Established in 1239 as a Dominican friary, Blackfriars’ rich heritage is the cornerstone of Newcastle’s historic past with the friary being the jewel in the city’s medieval heart.
The friary survived until the mid-16th century when it was sold to the city during the reformation. By the 20th century the building had become derelict but was restored and reopened in the 1980s. After a period as a local cafe, Blackfriars Restaurant opened in 2001. The restaurant serves a traditional-British menu using local and seasonal ingredients, straight from the farm, markets, foragers and backdoor with everything produced from scratch. A range of menus are offered including a set-priced lunch/early evening and an la carte. In addition to the restaurant, Blackfriars also boasts a banquet hall, cookery school, meeting rooms, ornate tasting room and al fresco courtyard. Popular events are hosted throughout the year including banquets, wine tastings, bread-making and kids cookery.
