Let’s transport you back to 1850, at just 31 years old, Victoria, Queen of England travels to the North East for the ‘Grand Opening’ of Newcastle Central Station. Even back then if you had the means you could buy the best seats in the town for auspicious occasions such as this. High prices were paid for VIP tickets to secure the best of views of the ceremony in what’s still considered today one of the finest Grade 1 listed buildings in the City!
Thankfully no longer do you have to be a VIP ticket holder to grab some of the best views, food and drink in the buzz of Newcastle’s main commuter hub. For Destination 1850 boutique bar and eatery has arrived in style. Decked out in 1850’s glamour this coffee stop, bar, restaurant and food on the go establishment offers passing travellers and city workers a grand place to relax and refresh whether on the go or to stopping a while.
I visited Destination 1850 on a chilly Monday evening, but the chill of the air was of no consequence as the conveniently placed heat lamps and heated seat pads kept me nice and toasty. We were given a lovely welcome by Sophie and her team and shown to a table under the heat lamp by Stacey who quickly took our cocktail orders. For me, my go to cocktail a Mojito and for my plus one a Rhubarb on the Rocks! Both drinks made to perfection my Mojito mixed up just the right amount of sugar, lime and mint.
I must admit I wasn’t sure what to expect with this new eatery and drinkery in the hub of Central Station, but I can see how its popularity will grow rapidly. Perusing the menu, I noted a brunch that’s served all day, perfect for those lazy days were breakfast comes and little later…and who doesn’t like decadent eggs benedict! For a tasty daytime/evening snack there’s an array of wraps from southern fried or peri peri chicken spice to vegan Persian or falafel… or how about Halloumi cheese or Mexican beef chilli? With prices from just £5.50 I’d prefer to eat this than a pre-prepared sandwich any day…
If you need something on the go the hand stretched pizza prepared daily will work or choose a healthy prawn or chicken Thai salad, its sure to perk up your journey.
After much deliberation we chose Katsu chicken loaded fries, this is chips and curry sauce ‘upgraded’. Crunchy chicken, chillies, spring onions and coriander with warm Katsu Curry Sauce, perfect munchies with a pre or post travel drink, actually really good any time…
Of course, we didn’t stop there, time for the sharing platters. A civilised cheese board with cheddar, white Stilton and apricot, blue Stilton, Gruyere and goats’ cheese, pickles and fig chutney. Divine with a range of crackers, clearly no excuse to avoid cheese and wine here! We also tried the seafood board and loved the smoked mackerel and salmon served with plenty of butter and ciabatta.
To finish we enjoyed a hot chocolate, Kelly chose the red velvet variety with half a cupcake immersed in a whipped cream topping and I chose the white chocolate and marshmallow, I can’t imagine a more perfect drink for the winter nights approaching!
Overall, we were truly satisfied, 1850 has arrived but I’ve definitely booked a return ticket.
Caroline Preston is a food, travel writer and copywriter for www.thejarvisjotter.co.uk to book me for your business contact carolinepreston@thejarvisjotter.co.uk
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