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New On The Vine Newcastle & North East

A Taste Of Persia

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Persian cuisine will be unfamiliar to most so if you're looking for a new culinary experience, this Newcastle city centre restaurant is the place to go. Largely grilled, Persian food is noted for its sumptuous rice dishes and its combinations of herbs, fruits and saffron. At A Taste Of Persia you can take a plunge with the a la carte selection, go with one of the set menus for two, three or four people, or try the Makhsoos, a selection of grilled meat dishes served with rice or salad. The restaurant also has an authentic Persian private dining room if you are organising a special event. ...more information

14 Marlborough Crescent - Newcastle City Centre - NE1 4EE - 0871 7141645

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Ali Baba

Located in Bigg Market in the heart of Newcastle, Ali Baba is a Persian restaurant that specialises in live entertainment. Belly dancing is regularly featured here as well as the special Persian Nights and Greek Nights with live artists. It's always a fun night out and although Ali Baba normally closes at 11pm it does have a late licence right through to 3am. The extensive menu covers kebabs, casseroles, stews and rice dishes as well as seafood, vegetarian and kiddies' choices. ...more information

7-9 Bigg Market - Newcastle City Centre - NE1 1UN - 0871 5299513

Amber Side Cafe

The Amber Side Cafe is part of the Amber cinema and gallery complex close to the Tyne quayside. It's a historic old location that was almost ripped down and redeveloped by the council in the 1960s until the current owners bought it and launched a petition that saved the quayside. It's long had a reputation for simple food done well and is open during the day seven days a week and evenings from Tuesday to Saturday. It has recently been refurbished and refitted but has retained its rustic old feel. Whisky fans can look forward to a dedicated whisky bar as well as the regular monthly whisky tastings. ...more information

1-3 Side - Quayside - NE1 3JE - 0871 7141512

Amers Restaurant

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Newly awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand, Amers Restaurant at the Jesmond Hotel is now home to one of the northeast's most accomplished chefs, Paul Amer. A la carte and early bird menus offer modern British dishes served in the softly-lit 22-cover restaurant. There are regular gourmet nights and Amers is now opening for lunch from Tuesday to Friday. The Jesmond Hotel has 18 ensuite rooms and is 20 minutes walk from Newcastle's football ground. ...more information

Jesmond Hotel - 34 Osborne Road - Jesmond - NE2 2AJ - 0871 9606149

Arami

Arami is a new Asian restaurant that marries award-winning interior design with authentic Bangladeshi (and Indian) cuisine. It's located on Newcastle's Leazes Park Road, where the eyecatching design utilises brown leather furniture, walnut finishes and neutral colours to create a contemporary and spacious feel. The menu incorporates Bangladeshi dishes as well as plenty of fish choices and Arami is one of the few restaurants in the UK to serve the jackfruit, Bangladesh's national fruit. Aramee in North Shields is a sister restaurant. ...more information

6-10 Leazes Park Road - Newcastle City Centre - NE1 4PF - 0871 5299549

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At Bangkok Cafe

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At Bangkok Cafe is deliberately modelled on a typical Bangkok café where you can enjoy authentic Thai food in a very relaxed, friendly, informal and contemporary atmosphere. The menus are very simple and the food is cooked without artificial colouring or MSG and complemented by great drinks at reasonable prices. You can choose from the a la carte menu or the extremely good value set lunch and dinner menus. Plenty of vegetarian dishes and parties of up to 20 are welcome. Special event menu available online. ...more information

39-41 Low Friar Street - Newcastle City Centre - NE1 5UE - 0871 5299566

Austins Bar & Bistro

Austins Bar & Bistro is set within the stunning grounds of Durham County Cricket Club at the Riverside in Chester-le-Street. With 600-year-old Lumley Castle as a backdrop, this is one of the north east’s most picturesque venues and you don’t have to be a member – or a cricket fan – to enjoy a meal here. Prices are surprisingly affordable and all tastes are catered for from a quick sandwich and coffee through to a relaxed and informal evening meal. Austins is open seven days a week serving food from 11.30am until 9.30pm (2.30pm on Sundays) and the bar is licensed until midnight. Boxes and function rooms are also available for private hire. ...more information

