Explore the long and turbulent history of Blackfriars, a 13th-century former Dominican friary from its medieval origins, right up to the present day. Dating back to 1239, Blackfriars lays claim to being the oldest dining room in the UK, the jewel in […]

With Autumn comes an abundance of ripe fruit, vegetables, berries and nuts. Learn skills that are in danger of being forgotten with a masterclass in pickling, jamming, canning and bottling. Chutneys, cordials, marmalades, jams, fruit leather and pickles are amongst […]

With everyone loving vibrant and zingy hummus, falafels, tabouleh and baba ghannouj mopped up by freshly-baked soft pita bread; as well as spicy tagines, kebabs and shawarma, it’s no wonder Middle Eastern cuisine is claimed to be the fastest growing […]

With everyone loving vibrant and zingy hummus, falafels, tabouleh and baba ghannouj mopped up by freshly-baked soft pita bread; as well as spicy tagines, kebabs and shawarma, it’s no wonder Middle Eastern cuisine is claimed to be the fastest growing […]

Relax and have fun at our convivial evening of Chinese Bao making. Our cookery school teacher will show you just how easy it is to make home-made soft pillows of steamed buns with succulent savoury fillings and luscious sweet treats. […]

Bored with the usual places to go for lunch? Don’t fancy another sandwich on the go? Join us at Blackfriars Cookery School for more dynamic lunch with our 1-hour Express cookery classes. You will learn to make a classic street […]

Have some fun with a bespoke cocktail masterclass from one of our dedicated mixologists. Learn how to make three amazing cocktails from the experts and then get to drink them afterwards. You’ll enjoy a glass of fizz on arrival together […]

Whether it be the classic, traditional Catalonian tapas or a local Geordie twist on the popular Spanish snack, everyone seems to love those beautiful little lovingly-made mouthfuls washed down with a glass of local wine – a perfect snack for […]

Beer and bread go hand-in-hand, which makes sense given they share virtually identical processes. Join us for a full day of bread-making using byproducts from St Dominic’s Brewery, Blackfriars very own micro-brewery. You’ll learn to make some delightful beery bakes, […]

COME WINE WITH ME – EXPLORING SPAIN & PORTUGAL The wines of Spain and Portugal have increasingly grabbed the attention of the wine world in recent years. There is certainly a lot more to Portugal than Port! From the home […]

Gourmets believe Chinese to be one of the three major world cuisines – and gastronomy has been regarded as a high art in China for well over 2,000 years where food is always judged on its specific temperature and tastes […]

The CNN Travel World’s ’50 Best Foods’ had no less than four dishes in the Top 10 alone. Lightly prepared with strong aromatics and a cutting-edge spice, these dishes are sometimes described as the ‘complicated juggling of disparate components to […]

Join us at Blackfriars for a Speed Networking event. You’ll have the opportunity to meet business people in the North East and enjoy meeting new people in a more efficient and fun way. You’ll enjoy this unique take on networking, […]

The CNN Travel World’s ’50 Best Foods’ had no less than four dishes in the Top 10 alone. Lightly prepared with strong aromatics and a cutting-edge spice, these dishes are sometimes described as the ‘complicated juggling of disparate components to […]

Relax and have fun at our convivial evening pizza-making social. Our master baker will teach you just how easy it is to make blisteringly good home-made sourdough pizzas full of tasty artisan toppings, both super savoury and decadently sweet, Learn […]

This October, join us for an extraordinary evening at the annual Autumn Surplus Supper Club. Set within the Medieval Banquet Hall, this exclusive dinner event offers an opportunity to savour the finest seasonal, surplus ingredients in a one-of-a-kind setting. Indulge […]

STREET FOOD EXPRESS – CHINESE NOODLES Bored with the usual places to go for lunch? Don’t fancy another sandwich on the go? Join us at Blackfriars Cookery School for more dynamic lunch with our 1-hour Express cookery classes. You will […]

When it comes to pairing beer with food there’s so much more than a pint at your local with a packet of crisps! With such a variety of styles of beer available, beer and food matching has certainly become a […]

Join us in Blackfriars’ 13th-Century Banquet Hall for a Seafood & Whisky Dinner. We are delighted to have this wonderful evening hosted by Bill Shearer; UK Brand Ambassador for Bruichladdich Distillery based on the picturesque Scottish Island of Islay. Dine […]

