Newcastle restaurant branches out with florist event

A medieval restaurant is teaming up with a renowned local florist to host an indulgent ladies lunch. Blackfriars Restaurant in Newcastle is working with Katherine’s Florists to treat ladies to a three course lunch and flower arranging demonstration in the restaurant’s ornate Banquet Hall on Tuesday, May 7. Dot Collier, a manager at Katherine’s Florists, will tell the inspirational story of the family business, which dates back 100 years and spans five generations. Ladies will be treated to a live flower arranging demonstration by an expert florist, a glass of fizz, a three course lunch, a glass of wine and coffee for £25 per person. A raffle will be held in aid of the Sunshine Fund, to win the finished flower piece. Katherine’s Florists is the oldest florist in the region and began with one shop and one assistant in Newcastle’s Grainger Market, which grew rapidly over the years to five branches and over 50 staff. They now have branches on Gosforth High Street, Leazes Park Road and their flagship store in Newcastle’s Grainger Market. The business is owned by Katherine Sloane, whose daughter Helen has now taken the reins. Helen worked in the family firm as a youngster and was trained in London at an early age, honing her creativity and design skills through working with some of the capital’s finest international designers. Helen has just launched a brand new website for Katherine’s Florists, and has her finger constantly on the pulse, keeping abreast of current designs and fashions. The team at Blackfriars worked with the firm when Dot’s son got married at the restaurant, as Katherine’s Florists arranged all the flowers for the occasion. Dot said: “Blackfriars was a stunning venue for my son’s wedding and the team were so helpful when we worked together to arrange the flowers for the day. This ladies lunch event will be a great opportunity to share the history of Katherine’s Florists, showcase our flower arranging skills, and enjoy meeting new people over a delicious lunch in such a beautiful setting.” Andy Hook, managing director at Blackfriars Restaurant, which was voted Newcastle’s top restaurant in the North East England Tourism Awards in 2013 said:  “The history of Katherine’s Florists is fascinating and we’re delighted that Dot is able to share the story and pass on some useful flower arranging tips at Blackfriars. Our ladies lunch events provide great value for money and always sell out quickly - and we’re sure that this theme will be particularly popular.” Blackfriars run ladies lunch events on the first Tuesday of every month. To book, visit www.blackfriarsrestaurant.co.uk. Blackfriars Restaurant and Workshop, Friars Street, Newcastle, NE1 4XN 0191 261 5945.