Durham County Cricket Club - The Riverside - Chester-le-Street - DH3 3QR - 0871 5299575

Best Western Highfield Hotel

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Less than a mile from Middlesborough city centre, the Best Western Highfield Hotel is ideally located for both business and leisure travellers visiting the Teeside area. Recently taken over by Tavistock Leisure and fully refurbished, this elegant 23-room hotel combines period charm with modern facilities, including wifi internet access in all bedrooms and public areas. It's fully geared up for business conferences as well as wedding functions. The hotel restaurant has reopened as Tavistock Italia. ...more information

Marton Road - Middlesbrough - TS4 2PA - 0871 9606158

Big Mussel

'Casual Style, Serious Seafood' is the promise at Big Mussel and this Newcastle Quayside restaurant does not disappoint. Unsurprisingly, mussels figure prominently and they come by the pot, platter and bowl with a choice of sauces and served with chips, mayo and a crusty roll. All very Belgian and there are plenty of Belgian bottled beers -- as well as wines, champagnes and cocktails -- to wash them down with. If mussels aren't necessarily your thing then the menu offers plenty of other fish and seafood choices as well as mains like steak, sausage and mash, chicken supreme and roasted red peppers. ...more information

15 The Side - Quayside - NE1 3JE - 0871 5299688

Bistro En Glaze

This cosy yet contemporary 40-seater restaurant is attached to a small guesthouse with four rooms in Wylam, in the heart of the Tyne Valley. It's a labour of love for the young owners who have created a moderately priced menu with a real international flavour. Wylam is only 11 miles from Newcastle but is a great rural retreat from the city. ...more information

Laburnum House - Wylam - Hexham - NE41 8AJ - 0871 5299706

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Blackfriars Restaurant

Blackfriars Restaurant lays claim to be the oldest purpose-built restaurant in the UK, dating back to 1239 when it was a refectory for the 'Black Friars'. Today it's one of the north east's most high-profile restaurants with a string of accolades to its name, including an AA rosette and Metro's Restaurant of the Year award as well as being voted Best Restaurant in the North East by the Observer. The dining room is on two levels, with inglenooks and corners allowing diners to enjoy an intimate meal. In summer, the original medieval courtyard is used for al fresco dining. The Modern British menus use local fresh seasonal produce with choices ranging from a lunchtime cafe menu to full evening a la carte. The Blackfriars wine list is one of the UK's top 20. ...more information

Friars Street - Newcastle City Centre - NE1 4XN - 0871 811 4374

Brasserie Black Door

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Building on their hugely successful fine dining restaurant Black Door, Chef David Kennedy and business partner David Ladd opened Brasserie Black Door in the Biscuit Factory in May 2006. The 100-cover brasserie has a more relaxed feel with light wooden floors, soft furnishings and warm colours as well as an art gallery showcasing local talent running the length of the room. The menu will focus on offering creative cooking at affordable prices in a buzzy atmosphere, with grilled meats and steaks to the fore as well as healthy eating options. Private dining facilities are available for up to 20 people. ...more information

Biscuit Factory - Stoddart Street - Jesmond - NE2 1AN - 0871 811 4378

Capital Indian Restaurant

Durham’s Capital Indian Restaurant is housed in an old auction room on Claypath, a prime location and a peaceful part of the city. The chef, Syed Zohorul Islam, won the chef of the year award at the British Fusion Food Festival in 2006 – an accolade which saw him jetting off to compete in Dhaka and Calcutta. At the Capital he puts his skills to good use with a menu that focuses on north Indian cuisine with Bengali influences. There’s an extensive choice covering all the traditional curry house favourites as well as more innovative dishes such as the lamb chops served with peach sauce. A good choice of wines and champagnes too. For groups and parties, special set menus can be tailor made to suit. The Capital is open seven days a week from 6pm-11.30pm. ...more information

