NE1 for Bait? Recommendations for Restaurant Week January 16th – 22nd
With just one week to go, the countdown to NE1’s Newcastle Restaurant Week is officially on so we caught up with local foodie and blogger Steve Widdrington of NE1 For Bait fame to see where he plans on heading this January.
Thankfully this January NE1’s Newcastle Restaurant Week is back to cure us of the January blues.
This year you can choose from over 116 different restaurants, so we’re spoiled for choice! With this being the case, it can sometimes be hard knowing which places to pick to go for food.
That’s why I’ve partnered up with NE1 to help you decide by showcasing some of my top picks of where to visit during this year’s January Restaurant Week.
I hope this guide helps and if you’re ever struggling for inspiration for places to eat in the North East then give my Instagram page a follow - @ne1forbait.
Chart House
Offer: 2 Courses £15, 3 Courses £20
Located on Newcastle’s Quayside, the recently renovated Chart House is located in the historical home of Matthew S Dodds, a printer of books, maps and charts that sailors setting out to sea would come to buy. The distinctive original ‘Charts’ signage can still be seen on the front of the building. Ever since this has re-opened I’ve been dying to try here as it has been decorated beautifully inside and the food looks fantastic.
What I’d order:
Starter - Salt and Pepper Chicken - Pan-Fried Sweet Red Peppers and Onion
Main - Pan Fried Seabass Fillets - Braised Courgette, Cherry Tomatoes and Roast Baby Potatoes (WF)
Dessert - Apple Tarte Tatin (V)
21
Offer: 2 Courses £20
One of my favorite restaurants in Newcastle, owned by the renowned Terry Laybourne and 21 Hospitality Group. 21 is a city centre restaurant with a city centre buzz. Offering warm, generous hospitality, skillful cooking and a good-time feel. I’ve dined here a few times now and my must-try dish is the cheese souffle, it is to die for!
What I’d order:
Starter - Cheddar Cheese and Spinach Soufflé (V)
Main - Medallions of Beef ‘au Poivre’
Dessert - Orange Savarin - with Mandarin and Cinnamon Cream, Vanilla Panna Cotta, Poached Yorkshire Rhubarb and Pistachio Sablé
Horticulture
Offer: £15 Offer, £20 Offer
Located on Market Lane, Horticulture is one of the coolest bar/restaurants in Newcastle. Offering fresh, organic, locally sourced produce & unique, tasty, forward-thinking dishes, they’re not one to be missed! A unique offer here with Horticulture is that they have Brunch options as well as Dinner options.
What I’d order:
£15 Offer (Choose 1 Brunch Dish and 1 Hash Brown)
Brunch - Pork Belly Benedict - Apple Ketchup Hollandaise, Celeriac Ash, Sourdough
Shloumi - Halloumi, Creamy Avocado, Wild Mushrooms, Poached Eggs, Sourdough Toast, Sriracha, Paprika Oil (V)
£20 Offer (Choose 1 Snack, 3 Small Plates and 1 Side)
Snacks - Hummus & Flatbreads (VG)
Small Plates - Crispy Pork Belly, Quince, Chilli, Celeriac, Mustard (GF) (DF), Jerk Fried Cod, Coconut & Lime Tartar (GF) & Vegetable Tempura, Seasonal Veg, Sriracha, Togorashi (VG)
Sides - Spiced Horti Fries, Salsa Macha, Spring Onion, Sriracha (VG) (GF)
Kaltur
Offer: £20 Offer
Spanish wine bar and restaurant located on High Bridge Street and also on Dean Street. Both restaurants have a great intimate atmosphere, taking inspiration from similar bar/restaurants in Spain. They are a family and friend run business serving up some of the best tapas in Newcastle.
What I’d order:
Iberico Pork Cheek - Celeriac Puree, Parsnip Crisp
Patatas Bravas - Homemade Brava & Alioli Sauce (V) (VG available)
Iberico Ham Croquettes - Onion Confit
Porterhouse
Offer: 2 Courses £20
My favorite steak restaurant in Newcastle. Located within Fenwick’s Food Hall, this is another of the 21 hospitality group’s brilliant restaurants. It is unique space that incorporates a butcher shop as well as a restaurant, I love the ‘we cook what we sell, we sell what we cook’ approach.
What I’d order:
Starters - Sugar Pit Bacon Ribs, Celeriac/Apple Remoulade and Walnuts
Mains - Flat-iron Steak & Eggs - HP Sauce and Fries
Dessert - Soft Meringue, Poached Yorkshire Rhubarb and Candied Seville Orange
