Hang out
Found on Jesmond’s buzzy Osborne Road, Sohe whisks diners and drinkers away to the Far East with its relaxed and exotic foodie and cocktail menus. Popular with Newcastle’s happy-snapping students and young professionals, who regularly stop by mid-week for Asian-inspired suppers and Instagram-worthy drinks, at at the weekend too, when diners of all ages chow down by candlelight and gather for private parties and gatherings.
Decked out
Very polished and uber modern; sparkling chandeliers made out of hanging lightbulbs, mahogany wood tables and plush booths, chevron flooring, exposed brickwork, aztec prints and lots of leafy green plants for that oriental vibe. Spotlessly clean and effortlessly chic.
Sip
This place does cocktails really well; colourful, dynamic inventions made with native flavours and inspired by the kind of stuff drank all over Asia. They’re packed with fresh ingredients and spiked with smooth spirits that add tropical personality. A nice, fuss-free selection of traditional Japanese teas, too, plus lots of beer, wine, soft drinks and even Sake if you’re feeling adventurous.
Food matters
Influenced by flavours found in Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, Korea and beyond, Sohe’s menus showcase authentic pan-Asian goodness and plates that bring the wow-factor. All sophistically presented, for a fine-dining feel. To mark its third birthday, the restaurant has recently revamped its a la carte menu and has launched a brand new Sunday brunch menu (available 12-4pm every week) and Asian High Tea (Afternoon Tea) offering. Expect to see things like avo and spinach Benedict, ‘Soho steak’ sarnies and warm banana and toffee waffles to kick-start your day. Take advantage of its Bottomless Fizz menu at the weekend, too, which offers girly get-togethers starters, mains and unlimited Prosecco for £26.95 per person.
We ate
We love brunch as much as the next person, but on this occasion, we visited for a little Sunday supper and so ordered from the a la carte menu. We started with sushi to share, opting for six spicy salmon rolls (£9.95), before moving on to an old favourite – crispy duck pancakes (£8.50). We’re happy to report that the sushi went down a treat; six plump pieces of sticky rice, fresh slithers of salmon, creamy chilli mayo, crisp asparagus and flying fish eggs – our favourite. Not too salty, not at all dry and perfect size-wise. The pancakes were pleasing; the roast meat arrived tender with zero fat (hurrah), though a little too deep-fried for our liking. Loved the crunchy veg (leeks and cucumber) and homemade hoisin, though. Really punchy, with plenty of kick. For mains, we chose the salmon (£15.50), which arrived tender and flaky, glazed and gleaming in sweet teriyaki, and joined by steamed broccoli and asparagus. A good one for healthy-eaters – it’s all good-for-you stuff, made special with a good drizzle of sesame and honey dressing for sweet nuttiness. Our chum opted for the Thai green curry, swapping the chicken for tofu (if you’re veggie or vegan, ask for options – there are plenty). What came was a bowl of spicy, comforting goodness; a pale-green, well-seasoned broth, filled with succulent roasted peppers, water chestnuts, spinach, beansprouts and more. A helping of fluffy coconut rice was served on the side – but go easy, unless you fancy spending the rest of your evening with your jeans unbuttoned. The desserts (both brand new) blew us away; sticky, gooey banoffee pie, served in a glass so we could see (drool at) all the luscious layers of buttery biscuit, thick cream and sweet toffee sauce and caramelised bananas, and a hearty wedge of sticky toffee pudding, drenched in a rich, gingery sauce and served with a scoop of coconut ice cream. Too dreamy.
