The historic Blackfriars Restaurant in Newcastle has renovated its 780-year-old Cloister Garden to host open-air food events ranging from barbecues to hog roasts.
The restaurant in Friars Street, just of Stowell Street, is said to the oldest dining room in the UK due to the 1239 building's former use as a monks' refectory and it has been run by Andy and Sam Hook for the past 22 years, during which they have created an award-winning venue and expanded to add an adjacent bar and upstairs cookery school plus tasting room.
Now, its revamped medieval garden is set to prove another big customer attraction, offering an all-weather outdoor space for al fresco dining, performances, markets and community events. Tapping back into its history, owner Andy envisages it having a whole new lease of life with customers enjoying a sunny day visit or after-work chill-out.
