A pioneering region when it comes to smoked fish, Newcastle retains a reputation for delivering kippers in their finest form, whether you want them for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Grainger Town
The historic centre surrounding the Eldon Square shopping complex takes its name from 19th century developer Richard Grainger and spreads across much of the area between Westgate Road, Mosley Street, and John Dobson Street. Just a short walk from Central Station, Blackfriars serves up meat-heavy medieval-style banquets in an actual 13th century Dominican friary. Meanwhile, the Scrumpy Willow and the Singing Kettle on Clayton Street is a quirky café-bistro boasting scrumptious organic bites and veggie feasts in a hip atmosphere.
• Blackfriars, Friars Street, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne NE1 4XN; • Scrumpy Willow and the Singing Kettle, 89 Clayton Street, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne NE5 5HS;
Westgate Road
Fancy some proper, homestyle curry? Westgate Road has the ideal eatery. Luigikhan’s is a mid-range Indian with a soaring reputation, thanks to celebrities and foodies flocking from all over the UK to try a few courses of their fragrant Punjabi specialities. You’ll find it little more than a 15-minute walk from the city centre. A little closer to the heart of the action is Moulin Rouge Café, a Persian gem preparing fresh authentic lamb kebabs and golden saffron rice.
• Luigikhan’s, 358 Westgate Road, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne NE4 6NU; • Moulin Rouge Café & Grill, 223 Westgate Road, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne;
Jesmond
Sitting just to the north of the city centre, Jesmond is a trendy district with its own bustling nightlife. A leisurely walk from West Jesmond Metro Station, Osborne Street cuts straight through the middle and is home to a high concentration of bars and restaurants. For succulent meat and seafood the Cherry Tree is a safe bet and serves monkfish, loin of lamb, and belly pork dishes amid elegant modern decor. Then there's Arlo, a favourite with the local community for years. Unpretentious and delicious, this family-friendly restaurant is well worth a visit.
• The Cherry Tree, 9 Osborne Road, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne NE2 2AE; • Arlo Café and Bistro, 36-38 Brentwood Avenue, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne NE2 3DH;
Quayside
The focus of major redevelopment in recent times, Newcastle’s Quayside is bursting with quality nosh. Perched next to the Gateshead Bridge, Gusto boasts a spacious terrace, elegant cocktail bar, and a tempting menu offering dishes like baked sea bass with pepperonata, and pizzas topped with slow roasted pork. For a slick and snappy selection of sandwiches, head to Quay Ingredient. “A small coffee house underneath a big bridge”, it's got a hip, minimalist vibe and dishes up grilled Craster kippers, steak sarnies, and hand-made burgers.
• Gusto, 106 Quayside, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne NE1 3DX; • Quay Ingredient, 4 Queen Street, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne NE1 3UG; Tel: +44 (0) 191 447 2327
