Review on Blackfriars Restaurant
Dominican 'blackfriars' did indeed once use this historic building as a refectory. Built in 1239 as an adjunct to the priory, it lays claim to being the oldest surviving dining room in the UK. The place oozes history, with exposed stonework, heavy wooden floors, thick church candles and terracotta walls: no wonder specially staged medieval banquets are popular. It's also worth taking advantage of the grassy courtyard when the weather allows (ready-made picnics can be purchased to eat outside).
Elsewhere, the food strikes a contemporary note, although the kitchen has changed course of late and moved away from global fusion. Instead, diners can look forward to traditional and modern British dishes based on carefully sourced seasonal ingredients from the north-east and beyond.
The repertoire embraces everything from pan-fried Northumbrian pigeon breasts hazelnut purée and cherry salad or smoked North Sea cod with saffron spiced risotto, poached egg and curried garlic butter to mini 'full English breakfast' or tenderloin and braised belly of Durham pork with creamed sprouts, bacon and sages jus. Desserts (apple and cinnamon crumble, say) and Northern cheeses complete the show, and the wine list offers a good spread of bottles from across the globe.
Blackfriars Restaurant is also featured in: Michelin Guide, Good Food Guide, AA Guide
Rate this RestaurantCuisine
Traditional British
Chef
Chris Wardale
Restaurant Opening Times
Lunch: 12.00 - 2.30pm Mon-Sat (12.00 - 4.00pm Sun)
Dinner: 5.30 - 10.00pm Mon-Sat
Accepted credit cards
Visa, Master Card, American Express
