Our Favourite Date Ideas for Foodies
Dinner by the coast, our favourite coffee shops, the coolest wine bars to visit and the best places for brunch - here's how to do Valentine's Day
Globetrotting Gourmands
Enjoy a taste of the world without leaving the North East this Valentine’s Day. Babul’s is loved locally for its award-winning South Asian-inspired menu, and has locations in Barnard Castle and Darlington. Indian restaurant Zyka in Hexham is a hidden gem and Haveli in Ponteland holds a Michelin Bib Gourmand for its excellent Indian cuisine. Elif in Norton and Yarm is loved for its traditional Turkish offering, while Cantina brings the taste of Mexico to Heaton.
Beside the Seaside
There’s much to be said for the romance of dinner by the sea. Jasper’s Bistro, tucked away in the seaside town of Amble, is a cosy little spot serving delicious fresh seafood, including an impressive sharing platter to split with your date. Trenchers in Whitley Bay sits pride of place beneath the stunning white dome of Spanish City and is the place to go for properly done fish and chips at the coast, whilst at Seaview Restaurant in Saltburn you can enjoy great seafood as you watch the waves crashing below. On the edge of North Yorkshire, Number 20 at Port Mulgrave is a tiny spot with a streamlined menu of fresh seafood that changes daily and has landed them in the Michelin Guide.
On the Go
If you’re seeing where the night takes you and need to fit in something convenient on a date night out, stop by a local pop-up. Gnocchi Gnights can be found at events across the North East, including at Awesome Franks in Jesmond, and their fresh bowls of gnocchi are wonderfully comforting. Hake is another option, serving refined seafood and taking over kitchens in Newcastle (including a recent stint at Lock Up in Ouseburn). Make sure to check their socials for locations ahead of your visit. Spud Gun is predominantly based in County Durham, offering seriously good fun loaded fries, and keep an eye out for Fire & Dough who travel through Northumberland serving up delicious pizza.
Escape to the Country
A cosy country pub lunch by a roaring fire is simple romance at its finest. Pair it with a walk and we’re sold. The Lord Crewe Arms at Blanchland, surrounded by walking opportunities over the moors, has plenty of cosy corners to hide away in, whilst further south, The Rose & Crown at Romaldkirk sits in a quaint corner of Teesdale and is a proper country pub through and through. The Alice Hawthorn is another option off the beaten track, serving award-winning pub food, and LN loves The Gamekeeper’s Inn at the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.
Bon Appétit
The French know a thing or two about romance and this Valentine’s Day, we recommend embracing your inner Francophile to seek out a charming bistro. Bavette in Horsforth was named Britain’s Best Local Restaurant by The Good Food Guide less than a year after it opened and brings authentic French flair to its menu. The French Quarter in Newcastle city centre offers a tempting menu built around traditional French cooking without the fuss, with a mix of small and large plates.
Breakfast of Champions
Who said a date had to mean dinner? Start your day together with a hearty breakfast. Hide & Hoof at Yummy Yorkshire makes for a great foodie destination, and their morning options like crispy chicken French toast, cinder toffee and apple French toast and Irish crumpets will keep you happy all day. In York, Black Wheat Club has become a staple and LN loves their excellent selection of deceptively simple dishes using homemade sausages and straightforward ingredients like cabbage, beans, and salted beef. The newly opened Federal in Leeds is a laidback option bringing Australian sunshine to West Yorkshire.
A Casual Coffee
A first date? If you prefer a more casual Valentine’s, a great cup of coffee from an independent roaster sounds perfect. Baristocracy is our coffee shop of choice, tucked away in North Shields and taking an Australian approach to their expertly-roasted beans. This family-run enterprise even sell their own beans, and love to talk coffee if you have any burning questions. Get a steaming cup to go and head to the harbour for a refreshing walk with your date.
In Great Taste
If you’re seeking something more extravagant, a tasting menu is a must. Rhubarb in Harrogate is an LN favourite and we’d always recommend the wine flight to go alongside your meal, which is expertly prepared by chef Varun Khanna. Pine is the obvious choice in Northumberland, holding a Michelin star for its exceptional menu made with plenty of locally foraged ingredients. There’s nothing stuffy about this restaurant, which is filled with natural light, rustic touches, and a welcoming atmosphere. For a city centre tasting menu, FIIK in the heart of Durham is a great option and takes a fun approach to its menu, which changes theme every few weeks. The space is intimate and laidback in the extreme.
Liquid Courage
Cocktails are always a fun idea, whether they’re before dinner or after (or even if you skip the food altogether). Tucked below the Grade I-listed Victoria Hall in Sheffield, Public is a tiny haven for cocktail lovers. Each cocktail is given its own moment to shine, with a detailed explanation of its ingredients and the story behind the drink. For a lively spot, The Brain Jar in Hull is an LN favourite and head bartender Matt Smith made it to the final 20 of the World Class GB competition with his whacky creations. The award-winning Below Stairs in Leeds loves to experiment with ingredients, home to one of the top 10 UK bartenders, Lottie Barnard.
Time for Wine
Date night and a good glass of wine naturally go hand in hand. Angels’ Share in Jesmond is a relatively recent opening and is an absolute gem. Moody and contemporary, this self-service wine bar has a great selection of tipples, as well as small plates and charcuterie boards, ideal for grazing on with a partner. Looking to try something new? The expert staff are on hand to offer advice.
Something Sweet
A stroll along Saltburn beach followed by a stop off at Koselig Bakeri is our idea of heaven. The team (who have another location in Guisborough and are preparing to open a third spot in Stokesley), are a tight-knit band of friends and family who are experts in Scandi-inspired baking. After taking a walk along York’s city walls, stop by Shutishuti Patisserie, an adorable micro bakery on Fairfax Street turning out incredible creations. The Underground Bakery (in Leeds and Otley) has an excellent reputation for producing traditional bread, and Nova Bakehouse in Leeds is another award-winning favourite.
City-Slickers
Though the country has plenty of charm, sticking to the convenience of the city for Valentine’s Day keeps you close to some exceptional restaurants. In the heart of Harrogate, LN loves Asian staple Cardamom Black as well as the recently opened Johnny’s Bar and Parlour an elegant, speakeasy-inspired space with a menu of small and large plates. In York, 22 Yard Wine Bar is only a short distance from the Minster and the menu is a blend of elevated small plates. Pair it with one of more than 70 wines on offer and ease into the evening.
