Blackfriars — Former Priory in Newcastle Upon Tyne

Blackfriars Restaurant is a Grade I listed former monastic refectory in Newcastle upon Tyne. Situated on Friars Street just behind Chinatown, it’s near historic sites like Newcastle Castle and the Castle Keep. The venue operates as an event space with themed dining experiences set within its 13th-century stone interior. You can find craft beer tastings, history tours with lunch, or formal dinners during scheduled events. It's worth a walk from nearby markets, though it’s not in the heart of the city centre.

Blackfriars Restaurant is a Grade I listed former priory built as a dining hall in the early 13th century. Its original use was as a refectory for monks, and it remains one of the oldest surviving medieval dining rooms in the UK. The interior features traditional British stone walls, wood panelled arches, and warm lighting that enhances its elegant historic feel. Today, it serves as an event space hosting meals within this preserved setting. Events include craft beer festivals, historical dinners, and themed tastings, each experience curated to match the building’s legacy.

At Blackfriars, you can book into event-based experiences that take advantage of its multi-room layout across a former priory complex. Regular events include formal dinners with historical storytelling or beer festivals held in the original refectory and cloister garden. These gatherings attract history enthusiasts and local groups who value cultural programming over casual dining. It's best to pre-book, as space is limited and demand is high during peak times.