Dr Geoff Bedford Cookery – private event. This is a private event for invitees only – sorry! WHERE: Blackfriars Cookery School TIMES: 9.30-4.30pm COST: £160 for a day of cookery and about as much as you can eat and drink. Places […]

Interested in local beers and ales and fancy quaffing a few new and unusual ones? We have such a wealth of brewing talent right here on our doorstep, including our very own micro-brewery on site! So why not try something […]

France is renowned for its patisserie; you only have to look in any Parisian bakery to see some of the worlds most recognized sweet treats. This workshop will show the skills to make your own French bakery window, how to […]

A lover of Thai food? Situated right next door, Malaysian cuisine is a tantalising mixture of Chinese, Thai and Muslim influences. Malaysian food is fast becoming popular in the UK with exotic, hearty favourites like Rending and Nasi Lemak. Explore […]

A lover of Thai food? Situated right next door, Malaysian cuisine is a tantalising mixture of Chinese, Thai and Muslim influences. Malaysian food is fast becoming popular in the UK with exotic, hearty favourites like Rending and Nasi Lemak. Explore […]

Bored with the usual places to go for lunch? Don’t fancy another sandwich on the go? Join us at Blackfriars Cookery School for more dynamic lunch with our 1-hour Express cookery classes. You will learn to make a classic street […]

RUM GOOD TIME – RUM TASTING Rum is the most diverse and versatile of all spirits. White, Golden, Dark, Spiced, and Flavoured can all be great on their own, poured over ice, blended with your favourite mixer, or shaken up […]

CHEF’S TABLE Sit back, relax and enjoy an evening of fabulous food cooked right in front of you by your very own personal chef. Six courses of the finest, local and seasonal offerings we can find and may include canapés, […]

Here’s your chance to explore the rich tapestry of flavours that Vietnam has to offer understanding traditions of the cuisine rely on fresh herbs and vegetables, and complimentary textures. We will learn how to create, cook and present some of […]

Cheese and wine tastings may have started as a fad of the seventies but they’re just as popular now as they’ve ever been. Why? Because cheese and wine go together so well! it seems they were just made for each […]

Relax and have fun at our convivial evening of Chinese Bao making. Our cookery school teacher will show you just how easy it is to make home-made soft pillows of steamed buns with succulent savoury fillings and luscious sweet treats. […]

For all 7 to 10 year olds with a burgeoning interest in all things food. These popular sessions are all about allowing kids to go at their own pace, making cooking fun and giving them some confidence in the kitchen. […]

For all 7 to 10 year olds with a burgeoning interest in all things food. These popular sessions are all about allowing kids to go at their own pace, making cooking fun and giving them some confidence in the kitchen. […]

Everyone loves Mexican cuisine but have you ever wanted to take it a step further than nachos and guacamole and create this vibrant cuisine in the comfort of your own kitchen? Whether it’s enchilada, quesadillas or empanadas, there really is […]

For the slightly more confident 11–17-year-old ‘Smart Cookies’ fed-up with making fairy cakes and wanting to get their teeth stuck into something a little more challenging! These sessions are all about building on from the basics and really developing their […]

Relax and have fun at our convivial evening of Taco making. Our cookery school teacher will show you just how easy it is to make home-made soft corn and flour tortillas filled with succulent savoury fillings. Learn how to make […]

For the slightly more confident 11–17-year-old ‘Smart Cookies’ fed-up with making fairy cakes and wanting to get their teeth stuck into something a little more challenging! These sessions are all about building on from the basics and really developing their […]

Have some fun with a bespoke cocktail masterclass from one of our dedicated mixologists. Learn how to make three amazing cocktails from the experts and then get to drink them afterwards. You’ll enjoy a glass of fizz on arrival together […]

When it comes to pairing a drink with cheese, port usually comes to mind. But one of our favourite cheese pairings might surprise you. With flavours ranging from vanilla and citrus to honey and forest fruits, whisky is often our […]

Join us at Blackfriars for our first ever Murder Mystery evening. The room you will be having dinner in is haunted. It is said that an awful murder was committed in our Medieval Banquet Hall and the victim cannot rest […]

Proper bread should be made from just flour, water, yeast and salt – and nothing else! Our bread-making courses follow this ethos using locally milled stone ground flours to produce wonderfully delicious and nutritious bread. On this course, you’ll learn […]

