Review on Route
Having made a big impression with The Straith House on North Shields Fish Quay, Masterchef the Professionals finalist 2010 John Calton, together with his wife Kimberley and business partner, James Laffan have opened a bistro venture called Route in Newcastle. Just steps from Newcastle Castle and a short walk from the station, inside it has a casual vibe with wooden tables and chairs set against olive green banquettes. There's also three tall stools placed by the full length windows overlooking the street, and a few tables on the pavement when the weather is warm.
Like it's award-winning sibling, Route received a Bib Gourmand in the 2019 edition of the prestigious Michelin Guide. The kitchen looks to small plates for its regularly changing menu emphasising quality seasonal produce, allowing the natural flavours to burst through. From the sea look for dishes along the lines of a vinaigrette of Shetland mussels, shrimps and tomatoes on toasted treacle bread or salmon fishcakes, crushed peas and curry. Meat lovers fear not there's also a tempting array of dishes like glazed duck hearts, grits, smokey bacon crumb and charred corn or Stanhope Moor grouse, black pudding, celeriac, beetroot relish and pickled walnut. Later turn your attention to desserts like raspberry catalan and a dark chocolate almond tart.
Accompanying the menu is a well conceived wine list of over 70 bins including organic, bio dynamic and natural wines.
Route is also featured in: Michelin Guide
Rate this RestaurantCuisine
British / Tapas
Restaurant Opening Times
Lunch: 12.00 - 2.00pm Sat & 12.00 - 4.00pm Sun
Dinner: Mon, Wed, Thu-Sat 5.00 - 9.00pm
Accepted credit cards
Visa, Master Card