Blackfriars Restaurant

Tucked away just behind Newcastle’s Chinatown, Blackfriars is set in an immaculate 12th-century courtyard. The building – allegedly the oldest purpose-built restaurant in the UK – originally served as a refectory for Dominican friars, though there’s nothing monastic about its current incarnation, with its homely mismatch of furniture, globally inspired menu & general buzz of 21st century life. The varied, seasonally influenced menu changes weekly, offering the tempting likes of wood pigeon ‘prosciutto’, poached pears & watercress followed by wild rabbit stew with prunes, toasted almonds & Jerusalem artichoke puree, or local monkfish with Holy Island mussels & saffron cream, all simply presented, subtly flavoured & always delicious. A different roast every Sunday (served with Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, mash, & vegetables) forms part of a great daily lunch deal that’s £10.50/£12.50 for two/three courses. Booking ahead is essential.