| Located in what has to be one of the most unusual but delightful settings in Newcastle, Fisherman's Lodge is a hidden gem of a restaurant.
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Sublimely tucked away from prying eyes in the forested park at Jesmond Dene, the restaurant has long held an enviable reputation for the delicious quality of its cuisine, and of course its gorgeous surroundings. Astonishingly, this arboreal delight is just ten minutes from the centre of Newcastle geographically, but worlds away from the hustle and bustle of a major city.
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Now new owners Alan O'Kane and Jamie Howell have been busy improving even on this both from the point of view of their passion for top quality food & wine, but also the general experience to be had at this exceptional venue. Expect great things in the coming months.
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The mouth-watering menu is the creation of the head chef and co-owner Alan O'Kane, who has composed a culinary symphony to modern British cuisine. Emphasis is still on the seafood that made Fisherman's Lodge renowned, but the menu also encompasses a broad range of meat & other dishes of innovative composition.
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For example, local beef fillet is accompanied by a slow cooked short rib, providing for a wholesome plateful of succulent red meat delightfully arranged & garnished with Alan's artistry & flair. Take time to enjoy the exceptional delicacy and subtlety of flavours in all Alan's dishes which are presented with wonderful panache.
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All ingredients are truly sourced locally, unless there is a particular reason for a particular dish. In recent times it has been fashionable for many restaurants to boast local and seasonal loyalty. Alan O'Kane was one chef who pioneered the way for local produce over many dedicated years throughout his career.
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Fish is supplied each day by top quality fishmonger, Taylors, directly from its operation at the North Shields' quayside. This means that most of the fish, unless smoked, was taken from the boat that morning having been caught as recently as the day before. Only the finest meats are chosen from local Northumbrian butchers – some of which is special breed meat obtained directly by Alan & Jamie from local farms. As Northumbria boasts the rearing of some of the best quality meat in the world, imagine a tantalising feast.
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Specialist grocers, Wellocks, who only obtain quality ingredients direct from source, supply seasonal vegetables & ingredients to Fisherman's Lodge from their base in Colne, Lancashire. Many of these sources are local farms from both the North East and North West, but also throughout the UK. The owners prefer not to refer to Fisherman's Lodge as organic, but in fact the restaurant sets new standard for what the term "organic" should mean. Natural, local fare is how they describe it.
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Seasonal produce adds a zest of originality throughout the year, bringing new tastes and dining experiences with it.
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The menu at Fisherman's Lodge reflects this by being truly seasonal. Locally obtained game often supplements the menu during the winter and accompanied by winter vegetables.
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Tender Northumbrian lamb pervades in the spring. Whilst the summer & autumn bring an array of seasonal fruits & vegetables, seatrout & shellfish freshly caught from local shores and many other delights. Even the bread is baked on the day in the kitchen by top artisan baker, Murray Rhind.
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Alan's raison d'etre is to give people the chance to experience fine haute cuisine at affordable prices. Menus are designed to offer a wide range of pricing, whilst set menus at lunch and early evening contain a mix of Alan's contemporary presentation of the traditional – fish pie, coq au vin - with the more challenging modern.
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Since starting out at the Savoy in London, Alan O'Kane has amassed many awards, most notably a coveted Red M from Michelin, and a Les Routiers 'Hotel of the Year' award when he owned the Angel in Corbridge. To add to this remarkable achievement his Tynemouth venue, Sidney's (now renamed Brasserie 1883), was listed in the Michelin Guide as BIB Gourmand.
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Apart from its contemporary and chic main dining room and bar areas, Fisherman's Lodge also has wonderful private dining facilities upstairs. These are perfect for entertainment. Private parties of up to 60 guests can be accommodated in these rooms. The premises is also licensed for civil ceremonies, and is a charming venue for any wedding, and the setting and grounds provide an excellent backdrop for your wedding photographs and entertaining your friends.
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Weddings for up to 60 guests using the private dining facilities, but larger parties can be specially arranged using either the whole restaurant or the grounds, where a marquee can be erected. It goes without saying that any private party and each glorious wedding is a bespoke delight, made to your exacting requirements.
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With the upstairs private function rooms (including a private bar), as well as the stunning restaurant, Fisherman's Lodge is the ideal location for business meetings and conferences. The facilities are well equipped and both boardroom and conference configuration are available. Within moments of the centre of Newcastle, yet wonderfully secluded and very private, this unique venue is increasingly popular with the business community for meetings of all descriptions.
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There is no room rate charge, but the rate is fixed on a day delegate basis per head according to need. Meetings can start at 9.00 am with breakfast. Coffee, tea, and sandwiches are served throughout, and lunch in the restaurant can also be arranged or a buffet served in the meeting rooms.
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Under its new management Fisherman's Lodge is now offering daily afternoon tea and Sunday lunch (previously the restaurant had been closed on Sunday's and Mondays.) The setting evokes enjoyment of afternoon tea which includes cream scones, pastries and other delights. Tea is supplied by local firm, Ringtones.
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Sunday lunch at Fisherman's Lodge is sublime. The kitchen serves fine traditional roasts along with many other top cuisine dishes and fish, whilst you can relax in the peaceful surroundings, and even enjoy a stroll in Jesmond Dene after. The restaurant is children friendly and family oriented, and sets out to be more laid back on Sundays. Sunday papers can be enjoyed over an aperitif or after lunch coffee in the bar.
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A new brunch menu for weekends starting at 9.30 am is planned for the summer. Other innovations include a bespoke taxi service. When you book by phone you can also book the restaurant's taxi service to collect you and drop you off with the cost put on to your bill – needless to say this service is heavily discounted and designed to facilitate you every enjoyment of the restaurant from door to door.
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Fisherman's Lodge is an experience not to be missed. When asked how he perceived his restaurant in terms of a London equivalent, owner Jamie Howell replied "The Ivy...for like the Ivy, Fisherman's Lodge has an outstanding reputation and iconic status. We aim for a very high standard of haute cuisine & service, yet fish pie or steak & kidney is regularly on the menu. That understated quirkiness and familiarity underpins both restaurants. I like to think we are a good pre or apres theatre venue too.
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You can park easily here and we will arrange for a car to take you to and from the restaurant to the theatre either before or after or indeed to the cinema or a concert.... as long as you eat in the restaurant, we don't mind your leaving your car here. Most theatres and evening venues in Newcastle are only 10 to 15 minutes away by cab. The kitchen is open until 10.30 pm and we will keep it open later if you ask us. We will pretty well do or cook anything so long as you give us notice!"
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Please mention newcastlerestaurant.com when booking.
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