Festive Eats with Friends: 13 Places Perfect for a Christmas Catch Up

Christmas can be a hectic time of year; endless shopping lists, over-excited kids, huge meals and even more washing up (not to mention all that time spent with family!), the festive season can often be a stressful experience. Which is why we think you deserve a bit of downtime, an opportunity to catch up with old friends (or make new ones) and really take advantage of the most wonderful time of the year. So, here’s a few suggestions of perfect places to go in Newcastle for that Christmas catch-up and much-needed bit of time to yourself...

Banyan, Monument Mall

The vibrant and beautiful Banyan restaurant in Monument Mall makes for a great shopping pitstop, and their indulgent festive bottomless brunch packages are ideal for that elongated chat with your friends. Choose from two or three course set menus or festive feasts perfect for sharing.

Dine On The Tyne, Quayside

Treat yourself and your besties to a truly magical night in one of The Dining Society’s Dine on the Tyne bespoke pods located in the heart of the Quayside. An Asian-inspired menu will be whipped up by Ramside Hall while you enjoy the stunning location beside the River Tyne. Each heated pod comes equipped with its own speaker system and WiFi, and can host between 6-10 people at just £45 per head. Go on, you deserve it!

BrewDog, Dean Street

Hop fans will already be well acquainted with craft beer chain BrewDog, and their limited edition festive beers provide just another excuse to visit. While you’re imbibing, let their top pizza chefs provide sustenance with their epic sourdough pizzas, with loads of choice for veggies and vegans too. In fact, even their headliner beer range is vegan, so it’s a great place to visit for everyone in your social circle.

The Forth, Pink Lane

A relaxed and trendy location right by Central Station, The Forth is a great place to spend  time with friends and co-workers during the festive season. In fact, if it’s an office party location you’re looking for, they’ve got you well covered with celebration packages including great buffet options. There are also festive feasts and Chrimbo tipples, perfect for your next get-together.

The Vermont Hotel, Castle Garth

An elegant venue fit for every occasion, but made even more special at Christmas, the Vermont Hotel has a multitude of spaces to enjoy time with loved ones and friends, including the luxurious Maven restaurant and Above, a rooftop bar with an unrivalled view. Settle in with your pals for a festive afternoon tea or enjoy live entertainment with dinner packages. Santa himself even drops in for family afternoon tea events too!

Blackfriars, Friars Street

So much more than just a restaurant, the historic Blackfriars provide a warm and welcoming place to eat, drink and be merry. For something different, why not gather your mates for a Christmas Door Wreath Making session, festive wine tasting or canapè cookery lesson with their senior chef, then settle down to a three-course lunch or dinner from their special Christmas menu (available from 28th November).
 

Five Swans, St Mary’s Place

You can’t go wrong with a ‘Spoons deal, and their Christmas menu will include all your favourites from roasts with all the trimmings to juicy burgers, packed pies and decadent desserts. Great prices mean it’s a winner for everyone in your party, whether you’re out all night or just for a few.

21, Quayside

Celebrated chef Terry Laybourne’s flagship restaurant is the ideal location for a real treat, and their Quayside dining room is contemporary and chic, making for a lunch or evening meal to remember. Grab up to 14 of your nearest and dearest and indulge in a wonderful fixed-price menu full of Christmas favourites, or if a bigger party is in order their private dining room will cater for all your friends and acquaintances. The ever-reliable a-la-carte menu also includes festive favourites.

Chaophraya, Eldon Square

No one wants to eat turkey and sprouts for a month, and Chaophraya’s elegant Thai cuisine will provide a welcome change of pace for your catch-up with friends. Their experienced team are on hand to offer a warm welcome for parties of any size (you can even hire the whole restaurant if you’re pushing the boat out) and their stunning celebratory tasting menu includes added Christmas sparkle!
 

Cote Brasserie, Grainger Street

If you’ve got a globe-trotting friend looking for something different, this modern French brasserie is the place to be for traditional classics and regional specialities. Their Menu de Noël (offered between 30th November-24th December) is a thoughtfully curated three-course menu which is brimming with luxury ingredients.

Revoluçion de Cuba, Cloth Market

Get away from it all and transport yourself to the heady streets of Havana thanks to Revoluçion de Cuba’s evocative décor, food and cocktails. Their tapas menu is ideal for a group of six or more, and their two and three-course Christmas menus sparkle with traditional Cuban flair. Why not add a little more fizz to the fiesta with bottomless brunch with a Christmassy twist!

Aveika, Sandhill

When only the best will do for your bosom buddies, the playfully contemporary Japanese restaurant Aveika tears up the rulebooks of traditional Asian dining, with innovative dishes and modern twists. Enjoy signature cocktails, live DJs and party until the early hours. Special Christmas options include festive dining and the ever-popular bottomless brunch, food and drink packages and a dynamic festive menu ideal for adventurous souls. You can also hire their courtyard and mezzanine terrace, making a night to truly remember.
 

Hugo Brasserie, Quayside

After a bracing walk along the Quayside nothing can beat a warm and cosy meal and a natter. Whether you’re looking for a refined lunchtime get-together or an evening shindig, Hugo’s has a range of two and three-course meal options which include Prosecco Bellini and crackers too!
 

Before all the Christmas madness sets in, make some time for a meal or drink with friends in Newcastle this festive season. From haute cuisine to tapas treats, the city has it all, so you can find something perfect for whichever group you're out with. For more inspiration on fixed-price menus, or festive delicacies, visit our Offers page here.