Review: A Taste Of Six Menu at Six Rooftop at BALTIC
The BALTIC contemporary art gallery is a standout sight on Newcastle Quaysides’ River Tyne. Synonymous with the sky line it hosts community activities within its walls. Visited by many, some only to experience the viewing balcony to see views across Newcastle, for others it is to see the many artists that are on display throughout the year. So it is only natural that Six Rooftop at BALTIC exists at its highest point. A culinary experience with its own provenance and story to tell. It is art in its own right.
Six is a modern, elegant and contemporary looking restaurant. Welcomed in, only steps away from the lift exit we were shown to our table in this spacious dining area. Not too far from the chefs table which is a highlight for anybody who books it, to be up and close seeing the chefs in their element. With views across the skyline of Newcastle. If sat at the rear you will be lucky to enjoy river views looking upwards to the Tyne bridge and beyond.
I was fortunate enough to be invited along to try the Taste Of Six menu. To be enjoyed for either lunch or dinner you can choose between a six course menu or nine course. There are two to choose from A Taste of Land & Sea or Plant. You can view the menu here. We attended on a friday evening which was a fabulous way to start the weekend wind down and had the Land & Sea menu.
I would just like to lead with the service overall from the moment we walked in until the moment we left we were treated superbly. I witnessed this service across other tables also. Friendly and informative staff throughout. Never overbearing we had enough time left between courses to enjoy and digest before the next was brought out. Informing us and answering questions on the courses we were receiving.
We started with snacks which i would call more of an appetiser, these consisted of a lamb croquette with mint jelly, Cheese and Onion Tartlet with a truffle dust and parmesan, and North Sea Croustade. These were a lovely way to start with a variety of flavours to delight the tastebuds.
You may think bread and butter isn’t that exciting and nor did I before this, as the flavour rose and and emanated through my pallet. The slice was genuinely really tasty coupled with the butter and sea salt.
The Mackerel and Chicken were the highlights for me in this tasting menu. The chicken laid in a sweetcorn porridge was a lovely blend. The fish as fresh as any. Finishing with a Yorkshire Strawberry Millefeuille, Caramelised Puff Pastry, Gelato and Petit fours, this was a delightful end to a wonderful dining experience.
Six pride themselves on seasonal British cuisine and you can see the effort and pride they put into producing these plates of ‘art’. The food is fresh and often locally sourced, so you can be sure to be eating true North East product.
Eating nowadays isn’t just about the food (albeit a main feature), it is about the atmosphere, the experience and surroundings. Just like the art that decks the walls below, here the chefs are the artists and the food is its piece of art, the gallery being your environment.
The Six course menu is priced at £49 at lunch and £59 for dinner, which I believe to be affordable and well priced considering it as an experience, and competitively priced against other similar restaurants. As a whole dining experience I felt it was worth it. Please remember this is a tasting menu and so if you’re a plate full type of eater – this may not be your type of menu.
I would likely come back here for special occasions for food, just because it feels like more of a special treat personally. I can also now say I have dined at Six. I’d definitely be more likely to come by for a skyline drink, as they also offer activities like this cocktail masterclass later this month on August 25th (and what a place to do them) as well as special offers where you can save 25% off the bar menu also with their August Offers. Looking at the Sunday dinner menu this looks quite tasty also!
Disclosure: Our meal was gifted and consisted of the below in return for a honest review.
SNACKS
Selection of Snacks
BREAD
Emmer Bread, Whipped Butter, Dorset Sea Salt
MACKEREL
Cured Line-Caught Mackerel, 12 year Balsamic, Heritage Tomatoes
CHICKEN
Sourdough Herb-Fed Chicken, Einkorn & Sweetcorn Porridge, Black Cabbage
STRAWBERRY
Yorkshire Strawberry Millefeuille, Caramelised Puff Pastry, Gelato
PETIT FOURS
Selection of Handmade Petit Fours
* Dishes included in nine course menu only below.
OYSTER *
Lindisfarne Oyster, Limoncello Granita, Basil
SCALLOP *
Hand-Dived Scallop, Scottish Girolles
CHEESE *
Darling Blue Cheese, Chainbridge Honeycomb, Wheat Crackers, Apple & Cherry