Fisherman's Lodge

Fisherman's Lodge has recently undergone a change of ownership and is now in the capable hands of award winning North East chef patron, Alan O'Kane and backer Jamie Howell. Fisherman's Lodge is a mystical and tranquil rural idyll surrounded by the bustling city of Newcastle. It is hard to believe that the city centre is a mere five minutes away.

Lord Armstrong, Victorian manufacturer of very large whizz-bangs, public benefactor, inventor and the man who introduced electricity to Newcastle, used the Lodge to house the estate manager at Jesmond Dene and the stables, whilst his later country mansion at Cragside was the first house in the world to be lit by hydroelectric power.

Today Fisherman's Lodge, tucked away in its leafy woodland gorge in Jesmond Park, serves as a select haven for those who like their earthly pleasures, notably food, drink and good company, in surroundings that in themselves are a source of relaxation and understated comfort. The Victorian structure remains, but its formerly sombre interior has been replaced by a light and airy chic that draws on contemporary design, presenting a riot of vibrant colours, red sofas, black and gold wallpaper and banquette seating in Chinese blue.

Turning to matters of dining the emphasis is firmly on seafood and fish alongside fine Northumberland meat and fresh local produce. Seasonal game also features on the menu from time to time. The character of the man, in this case Alan O'Kane, is such that he prefers simplicity and his zest for flair and flourish is likely to merit a warm response from a wider clientele for whom good eating is a matter of enjoyment without fuss and a recognition of integrity in sourcing and preparation.

Amongst the dishes likely to appeal are starters of white onion and parmesan soup with foie gras ravioli, twice baked soufflé Suisse, and pan fried scallops with Iberico chorizo, tomato jam and ricotta gnocchi. Follow with 'plain and simple' fish of the day, seasonal vegetables and ratte potatoes, or Blagdon Farm duck breast, duck leg pastia, duck scratchings and sour cherry jus. For the connoisseur a sous vide fillet of turbot is likely to appeal, accompanied by mussel clam chowder and crisp Serrano ham. On the lunch and early evening menu coq au vin is making a popular resurgence along with fish (again, of the day) and chips and other traditional dishes.

Happy indeed is the restaurant where the sommelier, here Leon Battaglia, is also an expert in the selection and serving of cheese. With house wine starting at a pleasing £15 a bottle the list finds its way through a wide range of choices drawn mainly from the newer regions where value and quality meet.

A range of menus includes lunch and dinner, with an early evening menu available from Monday to Friday, the ideal place to start an evening out amidst the wide ranging entertainment spectrum within the city. On Sundays a traditional lunch is served. The restaurant is also pioneering a chic brunch menu, to be launched in 'The Terrace at Fisherman's Lodge' at weekends - a new feature designed to provide for more relaxed al fresco style dining - by covering in the terraced patio. The reputation for fine dining remains and the scope will open even further to meet the challenge of the times and changing habits in eating out.

With such a superb location it is hardly surprising that a forte at Fisherman's Lodge is the succession of private parties and business meetings. The Lodge is licensed for wedding ceremonies, and an extensive car park ensures no problems in that direction. Newcastle is fortunate indeed that such a fine asset for public entertainment and pleasure is located at its heart.

For up to date developments and news a click on their Website will prove informative.