On Saturday 2 November 2024, Blackfriars will host, in partnership with Durham University’s IMEMS (*), the 24th Public lecture on Shakespeare and food. Hosted by Sheila T. Cavanagh is Professor of English and Director of the World Shakespeare Project and The Emory […]

Join us at Blackfriars for a special whisky tasting event with Bill Shearer, UK Ambassador for Bruichladdich Distillery from Islay, Scotland. Experience peated whiskies from Port Charlotte and Octomore, two distinctive labels under Bruichladdich. Known as a “Victorian Distillery re-imagined […]

Explore the long and turbulent history of Blackfriars, a 13th-century former Dominican friary from its medieval origins, right up to the present day. Dating back to 1239, Blackfriars lays claim to being the oldest dining room in the UK, the jewel in […]

Japanese cuisine offers an exciting variety of seasonal vegetables, seafood and meats which make some of the world’s most iconic ingredients and dishes. Japanese home-cooking uses minimal intervention and just a handful ingredients, allowing the produce at hand to speak […]

Japanese cuisine offers an exciting variety of seasonal vegetables, seafood and meats which make some of the world’s most iconic ingredients and dishes. Japanese home-cooking uses minimal intervention and just a handful ingredients, allowing the produce at hand to speak […]

Cantonese in origin, dim sum are perfectly-formed bite-sized morsels of deliciousness steamed in Chinese baskets and served on small plates. A dim sum brunch might include various steamed buns filled with juicy mouthfuls of pork, beef, prawns or vegetables served […]

Relax and have fun at our convivial evening of Chinese Bao making. Our cookery school teacher will show you just how easy it is to make home-made soft pillows of steamed buns with succulent savoury fillings and luscious sweet treats. […]

Indulge in a culinary journey through Spain with our 5-course Spanish Wine Dinner showcasing carefully crafted dishes from across the country together with expertly paired wines from our host, James Scrimgeour of Enotria & Coe. As the most widely planted […]

Bored with the usual places to go for lunch? Don’t fancy eating a sandwich on the go? Then why not join us at Blackfriars Cookery School and take part in an express class? Relax and have fun at our convivial […]

Cheese and wine tastings may have started as a fad of the seventies but they’re just as popular now as they’ve ever been. Why? Because cheese and wine go together so well! it seems they were just made for each […]

CHEF’S TABLE Sit back, relax and enjoy an evening of fabulous food cooked right in front of you by your very own personal chef. Six courses of the finest, local and seasonal offerings we can find and may include canapés, […]

SZECHUAN CHINESE COOKERY What makes Szechuan/Sichuan cuisine so special? Hot, humid climates like this huge central-Chinese land-locked province call for food that is both hot and highly spiced because hot foods like red chilli stimulate the palate, making it more […]

The CNN Travel World’s ’50 Best Foods’ had no less than four dishes in the Top 10 alone. Lightly prepared with strong aromatics and cutting-edge spices, these dishes are sometimes described as the ‘complicated juggling of disparate components to create […]

Before the advent of cheap flights and package holidays, the most we knew about Greece was its ancient origins, empire and gods. However, after a few decades of Greek tavernas and sunshine, we’ve all grown to love Baklava, Tzatziki and Kleftiko. […]

Before the advent of cheap flights and package holidays, the most we knew about Greece was its ancient origins, empire and gods. However, after a few decades of Greek tavernas and sunshine, we’ve all grown to love Baklava, Tzatziki and Kleftiko. […]

As comfortingly familiar as pizza and pasta are, there is so much more to Italian cuisine with some of the very best Italian restaurants shunning the obvious for authentic regional specialities such as polenta, risotto, Caponata, Gnocchi and pomodoro sauce. […]

Bored with the usual places to go for lunch? Don’t fancy another sandwich on the go? Join us at Blackfriars Cookery School for more dynamic lunch with our 1-hour Express cookery classes. You will learn to make a classic street […]

Have some fun with a bespoke cocktail masterclass from one of our dedicated mixologists. Learn how to make three amazing cocktails from the experts and then get to drink them afterwards. You’ll enjoy a glass of fizz on arrival together […]

You may already be familiar with classic food pairings like caviar and Champagne, a char-grilled steak with Argentinian Malbec, Roquefort cheese with a glass of luscious Sauternes, or even fish and chips washed down a pint of English bitter. If […]

