Sunday lunch is undoubtedly the foodie highlight of the week. For me, the classic roast dinner is contentment on a plate. If you’re craving hearty, wholesome food this weekend, then you’re in luck, as I’ve rounded up my favourite Sunday lunches in Newcastle. Enjoy!
Brinkburn St Brewery, Bar & Kitchen
You’ll find Brinkburn St Brewery in the Ouseburn, home to cool cultural venues, indie pubs and some top notch eateries.
My Sunday lunch here was sublime in terms of the flavours, portion size and variety of veg. The Hasselback potatoes were a tasty alternative to roasties too, rounded off with a dousing of Byker brown ale and oxtail gravy (albeit a little thinner than I would usually like).
The space itself is pretty eclectic with mismatched furniture and pictures strewn across the walls – there’s even a separate games room. And, of course, you can enjoy a selection of beers brewed on-site. It’s perfect for a lazy Sunday followed by a mooch around the Ouseburn valley.
The Broad Chare
The Broad Chare is a joint venture between 21 Hospitality (led by renowned local restaurateur, Terry Laybourne) and Live Theatre.
Located on the bustling Quayside, this popular pub-come-bistro is just a stone’s throw from the Tyne Bridge. It promises “well-kept beer, honest food, friendly company and good cheer” and holds a prestigious Michelin Bib Gourmand.
The dining space is relaxed with a traditional pub vibe, but more refined around the edges. As for the food on my visit – roast topside of beef – this was delicious. The perfect destination for all the Sunday lunch goodness you could need.
Tomahawk Steakhouse
A steak lover’s favourite, Tomahawk on the Quayside serves up roast beef Wagyu topside on its Sunday lunch menu, alongside garlic and herb marinated chicken and belly pork. But if you’re struggling to choose, plump for all three instead with the restaurant’s epic sharing board.
Alongside generous cuts of meat, the large wooden board comes with a jug of red wine gravy each, beef dripping roast potatoes, cauliflower cheese, crackling, braised red cabbage, pork and herb stuffing, and fluffy Yorkshire puddings.
Tucking into a large sharing platter feels like the ultimate weekend indulgence – and it’s certainly a challenge to clear every last crumb off it! Considering the portions and quality of the food, this lunch is great value.
Wylam Brewery
Sometimes, the setting is what really makes a dining experience memorable and when you walk through Exhibition Park towards the lake that glimmers in front of Wylam Brewery, it feels like you’re about to enjoy something rather special.
Ideal for an afternoon out with the whole family, Wylam Brewery’s food menu has got your Sunday lunch cravings covered, with the likes of beef, leg of lamb and roast belly of pork accompanied by bashed roots, roasties, buttered greens and glazed parsnips.
The dining area is really spacious and light, and just an all-round lovely backdrop that feels more like a countryside hideaway than a stone’s throw from the heart of Newcastle.
Pleased to Meet You
Pleased to Meet You is located on High Bridge in the city centre and it’s one of my go-to restaurants for a more sophisticated affair on a Sunday afternoon. It serves up such a substantial portion of food, including one of the largest Yorkshire puddings I’ve ever seen!
My roast dinner last time included a breast of chicken on the bone with mashed turnip, braised red cabbage, carrots, parsnip, broccoli, stuffing, roast potatoes, and a dollop of mashed potato. Plus, lots of meaty gravy to finish it off.
The cocktails and desserts are also superb. The gin salted caramel cheesecake, served with a rich chocolate truffle on the side, was pure indulgence.
Cog and Wheel
This independent cocktail bar and eatery only opened its doors in 2020, in what used to be a small hotel on Sandyford Road.
Sandwiched on the cusp between Sandyford and Jesmond, Cog and Wheel is a popular destination with students and young professionals, and it exudes a laid-back vibe. It’s all about yummy food, a friendly service, and a natter with your friends.
Sunday lunches here are simple but appetising, with a choice of chicken, beef or vegan sausages on the menu, all served with the usual trimmings.
The Maven
The Maven is housed within the Vermont Hotel and describes itself as a ‘decadent dining experience’, with global influences peppered throughout its eclectic menu.
The restaurant’s surroundings are ultra-stylish and in keeping with the Vermont’s elegant 1930s grandiose interior. It also enjoys views over the Quayside.
As for its Sunday lunches, expect slow cooked feather blade of beef, confit lamb shoulder, roast belly pork, chicken supreme, and apricot and chestnut nut roast, together with classic desserts such as sticky toffee pudding, rhubarb trifle, and panna cotta.
Blackfriars
Dating back to the 1230s and laying claim to being the oldest purpose-built dining room in the UK – Blackfriars has a top reputation locally and is renowned for using the best seasonal produce. Its medieval banquets and cookery school are also hugely popular with foodies.
The restaurant is nestled between China Town and The Gate and boasts a quaint outdoor courtyard. This pocket of the city feels like a space that time forgot and exudes plenty of charm.
Sunday lunch at Blackfriars is nothing short of delicious and you’ll find all the staples on its menu, from pan-roasted chicken and Northumbrian rump of beef to Crane Row pork belly and Northumberland lamb leg.
The Earl of Pitt Street
Situated close to St James’ Park, The Earl of Pitt Street is a short walk from Newcastle city centre, making it the definition of a hidden gem!
It describes its decor as a mash up of ‘Alfred Hitchcock meets Vivienne Westwood’, so that should hint towards the quirkiness that awaits when you step inside!
As for its Sunday lunch offering – think a relaxed atmosphere and a generous portion of good ol’ hearty food that will leave you feeling stuffed in the best possible way.
Gunner Tavern
Gunner Tavern occupies what, once upon a time, used to be Gotham bar, directly opposed Central Station. It’s a stylish and contemporary venue these days though, with scrummy food to match!
I’m always a big fan of getting your own gravy jug, so I knew I was onto a winner when my plate arrived. Its selection of well presented spit roasted Sunday lunches includes chicken, pork belly, beef, gammon, and celeriac steak.
Bar Luga
A mainstay within Newcastle’s city centre for a number of years, Bar Luga still holds its own as a drinking and dining destination on Grey Street. It’s also perfectly placed for shoppers seeking respite from the hustle and bustle of Eldon Square and Northumberland Street.
My roast dinner was delish thanks to a rich, flavoursome gravy, with thick slices of beef perched on top of smooth mash, roast potatoes, honey glazed carrots, savoy cabbage and fine beans. The dessert selection is great too, if you have space to squeeze in something sweet afterwards!
And that’s a wrap on my top Sunday lunches! What are your favourite destinations? Let me know if you have any other recommendations by tagging #nclsparkles on Instagram.
*I recommend checking current menus before visiting any restaurant, as these frequently change.
