At the end of last year, me and hubby enjoyed a child-free lunch at George’s Great British Kitchen in Newcastle, whilst we did some Christmas shopping. What a treat!
And indeed it was such a treat so that when we were asked if we’d like to do a family review we has no hesitation in saying yes. It was somewhere we thought the kids would like – fish and chips and a bucket and spade. Plus candyfloss – sounds like food heaven to me, never mind the boys.
It was the Easter holidays when we headed to the new Grey Quarter in intu Eldon Square. As we had discovered on our first visit, the idea behind George’s Great British Kitchen is all about being different. It even has beach huts in which to sit. Last time we were in 'Seahouses' but this time we were sat very comfortably in 'South Shields', along with the cuddly fish and bowler hats.
The concept is all about bringing proper British dishes, all with a unique twist, to the heart of Newcastle. We thought it was great on our first visit to George's Great British Kitchen in Newcastle - but what would the boys make of it?
What's on the Menu at George’s Great British Kitchen?
George's GBK Drinks Menu
There is a great selection of drinks to choose from - both soft drinks and alcoholic. The drinks menu is in fact called 'The Great Beverage Adventure' and there is everything from bespoke cocktails - including ones with candyfloss toppings, to the specialist Gin bar, mocktails, sharing cocktails in a teapot, to beers, wines and soft drinks that use only natural ingredients, as well as regular soft drinks.
The boys went for an Apple Juice and a Mango Juice. I had tried the Dandelion and Burdock on our previous visit and managed to persuade myself to try something else - and the Rhubarb and Custard beverage was really tasty. Hubby had the Ginger Beer and it was just as good as he'd remembered. Just like last time the drinks were fab. Fun and fruity in keeping with the restaurant.
The boys went for an Apple Juice and a Mango Juice. I had tried the Dandelion and Burdock on our previous visit and managed to persuade myself to try something else - and the Rhubarb and Custard beverage was really tasty. Hubby had the Ginger Beer and it was just as good as he'd remembered. Just like last time the drinks were fab. Fun and fruity in keeping with the restaurant.
George's GBK Under 8's Menu
I’d heard that the kid's meals were served in a bucket and on a spade - they are and the red seaside toy didn’t disappoint.
On arrival children are also given their own kids pack with crayons, containing things to colour in, quizzes, a balloon, a sticker and a hat - that kept my boys busy - even the noughts and crosses.
Kids meals are £5.95 and there is a choice of Giant Fish Finger, George's Own Recipe Sausage or Lightly Breaded Chicken Goujons all served with Twice Cooked Chips, a pot of ketchup and an Eager Fruit Juice.
These meals are aimed at children under 8, however, they are generous portions and my 10-year-old struggled to finish his 'adult' main course so would have probably been better off with one of these meals - and he can eat for England!
On arrival children are also given their own kids pack with crayons, containing things to colour in, quizzes, a balloon, a sticker and a hat - that kept my boys busy - even the noughts and crosses.
Kids meals are £5.95 and there is a choice of Giant Fish Finger, George's Own Recipe Sausage or Lightly Breaded Chicken Goujons all served with Twice Cooked Chips, a pot of ketchup and an Eager Fruit Juice.
These meals are aimed at children under 8, however, they are generous portions and my 10-year-old struggled to finish his 'adult' main course so would have probably been better off with one of these meals - and he can eat for England!
My youngest, as a big fan of chicken nuggets, opted for the chicken goujons, there was plenty of food however although there was nothing wrong with the coating the breadcrumbs just weren't to his taste - I think he prefers batter - but he did eat the chicken out of them and finished off his chips.
George's GBK Lunch Menu
Knowing how generous the portions were from our last visit, we went straight for main courses as I knew the boys would want dessert. Again we chose from the lunch menu although there is a very extensive full menu too.
The Cod Dog and Fish Finger Sandwich from last time are still on the menu but we wanted to try something different so hubby went for the finest Scottish Haddock Goujons with mushy peas (£10.35); my eldest chose the Small Wild Ocean Cod (£8.75) both are served with twice cooked chips, chunky tartare sauce and a few pickles. Although it said small it was still a fair size and my eldest boy ate as much as he could and really enjoyed it. Hubby's was delicious - I stole a chip (just to taste them) and yes they were crispy and tasty.
Last time we had loved the quirkiness and regionality of the condiments on display - especially Newkie Brown Salt!
I thought I'd do for something lighter, I nearly picked the allotment salad with grilled salmon but opted for the Charcoal Grilled Wild Cod instead which is served with cod and squeak mash, baby leaves and a tomato and herb salad (£8.95). This dish was a delight. Flavoursome, tasty, different textures and tastes and still as filling as chips but I felt better about eating it.
The Cod Dog and Fish Finger Sandwich from last time are still on the menu but we wanted to try something different so hubby went for the finest Scottish Haddock Goujons with mushy peas (£10.35); my eldest chose the Small Wild Ocean Cod (£8.75) both are served with twice cooked chips, chunky tartare sauce and a few pickles. Although it said small it was still a fair size and my eldest boy ate as much as he could and really enjoyed it. Hubby's was delicious - I stole a chip (just to taste them) and yes they were crispy and tasty.
Last time we had loved the quirkiness and regionality of the condiments on display - especially Newkie Brown Salt!
I thought I'd do for something lighter, I nearly picked the allotment salad with grilled salmon but opted for the Charcoal Grilled Wild Cod instead which is served with cod and squeak mash, baby leaves and a tomato and herb salad (£8.95). This dish was a delight. Flavoursome, tasty, different textures and tastes and still as filling as chips but I felt better about eating it.
George's GBK Dessert Menu
The 'Famous Dessert Sharer' which is Ice cream with Chantilly cream, served with doughnuts, chocolate dipping sauce, raspberry dipping sauce and candyfloss on the side. It costs £8.95 and was great to share as a family. I say share but I think the boys had the majority of the really yummy items on the sharing board.
There is a kids dessert for £2.95 which is a smaller version of the sharing dessert that we all ate together.
So what was the verdict?
There are cheaper places to eat as a family - the drinks and food came to just over £50.00 for four people - but there is a really lovely atmosphere, excellent service, quirky surroundings and food that both adults and kids will enjoy. The boys loved their visit as much as we had enjoyed ours. We will be going again.
What's your favourite restaurant in The Grey Quarter?
Deb x
Disclosure: We were gifted a meal to the value of £50 in return for an honest review.
){kind=link}
1 Comments
I have been thinking of taking my little ones here for a while but was not sure what the kids meals would be like. I think my little girl would love the novelty of getting her meal served in a bucket and spade. X
ReplyDelete