69 Claypath - Durham - DH1 1QT - 0871 5299911

Casa Bellissimo

Casa Bellissimo in Whitley Bay is a traditional family run Italian that’s housed in an old bank building. It seats 80 and is open seven nights a week as well as for lunch on weekends. Expect plenty of pizza and pasta choices as well as a good selection of chicken, steak and fish mains, all served with a choice of seasonal vegetables or home made chips. The a la carte is good value but there are also happy hour meals every day as well as a special Sunday lunch menu and a Bambino’s menu. Casa Bellissimo also has a separate smoking area. ...more information

201-203 Whitley Road - Whitley Bay - NE26 2SY - 0871 5299936

Chiquito

Chiquito in Gateshead is part of a national chain of 50-plus Mexican restaurants that was first established in the UK in 1989. They have the biggest restaurant in the Metro Centre which makes them the ideal place for large parties. It offers a winning formula of lively Latino music, a vibrant party atmosphere, ice-cold margheritas and of course a mouth-watering choice of Mexican dishes. The trademark Chiquito fajitas arrive at your table on a sizzling platter, now with a choice from seven fillings. Classic Mexican dishes like chilli con carne, quesadillas, burritos, tacos, nachos and enchiladas all feature too, as well as a good choice of salads, steaks, burgers, wraps and sandwiches. Kids are well catered for with an extensive Little Explorers' menu that covers kiddie favourites, more adventurous Mexican dishes and a range of healthy options. If you're planning a party -- for kids, adults or both -- Chiquito is geared up to make it a special occasion with the choice of a pinata to make the Mexican experience more unique. Monday nights offer free salsa classes and Sunday is family day with free face painting and balloon modelling available. Open seven days a week right through from breakfast till late. ...more information

29-31 Russell Way - Metro Centre - Gateshead - NE11 9YZ - 0871 9614734

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Chiquito

Chiquito in Durham is part of a national chain of 50-plus Mexican restaurants that was first established in the UK in 1989. It offers a winning formula of lively Latino music, a vibrant party atmosphere, ice-cold margheritas and of course a mouthwatering choice of Mexican dishes. The trademark Chiquito fajitas arrive at your table on a sizzling platter, now with a choice from seven fillings. Classic Mexican dishes like chilli con carne, quesadillas, burritos, tacos, nachos and enchiladas all feature too, as well as a good choice of salads, steaks, burgers, wraps and sandwiches. Kids are well catered for with an extensive Little Explorers' menu that covers kiddie favourites, more adventurous Mexican dishes and a range of healthy options. If you're planning a party -- for kids, adults or both -- Chiquito is geared up to make it a special occasion with a dancefloor and salsa lessons available. Chiquito is open seven days a week right through from lunch til late. ...more information

6A Walkergate - Durham - DH1 1SQ - 0871 9614726

Dolce Vita Pizzeria

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A cosy Italian restaurant with a real traditional feel, Dolce Vita Pizzeria is located close to Newcastle train station. It’s decorated in red and green with rustic scenes adorning the walls. The menu here covers lots of ground – far more than just the usual pizza and pizza staples – and includes plenty of veal, steak and chicken choices as well as a real smorgasbord of fish and seafood options. Prices are very reasonable too with most mains priced around the £7-£9 mark and pasta/pizza at £5. ...more information

59 Westgate Road - Newcastle City Centre - NE1 1SG - 0871 7140180

Dyke Neuk

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The Dyke Neuk is a characterful country pub and restaurant situated in the beautiful rolling countryside to the west of Morpeth. It’s under new management and there’s a real commitment here to serving quality food with signature dishes like Northumbrian local rabbit casserole. The Dyke Neuk has seating for 100 in the restaurant and another 40 in the bar but the place to be is in the conservatory with its splendid rural views. A refurb is currently underway of the upstairs part of the pub and you will soon be able to stay over in one of four new ensuite rooms. ...more information

