Our North East and Edinburgh tasting partners are guaranteed to impress

Set in a 13th-century friary, Blackfriars blends medieval heritage with award-winning cuisine and themed banquets. Owned by Andy and Sam Hook, it’s a unique venue celebrating local ingredients and centuries of dining history.

Founded by Dr. Lee Renforth in 2015, Brinkburn Street Brewery in Byker combines a craft brewery, bar, and kitchen, offering handcrafted beers and locally sourced cuisine. They also host events and brewery tours in their community-focused space.

Owned by chef and food writer Anna Hedworth, Cook House in Ouseburn serves locally inspired dishes recognised by various food guides. They offer brunch, lunch, dinner, and a selection of items from their menu in a small shop.

Owned by Marian Ion and Diana, Crepes Gourmet offers a delightful selection of sweet and savoury crêpes made with high-quality local ingredients in Grainger Market. Their menu includes vegan and gluten-free options to cater to all tastes.

Founded by Rajiv Tiwari, Dakwala brings the vibrant flavours of Bombay to Newcastle, offering authentic Indian dishes in a lively setting. The restaurant captures the essence of traditional Khanawal eateries, providing a unique dining experience.

Opened in 2016 by Andy Hook, Dobson and Parnell fuses Victorian charm with seasonal, sustainable fine dining. Set in a Grade II listed building, it offers tasting menus and wine pairings in elegant surroundings.

Founded by former engineer Hong Li in 2014, Dumpling and Bun is renowned for steamed, flavour-packed dumplings rooted in Chinese tradition. Now in a larger Grainger Market spot, it's beloved for authentic taste and innovative technique.

El Torero brings the spirit of Spain to Newcastle with a wide variety of tapas, paella, and other specialty dishes. Their extensive wine selection complements the authentic Spanish cuisine.

Established in 2012, Ernest is an independent café bar in Ouseburn, run by a collective of artists, makers, and designers. They serve honest food and drinks while hosting music and art events in a vibrant community atmosphere.

Launched in 2013 in Blaydon-on-Tyne, Firebrick Brewery crafts beers inspired by local history, like Blaydon Brick and Giuseppe lager. Known for bold flavours and expanding ranges, they blend regional pride with global stories.

Run by Cédric and Catherine Boc-Ho since 2017, The French Quarter blends French charm with local flair in a relaxed wine bar setting. Featuring small plates, curated wines, and a deli, it’s a slice of France in Newcastle.

Founded in 2013 by David McDonald, Geordie Bangers blends three generations of family butchery with modern flair. Known for creative sausages like the Sycamore Sizzler, they celebrate local culture and community in every bite.

King Baby Bagels, founded by self-taught duo Joss and Gordon, began at Tynemouth Market in 2019 and opened a Grainger Market stall in 2021. Known for hand-rolled, New York-style bagels with creative fillings, they’ve built a devoted following.

Owned by La Mancha natives Olga and Angel, La Gambas began in 2016, later expanding into a tapas restaurant. They import artisanal products from Spain, offering a truly authentic and exclusive culinary experience.

Established in 1936, Lindsay Bros is a third-generation fishmonger known for premium, locally sourced seafood and sustainable practices. They now also serve seafood stotties, adding a modern twist to their award-winning legacy.

Magic Hat Café fights food waste by transforming surplus ingredients into inventive, pay-as-you-feel meals. A community-driven initiative, it blends sustainability, social impact, and delicious cooking.

Manhua Cha, known for its bubble teas, joined Grainger Market in summer 2023. Owner Dave Hall expanded next door with a sweet shop offering global treats and traditional pick ’n’ mix.

A Grainger Market favourite since 1958, Matthew’s Cheese offers over 150 British and European varieties, with a focus on Northumberland cheeses. Praised for expert service and rare finds, it’s a must-visit for cheese lovers.

Founded by DJ Paul Stewart, Miso is a Japanese restaurant in Ouseburn offering a menu of small plates and cocktails in a stylish setting. Their dishes are inspired by traditional Japanese izakaya dining.

Founded by Toby Davison, North Shore Coffee Co serves specialty brews in Newcastle's Grainger Market, inspired by Melbourne's coffee culture. Their commitment to quality and community has made them a local favourite.

Located on Neville Street, Priory Press Juice Bar serves cold-pressed juices, smoothies, and superfood snacks. Known for vibrant blends and eco-conscious ethos, it’s a refreshing stop in the city centre.

