Best pre theatre dining in Newcastle
Going to the theatre in Newcastle and looking for somewhere to eat? Whether it’s Oysters before the Opera, or a Carbonara before a Comedy gig, a steak before the show, or a burger before the ballet, we’ve got just the thing for you!
If you are looking to eat before the theatre we’ve made our top ten list to help you decide where to go. We’ve tried and tested, munched and macerated. It was a tough job but someone had to!
So, where is the Best pre theatre dining in Newcastle?
Good question.
It’s a topic of hot debate, with so many places to choose from. You’ve got all the big chain players, small independents, fine dining and fast food, all contending for the title of ‘Best pre theatre dining in Newcastle’.
We’ve complied our personal ‘Top Ten Best pre theatre dining in Newcastle’ for your deliberation. So sit back, have a good read and let then us know what you think in via Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
So, in no particular order, here is our definitive top ten…
Harry’s Bar
Harry’s Bar is on Grey Street, just opposite the Newcastle Theatre Royal.
It is a popular place to grab a bite to eat before the theatre. They offer a delicious pre theatre menu, with a choice of how many courses, all for a very reasonable price. The food is Italian/European brasserie style with good vegetarian options available.
You can find Harry’s Bar on Facebook here.
Gaucho
As the name suggests Gaucho is an Argentinian steak restaurant. Found just round the corner from the Newcastle Theatre Royal on Market Street, safe to say they take their steak seriously! Serving some of the finest carbon-neutral steak, fine wines and classic cocktails to wash it all down.
The steaks are very very impressive, but safe to say not for the budget shopper!
Though Gaucho definitely falls into the fine dining category the pre/post theatre menu is very reasonable with 2 courses for £27, or 3 for £30. Available Monday to Friday 12pm – 6.30pm and 9.30pm – 10.30pm. You can even get a burger (all be it one of the damn finest burgers you’ll ever see)!
You can find Gaucho on Facebook here.
Cote
On the corner of Market and Grainger Street, Cote is not far from the Newcastle Theatre Royal.
A modern, French brasserie chain, they serving regional specialties and well loved traditional classics. They offer a complimentary glass of Crémant for every diner who shows their theatre ticket.
The food at Cote is impressive, with a good choice for everyone, from some french classics like their 6 hour slow-cooked beef bourguignon, to modern fast food favourites like their Cote Burger.
If you are going for their set menu ( 12-7pm Mon – Fri ) then you get 2 courses for £14.95, or 3 for £18.95. You get a choice of from four dishes for each course, with the usual fish, chick, steak and vegetarian options on the main course.
Whatever you choose you won’t be disappointed. The food here is very good. Our personal recommendation (though it isn’t on the set menu option) is to give their cheese gougères from the starter menu a try! As finger foods go they have to be world’s best canapé, and Cote does a very good version of these classic French cheesy puffs!
You can find Cote on Facebook here.
Ayla
Just down the road from the Newcastle Theatre Royal on Grey Street you can find Ayla, serving contemporary modern Indian cuisine.
They offer a pre theatre menu, Sunday to Friday, 5pm till 7pm. With 3 courses for just £15.95, and 10% off drinks, this is great value for money!
You can find Ayla on Facebook here.
Lola Jeans
Lola Jeans is conveniently just around the back of the Newcastle Theatre Royal on Market Street, making it an obvious contender for our pre theatre dining list. The food may be simple, with a choice of burgers, tacos, steak sandwiches and platters but it is also elegantly done with some amazing flavours and toppings. It might not be fine dining but it is good grub done really really well. So no need for your bow tie and monocle, just bring some wet wipes and your loosest trousers.
Lola Jeans really does serve up some fab grub, and they’ve featured in our ‘Top Ten Burger Joints in Newcastle‘ list already!
You can find Lola Jeans on Facebook here.
Horticulture
Horticulture on Market Lane is only a short distance form the Newcastle Theatre Royal. This informal and cosy venue serves some amazing food.
Their early evening menu (available Mon – Thu 4-6pm) is £20pp and very reasonably priced, coming with three choices and a snack.
There are some amazing choices for vegetarians, from their ‘Earth‘ section of the menu.
You can find Horticulture on Facebook here.
Hibou Blanc
Hibou Blanc is a fine dining restaurant on High Bridge. Set in the stunning Sunlight Chambers, a Grade II listed building on the corner of the Bigg Market and High Bridge street built in 1902.
Their menu, lovingly crafted by our Head Chef Neil Jefferson, reflects the very best of local seasonal produce, and is changed to reflect this on a regular basis, with a strong focus on using the best British seafood available in each season, we source the best local produce to create classic dishes served simply.
Hibou Blanc is perfect for people wanting to make a real night of it and enjoy a meal out before the theatre.
You can find Hibou Blanc on Facebook here.
Cafe Andaluz
You can find Cafe Andaluz on Grey Street, on the corner just opposite the Newcastle Theatre Royal.
They serve an amazing selection of Tapas, with all the Spanish classics, served all day, every day. Meanung it is great for those wanting a quick bite before the show. But if you’ve got plenty of time why not try their delicious paella? Freshly prepared, taking 25 minutes, they are perfect to share. Cooked with Calasparra rice, a variety native to the region around the ancient city of Murcia in southern Spain, all topped with your choice of meat and seafood, served in a traditional round steel paella pan.
You can find Cafe Andaluz on Facebook here.
Société
A continental cafe bar based in the heart of Newcastle city centre. In the shadow of Grey’s Monument they are a stone throw from Newcastle Theatre Royal.
At first glance they might look a little out of place at a pre theatre dining list due to the simplicity of the menu but we decided to add them due to their speedy service, amazing prices and handy location. Having previously included them in our ‘Top Ten Pizza Joints In Newcastle‘ list, it’s safe to say they are one of our favourites.
Coming in at just £5 you’d expect much less than you get but they are generous and made with much love at Societe. Price wise this venue is hard to compete with, but make no mistake there is no compromise on flavour!
As well as their amazing £5 pizzas they offer a 90 minute Bottomless Brunch that includes unlimited pizzas, unlimited Prosecco and unlimited bottles of lager for only £28 per person!
Their value for money meant we just had to include them as a really good budget option for a night out at the theatre, without breaking the bank!
You can find them on Facebook here.
Dabbawal
Dabbawal is a popular Indian street food restaurant on High Bridge.
They offer a delicious pre theatre menu, 5pm to 6.15pm, Sunday to Friday. At just £16 pp, again this is very reasonably priced, and you get a lot for your money, with a starter, main course and rice/naan/black lentils.
Their wine offer also means you can get bottle for £16.50, instead of the regular £22 price.
Their amazing food and prices meant we just had to include them!
You can find them on Facebook here.
We hope you’ve enjoyed our Top Ten list of places to go for pre theatre dining in Newcastle and for now that is it. But don’t let that stop the fun! Head over to our social media platforms and let us know what you think is the best pre theatre dining in Newcastle.