Blackfriars Restaurant

Exceptionally average yet astronomically expensive experience. Over £300 for 4 people to have a 3 course meal (including, of course, the discretionary 10% service charge). We went for the "set menu" which looked reasonable, but we were notified on arrival that it's only available on weekdays. The other menu consists of fish, duck, fish, steak or fish, at overkill prices and with very little choice. No chicken dishes. Nothing which screamed "oh you MUST try me". Most things come with mushrooms, or some veg which has spent too much time in a blender. If you don't like either fish or mushrooms, good luck, the only other options are a steak (which you'd go to a steak restaurant for, right?) Or lamb, which is always going to end up being a gravy dinner type of meal. Some of us had to step quite far out of our comfort zone with our meal. The portion sizes should have been bigger, or at least sides available alongside the meal, as you can't eat a full meal and be filled without the sides. The flavour was okay, but we cleaned the plates out of hunger rather than enjoyment. Overall, I wouldn't be rushing back. They should advertise themselves as a fish restaurant!

We were given a 3 course lunch voucher as a gift last Christmas and booked a table for today. We have been before for Sunday lunch but this was the first time we had tasted the lunch menu and we were not disappointed. Food was impeccable and so was the service. Staff were attentive without being overbearing and made the whole experience incredible. We sat out on the terrace and soaked in the historic venue. Finished the meal of with most indulgent and delightful baked raspberry cheesecake and a glass of fizz. . Would highly recommend the entire eating experience here.

Lovely late lunch in the courtyard on a sunny day. Staff were friendly, the service was excellent, and the food was first class. We both had the goat's cheese beetroot and walnut starter, which was a great tasty combination. We both had the grilled cod, new potatoes, and spinach served with caper butter again lovely. The French martini cocktail was perfection, and the 2 for £15 good value for the quality. This was our first visit for restaurant week, and we shall return.

Went here for my graduation meal. The service could not be faulted. I ordered the sole dish for my main but they had ran out so offered cod instead. It was cooked perfectly and very tasty. My step dad has mentioned the duck he had to anyone he can and again says it was cooked perfectly. We ordered off the set menu which is very reasonably priced for the standard of food and the quality of service received! One of the party has an intolerance to onions which was dealt with fantastically. The staff were very accommodating. Would definitely recommend to anyone and will definitely try to come back !

We had a very friendly welcome and shown to our table straight away which was inside but they do have a lovely outside eating area now. The table service from several different staff was always helpful and friendly. It was restaurant week in Newcastle so we paid £20 for three courses and the food was excellent. We were also served bread,salt and whipped butter at the start which was unexpected. So I could not fault anything at this restaurant and would highly recommend it.