With influences from all over the world, a country that didn’t unify until the 19th century is still, today, very diverse and regional in its cuisine. Before France got its, well deserved reputation, as the gastronomic centre of the world; […]

COME WINE WITH ME – BIG JUICY RED WINE TASTING There are some times in all of our lives when we just need a big fat juicy red wine to guzzle. It doesn’t have to be when we’re about to […]

Ever wondered how your fishmonger manages to fillet your fish with such speed and dexterity and how chefs manage to perfectly cook those delicate morsels so perfectly? Here’s your chance to learn the basics of fish filleting, what to look […]

Say Portugal and you might think about golf, surfing, the Algarve and Ronaldo! But Europe’s most westerly point and oldest nation (dating back to 1139) was a super-power of maritime explorers so no surprise its cuisine relies heavily on seafood […]

France remains home to one of the world’s greatest classic cuisines with humble dishes such as French onion soup, cassoulet, coq au vin, confit duck and beef bourguignon rooted in their culinary history. Food really is a way of life […]

France remains home to one of the world’s greatest classic cuisines with humble dishes such as French onion soup, cassoulet, coq au vin, confit duck and beef bourguignon rooted in their culinary history. Food really is a way of life […]

Join us for Hinnies’ first-ever Beaujolais Nouveau Lunch, a celebration of France’s most popular “Vin de Primeur”! Every year, the 3rd Thursday of November marks the arrival—”Est Arrivé”—of Beaujolais Nouveau, a vibrant, light, and fruity wine made from the region’s […]

The 3rd Thursday of November always marks ‘Est Arriveé’ of Beaujolais Nouveau – France’s most popular ‘Vin de Primeur’ with its succulent, light and fruity wine made from Beaujolais’ indigenous Gamay grape bottled just 6-8 weeks after harvest. Come and […]

When we think of Autumn, pumpkin and spices often come to mind. However, another comforting pastry to enjoy this season is the classic French Paris Brest. With caramelised nuts, praline-infused creams and soft, fluffy crème mousseline, this dessert is a […]

Bored with the usual places to go for lunch? Don’t fancy another sandwich on the go? Join us at Blackfriars Cookery School for more dynamic lunch with our 1-hour Express cookery classes. You will learn to make a classic street […]

Join us at the Friary for a fun spin on a blind whisky tasting. We will provide six fabulous whiskies as a blind tasting. Two of our in-house whisky experts will try to convince you to believe them based on […]

When in season and at its best, British wild game is utterly unbeatable – fresh, lean and delicious! Come and enjoy a hearty five-course extravaganza of some of the best game our local countryside has to offer. WHERE: Banquet Hall […]

Autumn and winter are the perfect seasons for enjoying the delights of wild game. And from October through to January there’s an abundance of the beautiful full-flavoured healthy lean meat around including pheasant, mallard, partridge and grouse. We’ll present the […]

We all love the romance of wine and cheese, but did you know beer and cheese make the perfect partners? There’s nothing like refreshing your palate with a swig of nice cold beer between decadent bites of fine cheese. The […]

Relax and have fun at our convivial evening of Chinese Bao making. Our cookery school teacher will show you just how easy it is to make home-made soft pillows of steamed buns with succulent savoury fillings and luscious sweet treats. […]

Horticultural expert Kate Norris, from Northumbrian Flowers – growing British flowers in the heart of Northumberland – who’s been looking after Blackfriars’ herbs and flowers for the past decade, will help you to make your very own Christmas wreath – […]

Horticultural expert Kate Norris, from Northumbrian Flowers – growing British flowers in the heart of Northumberland – who’s been looking after Blackfriars’ herbs and flowers for the past decade, will help you to make your very own Christmas wreath – […]

Uisge-beatha- the water of live! To celebrate St Andrew’s day on 30 November come and learn dishes that use a range of the many different scotch whiskies on the market. Turning the flavours from the Highlands and islands into mouthwatering […]

Relax and have fun at our convivial evening of Taco making. Our cookery school teacher will show you just how easy it is to make home-made soft corn and flour tortillas filled with succulent savoury fillings. Learn how to make […]

Bored with the usual places to go for lunch? Don’t fancy another sandwich on the go? Join us at Blackfriars Cookery School for more dynamic lunch with our 1-hour Express cookery classes. You will learn to make a classic street […]