Opened in 2023 by Aldo Hasani, Salparo offers Greek cuisine led by Chef Isaak Tsopouridis, with standout dishes like grilled octopus and feta dough balls. Meaning “sail away,” it invites diners to escape the ordinary.

Opened in 2018 by Rachel and Ravi, Snackwallah brings vibrant, plant-based Indian street food to Grainger Market. Loved for affordable, flavour-packed dishes like pani puri, it’s a top spot for vegans and vegetarians.

A plant-based café near Central Station, Supernatural Café serves vegan breakfasts, hearty mains, and smoothies. Loved for its casual vibe, it’s a go-to for clean eating in the city centre.

Reopened in 2023, St Vincent is a French-Italian wine bar by Terry Laybourne offering rustic small plates and organic wines. With a relaxed, European vibe, it’s a cherished escape in the city.

Tiny Tiny is a stylish, design-led café on Carliol Square. It's the perfect spot for a coffee, cake and brunch and very popular among remote workers.

Opened in 2023 by Charlotte and Lorrie Fenwick, Victor Indigo November is a wine shop and tasting room in Gateshead's Railway Quarter, specialising in French wines, cheeses, and charcuterie. Their curated wine flights and taster nights are designed to make wine-tasting fun and accessible.

Ginstitute Durham is a boutique gin bar and shop, showcasing a vast array of premium gins. Enjoy tastings, masterclasses, and bespoke experiences in a stylish, relaxed setting.

Gussto brings Mediterranean flair to Durham with authentic dishes, and hearty flavours, all served in a welcoming, family-friendly environment with warm, rustic charm.

Located in Hotel Indigo, Marco Pierre White’s Steakhouse offers classic British dishes with a modern twist, combining quality ingredients, stylish surroundings, and the celebrity chef’s signature flair.

Located in Durham’s historic indoor market, Market Hall Wines offers a carefully curated selection of fine wines, spirits, and expert advice, catering to every taste and budget.

Set in a medieval cellar with beautiful riverside views, The Cellar Door serves contemporary British cuisine crafted from seasonal ingredients, offering an intimate dining experience steeped in historic charm.

The Rabbit Hole is a hidden gem, blending Asian fusion cuisine with opulent, speakeasy-inspired décor. Known for bold flavours and an unforgettable ambiance, it’s perfect for adventurous diners.

Opened in 2023 in Wooler, Ad Gefrin is an award-winning Anglo-Saxon museum and whisky distillery. Founded by the Ferguson family, it celebrates Northumbrian heritage and crafts award-winning single malt whisky.

Nestled in the picturesque setting of Spindlestone near Bamburgh, this unique venue is set to become a hub of education, sustainability and community engagement.

Operating on historic Buston Farm near Alnmouth, this small-scale grower specialises in rare and heritage potato varieties. Their produce is sought after by top chefs for flavour, texture, and provenance.

A 19th-century coaching inn reborn, the Percy Arms in Chatton offers stylish accommodation, a gastropub menu using local game, and a roaring fire—ideal after a walk in the Cheviots.

Located in Bamburgh, The Potted Lobster is a seafood lover’s haven. Famed for fresh North Sea catches, including their signature dressed lobster, it combines relaxed dining with coastal charm.

Scott’s of Alnmouth is an artisan coffee shop and deli on the village’s main street. Known for its homemade cakes, fresh sourdough sandwiches, and local produce, it’s a cosy, dog-friendly stop.

A Northumberland institution since 1847, The Jolly Fisherman sits on the cliffs of Craster. Its crab soup and smoked kippers, sourced from nearby Robson’s Smokehouse, draw visitors year-round.

Arcade is a cosy haggis and whisky bar just off the Royal Mile. Loved by locals and tourists alike, it serves traditional Scottish dishes and boasts over 100 whisky varieties.

Run by the Contini family, Cannonball Restaurant sits at the top of the Royal Mile with views of the Castle. It serves refined Scottish cuisine and houses a whisky bar upstairs.

Established by Iain Mellis in 1993, Mellis Cheese is Edinburgh’s premier cheesemonger. Specialising in farmhouse and artisan cheeses, it offers expert pairings and matures wheels in its own aging rooms.

Tucked in the Old Town, Whisky & Wine is an independent boutique offering rare single malts, global wines, and expert guidance. Perfect for connoisseurs seeking limited-edition bottles and hidden gems.