Blackfriars restaurant named in Time Out’s EAT List

Global media and entertainment company Time Out has named Blackfriars as the top restaurant in Newcastle.

The EAT List by Time Out ranks the best restaurants in over 50 cities worldwide. It is put together by the magazine’s editors and contributing writers, who have travelled the length and breadth of the UK to dine their way through hundreds of restaurants.

The lists celebrate the very best places to eat right now, from cheap and innovative new restaurants to fine dining establishments.

Trends brought to light by The EAT List include the growing appeal of plant-based restaurants for vegetarians, vegans and meat-eaters alike.

Eateries with a focus on provenance and using locally-sources ingredients have also become more popular, as well as those places that encourage sharing with small and medium-sized plates.

Time Out’s review of Blackfriars said: “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.”

Explaining the thinking behind The EAT List, James Manning, global projects editor at Time Out, said: “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.”

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.”