Have some fun with a bespoke cocktail masterclass from one of our dedicated mixologists. Learn how to make three amazing cocktails from the experts and then get to drink them afterwards. You’ll enjoy a glass of fizz on arrival together […]

COME WINE WITH ME – FESTIVE WINE TASTING When it comes to food, Christmas day often proves to be a battle of the senses. From the traditional smoked salmon or a stomach-lining bacon sandwich to the main event when we […]

Come and enjoy a fun and interactive session with one of our senior chefs who will show you just how easy it is to prepare mouth-watering tasty micro-morsels and how to prepare the perfect Christmas roast dinner!  Learn a variety […]

Kick off the Christmas season in style at Blackfriars’ first-ever Christmas Market! It’s the perfect way to get into the festive spirit in the heart of Newcastle. Wander through our beautifully decorated Cloister Garden, full with local vendors offering unique […]

COME WINE WITH ME – FESTIVE WINE TASTING When it comes to food, Christmas day often proves to be a battle of the senses. From the traditional smoked salmon or a stomach-lining bacon sandwich to the main event when we […]

Horticultural expert Kate Norris, from Northumbrian Flowers – growing British flowers in the heart of Northumberland – who’s been looking after Blackfriars’ herbs and flowers for the past decade, will help you to make your very own Christmas wreath – […]

Looking for a fun, family-friendly event this Christmas? Join us for a Gingerbread House Building workshop where you and your child can team up to create the ultimate festive masterpiece! Each ticket provides a gingerbread station for one adult and […]

Horticultural expert Kate Norris, from Northumbrian Flowers – growing British flowers in the heart of Northumberland – who’s been looking after Blackfriars’ herbs and flowers for the past decade, will help you to make your very own Christmas wreath – […]

The Christmas turkey is bought; sausage rolls are made and the smoked salmon is ready to go on the canapes when your nearest and dearest tell you they are turning vegetarian! Don’t worry we have you covered. Come and learn […]

Roll up your sleeves and get stuck into our brand-new event of festive artisan bread-making! Proper bread should be made from just flour, water, yeast and salt – and nothing else! Guided by our master baker, you’ll craft up to […]

Horticultural expert Kate Norris, from Northumbrian Flowers – growing British flowers in the heart of Northumberland – who’s been looking after Blackfriars’ herbs and flowers for the past decade, will help you to make your very own Christmas wreath – […]

Horticultural expert Kate Norris, from Northumbrian Flowers – growing British flowers in the heart of Northumberland – who’s been looking after Blackfriars’ herbs and flowers for the past decade, will help you to make your very own Christmas wreath – […]

Christmas Day wouldn’t be the same without a traditional Christmas cake to round off your festive meal. Join us and create your very own 6” Christmas cake from scratch where we’ll be using a variety of dried fruits soaked in […]

Come and enjoy a fun and interactive session with one of our senior chefs who will show you just how easy it is to prepare mouth-watering tasty micro-morsels and how to prepare the perfect Christmas roast dinner!  Learn a variety […]

Horticultural expert Kate Norris, from Northumbrian Flowers – growing British flowers in the heart of Northumberland – who’s been looking after Blackfriars’ herbs and flowers for the past decade, will help you to make your very own Christmas wreath – […]

Horticultural expert Kate Norris, from Northumbrian Flowers – growing British flowers in the heart of Northumberland – who’s been looking after Blackfriars’ herbs and flowers for the past decade, will help you to make your very own Christmas wreath – […]

The impressive centre piece that is the Beef Wellington can be a challenging dish to master. Getting the lattice pastry perfectly golden and crisp while retaining a pink centre to your mushroom duxelles-encased beef fillet is no easy task. Come […]

It’s that special time of the year when thoughts are turning to Christmas, what to eat and when to buy it. Why not enjoy old traditions by making your very own designer Christmas pudding to take away and nurture? On […]

Have some fun with a bespoke cocktail masterclass from one of our dedicated mixologists. Learn how to make three amazing cocktails from the experts and then get to drink them afterwards. You’ll enjoy a glass of fizz on arrival together […]

Horticultural expert Kate Norris, from Northumbrian Flowers – growing British flowers in the heart of Northumberland – who’s been looking after Blackfriars’ herbs and flowers for the past decade, will help you to make your very own Christmas wreath – […]