Dyke Neuk - Meldon - Morpeth - NE61 3SL - 0871 7140220

Fishermans Lodge

Enjoying a wonderfully secluded parkland location yet just five minutes away from Newcastle city centre, the two-AA-rosetted Fishermans Lodge is one of the northeast's top restaurants. Originally built as a gamekeeper's lodge for Lord Armstrong, it's been recognised for more than 20 years now as the city's best seafood restaurant with fish bought daily direct from the quayside at North Shields. The imaginative modern British menus also feature Northumbrian lamb, beef and venison and are complemented by a renowned wine cellar with sommelier Leo Battaglia on hand to offer advice. Open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday, Fishermans Lodge is well equipped to handle weddings and business conferences. ...more information

Jesmond Dene - Newcastle City Centre - NE7 7BQ - 0871 7140302

God's Kitchen

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When it comes to naming your restaurant, God’s Kitchen might seem a little bit presumptuous until you take into account that this fine dining restaurant is housed in a former chapel. Brothers Jamie and Russell Hall opened God’s Kitchen in Chester Moor, south of Chester-le-Street, in December 2005 and recruited chef John Paul Cummings (ex-Michelin-starred Seaham Hall) to create an upmarket dining experience. The tastefully restored building lends itself to luxurious dining with chandeliers and candlelight combining with opulent furnishings to create just the right ambience. There’s room for 72 diners on three levels with corners and inglenooks for intimate dining and private dining for up to 20 people at mezzanine level. In summer, you can dine al fresco on the decking that surrounds the building. God’s Kitchen is open for lunch Friday-Sunday and dinner Monday-Saturday. ...more information

Front Street - Chester Moor - Chester-le-Street - DH2 3RJ - 0871 9614646

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Gourmet Spot

Is this the northeast's answer to Heston Blumenthal? Quite possibly. Gourmet Spot opened in May 2007 with chef Sean Wilkinson bringing molecular gastronomy to Durham. Dishes like Scallop-cucumber-green tea-wasabi feature on the aptly named Surrealism menu (10 courses plus coffee, £55.55). Other possibilities might be the Deconstructed textures of Bloody Mary or a Morphology of lamb. If you're not quite so adventurous, the Normality menu offers a slightly more restrained take on this style of cutting edge cooking with starters such as King prawn tempura-pickled ginger-fennel-grapefruit foam (£10.50) and mains like Slow cooked belly of pork-apple jelly-veal reduction- pea caviar (£16.95). The accompanying wine list, with many selections available by the glass, stretches to well ovr 100 bins. Gourmet Spot is open from 6.30pm to midnight, Monday to Saturday, and is part of the 13-room Farnley Tower Hotel. ...more information

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The Avenue - Durham - DH1 4DX - 0871 9606152

Grainger Rooms

Chris Slaughter, one of the northeast's most promising young chefs, has opened his own restaurant, the Grainger Rooms. It's housed in Higham Place, which was built in the 1830s by Sir Richard Grainger and formed the prototype for much of Newcastle's Georgian city centre. As Head Chef at Blackfriars, Chris was the holder of an AA rosette and a Michelin Bib Gourmand and in his new venture he aims to showcase Modern British dishes that are firmly anchored on local produce and suppliers. There's a choice of menus at the Grainger Rooms -- a simple grill menu, a more sophisticated restaurant menu, a 'chef's table' tasting menu for parties of more than eight, and cheaper set menus available at lunchtimes and early evening. The carefully chosen wine selection complements the menus and there is also a choice of ciders and ales from local microbreweries. ...more information

7 Higham Place - Newcastle City Centre - NE1 8AF - 0871 9606151

Hadrian Restaurant & Bar

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Hadrian Restaurant & Bar is situated in the beautiful countryside on the edge of Tynedale, midway between the villages of Chopwell and Hedley-on-the Hill. It’s an old lead mining area and the 200-year-old building, known locally as ‘the bairns’, sits amidst old cottages built for the workers. New owners took over in 2007 and spent half a million giving this old pub a thoroughly modern makeover, adding an open kitchen as well as a south-facing decked area to take maximum advantage of the rural location. The menu is Italian-inspired with a good selection of pizza, pasta and risotto as well as ‘continental’ options like beef stroganoff and steak chateaubriand. Some good-value Happy Hour and set menus too. ...more information

Leadgate Cottages - Chopwell - Gateshead - NE17 7AU - 0871 9614608