Time Out reveal top restaurant in Newcastle is Blackfriars
The list of best restaurants in the UK has been announced by Time Out with Blackfriars, located in a former medieval friary, being the top place to eat in Newcastle.
The EAT List by Time Out, ranks the best restaurants in more than 50 cities worldwide and to compile the annual EAT Lists for cities around the UK, Time Out editors and contributing writers have crisscrossed the country to dine their way through hundreds of restaurants. The lists celebrate the very best places to eat in these cities right now, from cheap and innovative new restaurants to fine dining establishments.
In Newcastle, the top restaurant was Blackfriars, located on Friars Street in Newcastle. The review says: “At Blackfriars Restaurant, diners can go full medieval-themed banquet (for large groups booking in advance) or simply enjoy fine European dining in a unique setting: a 13th-century friary. Those going all out can enjoy a whole suckling pig with all the trimmings, or simply the rare-breed pork belly, black pudding mash, leeks and apple gravy”.
Trends brought to light by The EAT List include the ever-growing appeal of plant-based restaurants for vegetarians, vegans and meat-eaters alike; the focus on provenance at a number of the top spots, with chefs regularly updating menus to work with seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients; and the popularity of small and medium plates, encouraging sharing and enjoying a meal together – though the lists in many cities still include top-notch tasting menus for celebrations and special occasion blow-outs.
James Manning, Global Projects Editor at Time Out, says: “The Time Out EAT List reflects the way people across the UK (and the world) love to eat right now, from classic curry houses to hip vegan joints. We prize the places that combine great cooking with atmosphere and service, with an unashamed bias towards great-value restaurants you’ll want to visit again and again. There has never been a better time to dine out in the UK, and this is your essential guide to the best spots for every occasion.
“At Time Out, we’ve eaten our way through countless restaurants for more than 50 years on our quest to discover the best of the city. Time Out’s recommendations are made by expert, independent local writers and our reviewers visit anonymously and pay their way. It's a given that for a venue to make one of Time Out’s recommended lists the food has to be amazing, but we're looking for a whole eating experience that’s truly memorable."
Andy Hook, managing director of Blackfriars added: “We are over the moon at being selected as the only restaurant in Newcastle by Time Out during the year we are crowned the Taste of the North East in the North East England Tourism Award and Best Sunday Roast by the Daily Mail. This achievement is testament to all of the hard work put in by our staff and I also think Blackfriars is unique to the city being the oldest dining room in the UK, having served as a refectory for the Dominican friars since 1239, giving visitors a real taste of history”.
Time Out, the global media and leisure brand that has helped people go out better since 1968, today curates the best things to do in 327 cities in 58 countries.
