Newcastle's Broad Chare listed in UK's Top 50 Gastropubs 2015

Bar and kitchen staff at The Broad Chare have been celebrating following the announcement they are once again named in the Budweiser Budvar Top 50 Gastropub Awards 2015. The Newcastle team led by manager Steve Dunn and head chef Chris Eagle are among only two North East pubs ranked in the Top 50 – The Broad Chare is listed 36^th, while The Rat, Anick, in Northumberland came 38th. This is just the latest accolade for the Newcastle pub, part of Terry Laybourne’s successful 21 Hospitality Group. Last year The Broad Chare received further national recognition by being named in the Good Food Guide’s top 50 UK pubs; the Quayside pub also won the prestigious Editor Award for Best new Entry for Pubs. Chef and restaurateur Terry Laybourne said of this latest award: “It’s always great for our team when their hard work is acknowledged through national awards. It reflects the dedication to consistently delivering proper food in a proper pub environment where customer service is second to none. “Customer satisfaction is our primary goal. If we achieve that consistently, then other things like awards can follow. “It’s one thing to win national acclaim and be listed in a Top 50 – but the challenge then becomes staying in the list and trying to improve your position. We’re particularly delighted we have steadily risen since our first listing in 2013 when we were ranked 46^th.” When The Broad Chare opened in May 2011, the idea of ‘a proper pub, serving proper beer and proper food’ in the heart of Newcastle became an instant hit with drinkers and diners alike. Unusually, the pub is a creative and commercial partnership between 21 Hospitality Group and Live Theatre. Regular team meetings were held with the management of both organisations to ensure the pub, housed within a Live Theatre building, was a joint effort and the launch was a success. The pub now offers some of the best regional and world renowned craft ales and beers in Newcastle along with a quirky collection of whiskies. The food puts an emphasis on honest, home-cooked British dishes. Traditional classics with a contemporary twist are served in the dining room while a selection of mouth-watering bar snacks are also offered. The pub has won regional and national recognition for its food and service. It quickly became Newcastle’s first pub to be named in the Michelin Good Pub Guide; it is also one of a few North East venues to have a Michelin Bib Gourmand.