Tucked away just behind Newcastle’s Chinatown, Blackfriars is set in an immaculate 12th-century courtyard. The building – allegedly the oldest purpose-built restaurant in the UK – originally served as a refectory for Dominican friars, though there’s nothing monastic about its current incarnation, with its homely mismatch of furniture, globally inspired menu & general buzz of 21st century life. The varied, seasonally influenced menu offers the tempting likes of potted crab or locally foraged mushrooms with fried bread and red wine reduction, followed by game casserole or North Sea pollack with flageolet beans and chorizo stew and salsa verde, all simply presented, subtly flavoured & always delicious. A different roast every Sunday (served with Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, mash, & vegetables) forms part of a great daily lunch deal that’s £11.50/£14.50 for two/three courses. Booking ahead is essential.