Where To Go For A Graduation Meal In Newcastle
If you are graduating from one of the Newcastle or North East Universities this year then chances are you’re going to want to celebrate with your family, whoever is coming to support you, or your uni friends before you all head off in different directions. I’ve seen this question posted on so many forums, groups, Reddit and even had some in my own Instagram DM’s, so here’s my suggestions for where to go for a graduation meal in Newcastle.
Disclaimer: This post is a collaboration
If you’ve lived in Newcastle a while, or are considering staying on post graduation for further study, you might be looking for part-time work. Once exams and graduation are done, consider exploring the diverse part-time job opportunities available in Newcastle. From hospitality roles to retail positions, there’s something for everyone to gain valuable experience for the summer and beyond.
Keeping to the main areas where people are most likely to go for a graduation meal in Newcastle, I’ll focus on restaurants in the city centre, the Quayside and then the two most popular student areas outside of the city – Heaton and Jesmond.
From these areas I’ve included restaurants that are a bit more special, so they offer a bit more of an experience for anyone visiting from out of town (only if the food is as good as the view though!) Before I get into the restaurants though, chances are you’ll maybe fancy a pre graduation dinner drink?
Pre Drinks Before Your Graduation Dinner In Newcastle
When it comes to bars in Newcastle you are literally spoilt for choice. If I had to narrow it down to places you’d take your family (parents, maybe grandparents) then I’d go for the following:
Newcastle City Centre
If your parents are staying in Newcastle then these are some good choices to take them for a drink. The Botanist, you and they know what to expect, and the Newcastle Botanist has some incredible views down Grey Street and over Monument. If the weather is good you can go up onto the terrace, and if not the live singers are always great inside. A good pre dinner bar for everyone.
If a fancy, over the top drink with even better views of the city is something you fancy to mark the occasion, then head to 3SIXTY, with panoramic views of the city and a champagne bar that will really level up the night. You could also head to Above too which offers a similar experience.
Some of the Newcastle hotel bars are great in their own right for a civilised drink before your meal, some of the best being the Mal bar on the quayside, the bar at Gino’s at the Innside by Melia, and The Vermont’s own bar inside.
If you want a unique bar then go to either Hibou Blanc or their new sister venue Grey Owl, both central, both beautiful bars your parents will love, and an excellent cocktail menu at both. For something a bit different, tell your family you’re taking them to the old Newcastle Bigg Market toilets and go to either WC Gin Bar or WC Newcastle.
Newcastle Quayside
If your family are staying on the Quayside at one of the hotels down there, I’ve already mentioned the Mal and Gino’s bars as good pre-dinner drinks locations.
Adding to that list also consider Babucho terrace, especially if you’re eating there, the Bridge Tavern – the terrace is great in the summer and it’s right under the Tyne Bridge, Tiger Hornsby for cocktails or Pitcher & Piano – always a favourite with incredible views of the river and bridges.
Jesmond
For pre dinner drinks in Jesmond, then Jesmond Dene House bar and outside terrace are both beautiful spots to enjoy a celebratory cocktail or bottle of champagne. The boutique hotel is gorgeous and so are the grounds. Alternatively and if you are eating in Jesmond some of the restaurants have good bars to enjoy a drink too, such as Branches or Sohe.
For a more detailed look at some of the cocktail bars in Newcastle to enjoy for all sorts of different occasions, have a read of my Newcastle cocktail bar guide here.
Graduation Meal in Newcastle
Once you’ve sorted where to go for your pre meal glass of fizz in celebration of your time at uni, let’s take a look at some of the stand out restaurants in Newcastle to go for your graduation meal.
The Botanist
The Botanist restaurant is always good for the same reasons that it’s good to go for a drink. There is a varied menu that caters for everyone, the floor to ceiling windows offer incredible views of the city, and if there is a bigger group of you there are private dining options available. It’s a photo worthy venue to mark the occasion and reasonably priced.
Book a table at The Botanist here.
Silk Rooms Newcastle
A fine dining experience on the Quayside, the Silk Rooms serve delicious food and they double up as a champagne bar – an ideal way to celebrate. They offer group bookings too if there are a lot of you, and you’re always guaranteed good service.
Book your table at the Silk Rooms here.
