’s certainly not a cheap option but if you want a little bit of luxury this Christmas then look no further!

How much? Festive Afternoon Tea: £29.50pp, (£42pp for Great Hall Events on the 8th & 15th Dec)  Dining in December: From £31pp for two courses

See the full menu HERE

Träkol – The Feast Fit for a Foodie

Image Credit: Trakol

With ‘Crispy Pig’s Tails’ on offer for starters and ‘Middlewhite Pig, 1/2 Roast Head, 1kg Chop, Apples & Watercress, Braised Butterbeans & Pigs Trotter’ for main, you certainly can’t accuse Träkol of being boring! The menu here is based on the ethos of ‘nose to tail cooking’, the passionate chefs bring primitive outdoor cooking indoors, only ever using British rare and heritage breeds. The flavour driven dishes really are next level! The location is pretty special too, on the banks of the River Tyne at By the River Brewing Co in Gateshead. Getting a table means planning weeks in advance but their online booking system makes it easy to find available time slots.

How much? A festive menu available throughout Dec features dishes from £3.50 – £70. The ‘Feast from the East’ is a set menu for groups of 10 or more priced at £35pp. 

See the full menu HERE

Christmas Tyne Igloo Pods – The Quirky Feast

On the other side of the river on Wesley Square, a series of igloo inspired pods will magically appear from 29th November 2019 until 5th January 2020. Each one can seat up to ten people and provides an insta-worthy experience including a three-course seasonal meal and drinks, heating, wifi and music. In addition to the pods, a festive tipi and several fire pits will be available nearby if you want to come and soak up the atmosphere without the need to book. My pal Stuart, the blogger behind GO EAT DO wrote about his igloo dining experience last year, check out his review HERE.

How much? From £249 for 10 people. 

See the full menu HERE

City Tavern – The Dog-friendly Pub Feast

Pat waiting patiently for some City Tavern scraps!

I love popping in the City Tavern with my pooch Pat, it is super dog friendly! Last time we were in there I couldn’t help but notice the festive menu, which offers classics like ‘smoked salmon with horseradish crème fraiche’, ‘topside of Northumberland beef’ and ‘poached pear sticky toffee pudding’. My mouth was watering at the thought of it all, I think Pat’s was too! This traditional pub in the heart of the city (just off Northumberland Street) is a great value option at £24.95 for three courses, and it’s the ideal place to refuel after Christmas shopping in the Toon.

How much? Main £13.95, two courses £19.95, three courses £24.95

See the full menu HERE

Will you be tucking in to any of these feasts this festive season? Leave your thoughts in the comments box below!