We’re excited to announce that we are opening a new micro-brewery within our former Dominican friary, continuing a tradition that dates back many years.
We’re launching St Dominic’s Brewery here at Blackfriars, where our complex houses Blackfriars Restaurant, Cookery School, Parlour Bar, Tasting Room, Meeting Rooms, Banquet Hall, and King’s Suite. We will be supplying traditional pale ales, lagers, and India Pale Ales (IPAs) for you to enjoy while dining with us or at one of our many events.
Our brewery is situated in the Chapter House, where the friars used to meet to hear readings, discuss matters concerning the friary, assign daily tasks, and deal with community discipline. After King Henry VIII expelled the friars from Blackfriars in 1536, the space became the Bakers and Brewers Guild meeting room. We’re proud to continue this tradition while embracing modern craft brewing techniques.
Head brewer, Benjamin Hall, a former chef at Blackfriars as well as being an experienced brewer said: “As a Frenchman who studied in Belgium and grew up with monastic beer, I am absolutely delighted to be given this opportunity to launch the first brewery at Blackfriars for hundreds of years. I have been an ardent home brewer for many years and am determined to convert my experience into the very best ales, beers and lagers using the highest quality ingredients. And if the inaugural brews are anything to go by, I’m confident it’s going to be a hit.”
Our owner, Andy Hook, has been planning a brewery at Blackfriars for decades, and to finally see it come to fruition is nothing short of a dream come true. Housing the brewery within the former Bakers and Brewers Guild meeting room continues a narrative that goes back to the tradition of friars and monks brewing. Andy is thrilled with our first brews, which have already been well-received by both guests and staff.
We’re starting with a range of three beers – a pale ale, IPA, and lager – all authentic to Dominican brewing traditions. You can enjoy these brews while dining in Blackfriars Restaurant, attending events, or relaxing in Blackfriars Parlour Bar or Cloister Garden. We hope to soon offer these beers at our sister restaurants, Dobson & Parnell and Hinnies.
The unveiling of St Dominic’s Brewery coincides with the re-opening of Blackfriars Cloister Garden, just in time for warmer weather. With heated parasols, fire pits, ambient festoon lighting, beautiful planting, and the addition of our home-brewed beer, it’s a welcome addition to Newcastle’s al fresco dining scene. Look forward to BBQ and hog roast events in the summer months with all-weather level access.
