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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask for restaurant recommendations in the North-East?

34 replies

BlueNeighbourhood1 · 07/01/2018 13:41

I live here and have done all my life but I'm looking for some advice from you Mumsnetters about a romantic place for me and my DP to go for a Valentine's meal when he's hear Valentine's weekend.

We've been long distance and at this point we last saw each other properly in November so it's been left to me to choose somewhere as I'm from here.

I live and we'll be staying in Durham so any advice anyone can think of that isn't a chain restaurant would be appreciated. And not House of Tides or Peace and Loaf in Newcastle because it's the type of food I hate! Any cuisine other than Indian too.

Thank you for any help in advance :)

OP posts:
Someaddedsugar · 07/01/2018 13:43

In Durham I would definitely recommend The Townhouse, Restaurant 17 and Finbarrs. If you were to travel a short distance outside of Durham then Ramside Hall is also lovely.

Original poster
BlueNeighbourhood1 · 07/01/2018 13:45

I've been to all of those other than Restaurant 17, is this a new one?

I was under the impression Finbarr's had closed down too so thanks for the FYI on that

OP posts:
Someaddedsugar · 07/01/2018 13:45

I would say the Townhouse is the nicest though (in my opinion - we've never been disappointed and go once every few months) - a bit quirky and very much boutique in style but the food is gorgeous and they have a good range of cocktails and drinks.

Original poster
BlueNeighbourhood1 · 07/01/2018 13:46

I remember going there for a birthday and had a fantastic time, the steak was phenomenal but that was a good few years ago. Always forget because it's so hidden away.

Out of interest, what do you think of Zen?

OP posts:
Someaddedsugar · 07/01/2018 13:46

Restaurant 17 is maybe a year and a half old - it's underneath Chapter's tea rooms (just before the bridge).

It did shut down but has reopened next to the new registry office at Aykley Heads.

Ofalltheginjoints · 07/01/2018 13:46

Either the Rib Room or Fusion at Ramside Hall are usually nice if your looking at Durham itself otherwise what about Blackfriars or Hana Hana in Newcastle depending on the type of food you like?

Sabatini’s on the Quayside has a really good menu too (or it did last time I went, half of it is now a prosecco lounge though)

Marvs · 07/01/2018 13:47

www.blackfriarsrestaurant.co.uk
Blackfriars near Street. Lovely place and really nice food

Someaddedsugar · 07/01/2018 13:47

I used to really like Zen but was a bit disappointed when they changed the menu. SIL and BIL go quite frequently and always say the food is lovely.

Someaddedsugar · 07/01/2018 13:48

Or there's the Pavillion at Iveston just before Consett?

StealthPolarBear · 07/01/2018 13:49

Finbars is now where bistro 21 was

Marvs · 07/01/2018 13:49

Sorry, meant Stowell Street

Bubblegumfan · 07/01/2018 13:50

The Lamp room at Seaham

StealthPolarBear · 07/01/2018 13:50

I live zenbut when did they change the menu?? We've not been for a few months

birdsdestiny · 07/01/2018 13:50

Are you happy to travel out of Durham. There is a new Italian just out of Sunnyside called Sorello Sorello, it is lovely and always busy. I know is sounds an odd place ( sorry Sunniside) but it's worth a visit.

StealthPolarBear · 07/01/2018 13:50

Near Whickham? Or near crook

Someaddedsugar · 07/01/2018 13:51

@stealthpolarbear sorry I meant the last time they changed it (must be a couple of years ago) as I used to love the sushi options but they disappeared at that particular menu change

Ofalltheginjoints · 07/01/2018 13:51

Oh the Pavillion is great, amazing food.
If your looking for an Italian I can’t recommend Caffe Zonzo in Sandyford enough, amazing Italian food, fantastic staff and an interesting decor, it’s a hidden gem

StealthPolarBear · 07/01/2018 13:52

There is still sushi though? I usually have it

Someaddedsugar · 07/01/2018 13:53

If you do like steak then Miller and Carter is amazing - I know it's a chain though so might not be what you were looking for

Someaddedsugar · 07/01/2018 13:53

@stealthpolarbear really?? I'll have to go back!!

Original poster
BlueNeighbourhood1 · 07/01/2018 13:56

The Pavillion is a no, that's right next to where I play sports and a huge argument with an ex so that's ruled out!

Lamp Room is actually two minutes from where I live and we've been before.

DP's favourite restaurant (before we knew each other and he'd come here for New Year with his friends) is Hana Hana so before posting this thread that was going to be my destination.

I should add I'm not asking for new places as I'm 33 and lived here all my life but I like recommendations of good food. Also Sorella Sorella I went with my netball team and didn't like it - Which is odd as everyone else seems to!

OP posts:
Someaddedsugar · 07/01/2018 13:59

Sorry to hijack but would you recommend the Lamp Room?

Someaddedsugar · 07/01/2018 14:00

The Wok Inn at Brandon is nice - the interior's a bit odd though but the food makes up for it

Original poster
BlueNeighbourhood1 · 07/01/2018 14:01

I think it's decided to go to The Townhouse, and if we are over Newcastle way because Newcastle United actually manage to stay in the FA Cup for a home game that weekend I'll change it to Hana Hana :)

Surprised nobody mentioned the Seaton Lane Inn, two minutes again from my house but the food is amazing

OP posts:
gingerbreadmam · 07/01/2018 14:02

I know lots of people who really rate the crab and lobster not that I've ever been but a lot of colleagues love it.