OPHELIA CHEF PATRON NICK GRIEVES' INSIDER GUIDE TO NEWCASTLE
The Man Behind Two of Newcastle's Most Celebrated Restaurants Shares His Definitive Guide to the City's Best Restaurants and Cafes
Chef Nick Grieves’ restaurant journey has been remarkable - from being a self taught chef, devouring recipe books and Youtube tutorials to launching two Newcastle restaurants championed by Good Food Guide, Michelin Guide and top critics.
He quit his construction career when he was 27 to take over a Durham pub, working the stoves seven days a week.
After teaching himself for several years, he honed his skills by joining Michelin starred chef Simon Rogan’s team at Fera, Claridges followed by a job at acclaimed Michelin star restaurant, The River Cafe, cooking the freshest possible ingredients.
With a desire to be his own boss once more, Nick opened The Patricia (named after his grandma) in Newcastle’s Jesmond, which quickly earned significant acclaim from the likes of critics including Marina O’Loughlin as well as mentions in Good Food Guide and Michelin Guide.
And last year, Nick opened his latest Newcastle restaurant, Ophelia in Gosforth. It’s an elegant, French-style brasserie, which features an open kitchen. It has already been included in the Michelin Guide and the Good Food Guide, the latter recognising Ophelia as one of the UK’s top 100 best local restaurants.
So he is perfectly placed to bring us this Newcastle Insider Guide, exploring its best places to eat and drink, from an extraordinary modern Mexican taqueria, a hidden Chinese gem to a pink, punk bagel maestro.
Ophelia, 6-10 Bowsden Terrace, South Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 1RX
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COFFEE
North Shore Coffee
I’ve always been a big fan of North Shore Coffee; they have a little van just off Little Moor. The coffee there is always class, and I think all of their staff are big fans of my dog Vinny - he always seems to get a little treat when we go by.
North Shore Coffee, 3 Moorfield, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 3NL
BREAKFAST
BURDS
Definitely has to be Burds - it’s a great little breakfast spot in a beautiful building in the heart of Jesmond.
BURDS, The Gatehouse, Fleming Business Centre, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 3AE
LUNCH
KING BABY BAGELS
I think what the lads at King Baby Bagels are doing is great. There are some really great spots in the Grainger Market for a quick lunch, but I do keep finding myself going back for bagels. My personal favourite would have to be their Deli Dynasty Deluxe. I believe they’ve just opened a spot in Fenwick’s Food Hall too.
King Baby Bagels, Unit 5-6, Grainger Market, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 5QQ
DINNER
Barrio Comida
If I ever have a day or evening off I’ll most likely be at modern neighbourhood Mexican taqueria, Barrio Comida in Durham - I’d actually say it’s my favourite spot in the Northeast.
Barrio Comida, 34 Church St, Durham DH1 3DG