Pleased to Meet You
PTMY has always been a popular choice for people who aren’t from Newcastle, and with a big bar area known for their huge variety of gins, good food, outside terrace and beautiful location on High Bridge Street it’s not hard to see why. It offers everything for a great night in a central location.
Book Pleased to Meet You here.
Hibou Blanc
A beautiful restaurant and big cocktail bar also on High Bridge Street, Hibou Blanc is a really good option to get everything in one place. The restaurant is high quality dining with seasonal specials, and the cocktail bar is one of the best in Newcastle again with seasonal cocktails, a big classics list and a large wine choice. A great spot to celebrate the occasion.
Gino’s Restaurant
Right on the quayside as part of the Melia hotel, GIno’s restaurant is one of the best Italians in Newcastle. The menu is huge, with something for absolutely everyone – pizza, pasta, seafood, meats, something for the kids as well as fancier dishes and classic favourites. It’s a great atmosphere and still one of the hardest to get booked on a Saturday night so plan in advance.
Read my full review of Ginos and the Melia here.
Horticulture
One of Newcastle’s restaurants that has made a lot of noise the past year, it’s a bit different and as the name suggests they have a big vegetarian menu, as well as other favourites (the prawns are amazing), and the biggest espresso martini menu you’ve ever seen. They have every flavour going. Set over multiple floors and with an outdoor terrace it’s a bit more informal but still a great choice.
Book Horticulture here.
Cote
Last but not least is Cote, which is on the corner of Grainger Street just along from Monument, and another one where you can’t go wrong for everyone’s tastes – and at any time of day. If you aren’t just looking for an evening meal this is a good choice for brunch or lunch too.
Book Cote here.
If you’re looking for a graduation meal but due to travel arrangements need a lunch option rather than an evening meal, then all of the above restaurants are still good for lunch, but I’d also suggest Fenwick Food Hall too. Places like Fuego that offer Spanish tapas style menu, Saltwater Fish Company that do unbelievable seafood, or Porterhouse steak are all incredible restaurants and lovely for an occasion. They aren’t cheap, but for a graduation why not?
There are many more restaurants in Newcastle that you could enjoy, including all sorts of different cuisines and levels of formalities. If you’re wanting something different to those already mentioned, take a look at some of these blogs.
Picks for Sunday Lunch in the North East
12 Tapas Restaurants in Newcastle
Early Bird or Pre Theatre Dinner Choices in Newcastle
Restaurants with a view in Newcastle
Newcastle Quayside Restaurants
The Best Sushi Restaurants in Newcastle
Graduation Meal In Jesmond & Heaton
Jesmond and Heaton are two of the most popular student areas, and chances are you’ll have been a frequent visitor to some of the bars on Osborne Road during your time in Newcastle. For your graduation meal in Jesmond or Heaton take a look at these options.
Jesmond Dene House
A fine dining experience in the Fern restaurant at Jesmond Dene House won’t leave you disappointed. The menu is always seasonal, full of flavour and a lot of care goes into it by head chef Danny Parker (Masterchef). In the summer it’s gorgeous in the conservatory and the grounds too.
Branches
Beautiful, modern, and some really unique dishes is how best to describe Branches on Osborne Road. It’s very contemporary but with lovely British food, and there is the option for private dining if there is a big group of you.
Take a look at menus and book Branches here.
Peace & Loaf
For fine dining tasting menus head to Peace & Loaf, where the menus are always seasonal and fresh, and you can choose from a number of different courses. Peace & Loaf has been recognised with two AA Rosettes and got a mention in the Michelin Guide, so it’s pricier, but fancier.
See more on Peace & Loaf including sample menus here.
Nest
Nest is a family run, recent addition to the Newcastle restaurant scene on Chillingham road in Heaton. It’s also a set menu where everyone sits down together at a certain time slot and is served the same dishes. Although the dining is fine, they offer a relaxed enjoyable environment.
See more on Nest here.
All of the above restaurants across the city are guaranteed to give you a memorable graduation meal in Newcastle, and perfectly round off your time at University here. They’re all very popular so especially in July when everyone is enjoying nights and meals out be sure to book your table to avoid disappointment, you’re unlikely to get a walk in.
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Hotels with a Spa in Newcastle
Places to eat near Newcastle train station