The Small Canteen is an independent restaurant in Sandyford, Newcastle, known for its regularly changing dinner menu, organic wines and craft beers. Located in one of the city’s increasingly popular foodie neighbourhoods, this intimate eatery offers relaxed dining centred around seasonal ingredients and carefully prepared dishes.
Inside, the restaurant has a welcoming feel. A green tiled bar and serving counter act as the focal point of the space, while counter seating lines the windows and wooden floors add warmth to the compact dining room. Industrial-style pendant lighting hangs overhead and shelves of wine bottles sit on display, reinforcing the restaurant’s laid-back bistro atmosphere. During warmer months, outdoor seating allows guests to dine al fresco.
The Small Canteen is known for its concise dinner menu, which changes frequently depending on seasonal produce and the chef’s inspiration. The cooking leans towards modern European and British bistro-style dishes that focus on flavour and careful technique.
Plates might include starters such as saffron, pea and mint arancini, mains like roast skate wing with green peppercorn butter sauce, potato and bacon, or confit rabbit leg served with braised cabbage filled with rabbit ragu, mustard mash and onion jus. Other examples from the ever-evolving menu include roast chicken breast with mushroom butter sauce and chicken jus, or braised mutton with colcannon and parsley sauce.
Desserts follow a similarly classic approach, with comforting sweet dishes such as chocolate mousse topped with orange sabayon or rhubarb mousse paired with blood orange sorbet and grated white chocolate.
To drink, guests can choose from a selection of organic wines, craft beers and simple cocktails, carefully chosen to complement the food. Small in size but big on flavour, The Small Canteen offers thoughtful cooking and relaxed neighbourhood dining in the heart of Sandyford.