The Lock and Key Restaurant - A Steal!

Some restaurants tart themselves like many of the Bigg market's Saturday night clientele, serving very amateur and weak cuisine under the guise of a stylish modern restaurant. Playing the 'contemporary card' coupled with over zealous price tags can often fool many a restaurant goer. But you can roll a turd in truffle oil all you want, it's still going to smell of sh*t, even if it costs a lot. On the other hand, there are some restaurants that are quite the opposite....the relatively new Lock and Key Restaurant is a prime example. Situated in a shady and confused pub/bar hybrid near St James', this gastro-pub is likely to go unnoticed by the majority people. But their very fairly priced menu is surprisingly strong, offering some classic dishes delivered to a good standard. The Lock and Key is no Cafe 21, but with a decent wallet friendly menu, various cost-cutting set menus and 2-4-1 cocktail deals....you literally cannot go wrong! Interesting starters such as "Black pudding Magic"; very affordable Chateaubriand, shoulder of lamb and sea bass mains; as well as crème brûlée for a mere £3.50 all make the Fat Spoon very happy. OK, the menu makes about as much sense as the city centre's roads, but for what you are paying, a visit to The Lock and Key is sure to make for a very prosperous meal out. You will receive typical Geordie pub hospitality, which is charming of course....but don't expect anyone to ask if they can take your coat, unless you are hoping to never see it again. 75%

Gourmet Grub - Hangover Heaven

Many of us have been there, some more than others. Many of us are quite possibly there now, or will be soon based on it currently being Christmas party season. Yes, it's the dreaded crippling hangover that makes your brain feel like an old shriveled prune and leaves your stomach in a black-hole-like state. And providing you can face food, there is only one solution that will make it everything OK again and eliminate your feelings of self-loathing and calamity. That is of course a hefty, filthily greasy fry-up. A beautiful mountain of protein, grease and pure magic. And the Gourmet Grub cafe is the place where you can get that fatty fix. You can refill your soul with their signature "Big G" breakfast, which will satisfy even the greediest of animals. Bacon, sausages, toast, eggs, beans, tomatoes, mushrooms, black pudding, hash browns and a cup of tea for less than a fiver! Even the stingiest of students cannot reject such an outstanding offer. Not only is Gourmet Grub very inexpensive, but the little Geordie lady that runs the cafe will look after you like you're one of her own. Saint. It isn't just about breakfast here either, they offer some very cost effective lunches in the form of £2.20 meal deals, free cakes on match days and hot daily specials. Brilliance doesn't always have to be extravagant, sometimes its the simplest things that work the best. 76%

Al Baik - Bykers Finest!

Although Byker will never be considered as the height of Newcastle's gourmet culture, this little gem is sure to please. Situated very conveniently near the Cumberland Arms this Lebanese restaurant (and takeaway) will offer you some of the finest shawarmas, falafel and moussaka in Newcastle. The standard of cuisine puts this place more than a cut above the rest of meat based takeaways in the area. Brimming with garlic and spices, and executed with that perfect home made touch, the hot and cold mezza dishes in particular are worth trying as a proper sit down meal. The restaurant experience is further heightened by the minuscule cost of each of the dishes, the complimentary dips and bread as well as the excellent portions sizes. Although there are no drinks available, having no corkage charge on whatever beverage you choose to bring will make your night even cheaper. With the majority of the food being grilled, this restaurant is also suitable for those looking to be more of a Skinny Spoon! However, there are a few things that let the down this taste factory; the quality of the meat in some dishes, particularly the lamb, was found to be very substandard. And the canteen style dining hall really does negate a lot of the ambience. But all in all, this place is a sure choice for those on a budget. 78%

Newcastle Restaurant Week August 2013

The Fat Spoon loves Newcastle restaurant week more than its own mother. And given the success of previous restaurant weeks it looks like Newcastle city council are making this festival that rivals Christmas a more than annual affair!

Find somewhere you haven't been to or one of the Fat Spoon's highly rated venues this week for excellent food at even better prices:

http://www.getintonewcastle.co.uk/restaurant-week/

Here's some tried and tested Fat Spoon restaurant week favourites:

Blackfriars: Classic meets contemporary

Broad Chare: Requires no introduction (see previous review)

Fat Buddha: Oriental excellence

Las Iguanas: Latin delight

Malmaison: Posh but not poncy

Sabatini: Italian done with well

Tiger tiger: The underdog with a bite

Singh's Indian Restaurant-Affordably Authentic

The site itself my look like an abandoned warehouse at the edge of the Bronx, but once you've been welcomed inside you will be pleasantly surprised. As you step into the Punjabi banquet hall you will be met by an aura of a luxury, greeted by very friendly staff and mesmerised by the spice infused aroma of Indian cuisine. The menu is truly representative of Punjabi cuisine, right down to the home-made style classics such as saag paneer and tinda masala. The dishes are well prepared and accurately seasoned, but without the degree of fire that is customary to Punjabi food, although this may disappoint some. You won't find yourself drowning in grease like you would in some of Newcastle's more questionable Indian restaurants either. Best of all the pricing if the menu is extremely favourable, there are even discounts available for students and gourmet society card members too. Although Singh's isn't the calibre of some of the higher end Indian restaurants in Newcastle, it is an absolute must for those hunting for credible Punjabi cuisine for a fair price. 71%

The Red House - Pie Paradise

Don't be fooled by the archaic and modest look of this place, it is an absolute wonderland for worshippers of gourmet grub. Providing you are an avid fan of pies of course! The menu hosts a selection of masterfully crafted pies, each equally as delicious as the next. These include more abstract varieties such as 'spiced mutton and apricot' pie and 'sausage, apple, onion and cider' pie. You are than guided to choose an accompanying type of mash, pies and liquor (gravy), all with their own delectable quirks. Truly a marriage made in heaven. The quality of ingredients are top notch, as is the service. And what better to wash down those golden brown beauties other than a pint of locally sourced real ale from their excellent selection. Wallet molestation can also be avoided by part-taking in "Wednesday Pie Night" where you can pick up two of these fine meals for just £10. The Fat Spoon would vouch that this is the best place to pick up pie in Newcastle...and perhaps even the world! 86%

Bar at the Brandling - Lunchtime Bargain!

The Jesmond branch of this diversely popular pub chain is more than just a refuge for those on a student budget. Behind the fairly drab décor and dull lighting are a number of excellent delights to behold. The menu is very fairly priced, the quality of food is good and the customer service is generally very good. But the real prize here are the pizzas.

Authentically stone baked, generously laden with masses of toppings and offered at a very attractive £5, including a drink. Student or not, that's a bargain you can't overlook and despite the pub's target audience, there is always a more than adequate selection of real ales. And if this isn't enough to entice you to the Bar at the Brandling, then there are other 'features' of the restaurant that are renowned for bringing in customers. Definitely worth a visit. 69%