Located at 21 Queen Street, a Quayside address with a distinguished heritage, this Victorian Grade II-listed building is named after John Dobson and William Parnell, two of Newcastle’s most famous architects and the men who designed the original 1863 building. Dobson is known for designing much of Newcastle’s beautiful Grey Street, as well as Jesmond Parish Church and Grainger Market. Parnell, for his part, designed many of the Quayside’s most striking buildings including Phoenix House and the Tyne theatre. 21 Queen Street will be known to most residents of Newcastle as the original location of Terry Laybourne’s first, and Michelin star-winning restaurant 21. Owner of Dobson & Parnell and veteran restaurateur Andy Hook has said in interviews that he has wanted for decades to be able to open up a restaurant in this historic location - now, alongside chef-patron Troy Terrington, he can finally take his turn.
Hook has taken advantage of the high-ceilinged space to provide a Victorian-style take on the vogue for industrial interiors, with original brickwork, vintage subway tiles, cast-iron columns, and a polished brass bar setting the scene for cosy brasserie-style booths in sage-green leather. Terrington offers a daily British menu featuring on-trend seasonal market ingredients and locally sourced meats. Hook is also the owner of Blackfriars, a restaurant housed in another of Newcastle’s most historic locations - a 13th century friary. Chef Terrington worked as Head Chef at Blackfriars for 6 years before moving to Jesmond Dene House hotel, and finally rejoining Hook at Dobson & Parnell.
Expect elegant dishes that showcase Terrington’s interest in preserving techniques, from line-caught mackerel with charred alliums, to smoked wild-duck breast with sea buckthorn and chicory, or ash-rolled aged lamb with green sauce. Service is professional, the atmosphere is vibrant, and there’s something to suit most budgets: from set menus to tasting extravaganzas. The restaurant also offers ‘Dobson & Parnell at Home’, the takeaway menu, which is just £22.50 for three courses.