AWARD WINNER: BEST LOCAL RESTAURANT, NORTH ENGLAND
Close to the Tyne Bridge in the lively Quayside area, this modern bistro opened in May 2018 and has quickly made its mark on the city’s dining scene, particularly with lawyers and office workers from the courts and chambers around the corner. It’s a narrow, deep room with a relaxed, urban vibe and whitewashed brick walls, concrete floor and bistro furniture.
Chef owner John Calton splits his time between here and his North Shields pub, The Staith House and the concept is seasonal small plates in the modern European style showcasing local fish and nose-to-tail meat. The set menu offers notable value, although staff are happy for diners to mix and match with the main carte. Lamb sweetbreads might make an appearance with salt-baked turnip, mint and pickled carrot before a main of wild North Sea turbot, white asparagus, brown butter hollandaise and almonds.
Finish with salted caramel chocolate mousse, honeycomb and fresh cherries. An interesting global wine list arranged by style opens at £19.50.
