In a picnic frame of mind
It’s got to be a trip to Grainger Market in Newcastle. First stop French Oven then follow your favourite smell. Dim Sum, the best of local oysters cooked (or shucked) to order, to local cheeses, ales and divine patisserie. And a crepe whilst you shop for it all.
Time for tea
Café Royal does patisseries and good coffee in charming surroundings. Afternoon tea on the terrace at Hotel du Vin is a sunny day treat with champagne in your hand, or they will serve it up with a cocktail-filled teapot!
hotelduvin.com
caferoyalnewcastle.co.uk
Fill those baskets
If you like your seafood as fresh as can be, take a hop to the fish market at North Shields and land a lobster for tea. Locally one of the nicest farmers’ markets is at Gibside. Lovely National Trust surroundings for great produce.
Eat well
Spoilt for choice comes to mind. Certainly there’s something for all palates and pockets in this city that buzzes with food. Boilershop Steamer the first Friday and Saturday of the months brings together myriad street food and drink specialists under one roof with a very cool vibe, live music and spectacular streetfood.
Off the beaten track, The Cook House is a ship container brought to life by foodie Anna Hedworth who makes inspiring food magic within those walls.
If you’re going grand, hotspots are Artisan at The Biscuit Factory for seasonally-inspired dishes and Peace and Loaf, Jesmond for something a bit wacky from Masterchef: Professionals finalist Dave Coulson.
artisannewcastle.com
peaceandloaf.co.uk
House of Tides on the quayside in Newcastle finds Michelin-starred Kenny Atkinson in the kitchen, one of the region’s best-loved chefs. The building itself is a marvel and the food something to savour. Feast on delicate, inventive dishes with a seasonal touch and a skilled hand. Fast becoming one of the foodie must-visit places, it’s worth savouring Kenny’s famed mackerel with gooseberries with tasting menus lunch and dinner.
On the Quayside, Caffe Vivo gives a true and atmospheric taste of rustic Italy with snacks, sandwiches, authentic pasta and mouth-watering main courses which are fresh, seasonal and layered with Latin love.
Just-off-the-boat seafood is served up in fresh and inspiring dishes at Irvins in North Shields. Razor clams, Robsons salmon and Craster kippers amongst the treats. Smashing breakfasts which lead into lovely lunches.
Lay your head
In Jesmond, Rosebery Hotel is a place of charm, a boutique B&B with a bit of kitsch, quirkiness and individuality. French-meets-vintage in a characterful house with big rooms, loads of vintage touches and perfect service for in-room fun.
Diary date
EAT NewcastleGateshead. One of the country’s most exciting and fun food festivals, celebrating local producers,with live cook-offs, and food in ‘historic and unusual spaces’.
