Lovage – at St George’s Terrace, Jesmond – has opened its doors with chef and part-owner Kleo Tabuku aiming to focus on seasonality, sustainability and quality.
The fulfilment of Kleo’s life-long dream to own his own Mediterranean-style bistro, Lovage draws inspiration from across Europe in its menus.
Starters include calamari in chickpea and garden fennel pollen batter served with lemon aioli; cauliflower, cumin and spinach fritters with minted yoghurt; crispy sardines with lovage mayo; and spiced local lamb koftas.
Diners can choose from main course dishes such as lovage pappardelle with girolles, peas and sun blushed tomatoes; sustainable cod with Savoy cabbage, mussels and fish cream, gnocchi with smoked duck, ricotta and pears; and salt-aged flat iron steak.
Desserts also have a distinctly Mediterranean flavour, including pistachio Tiramisu; and roasted black figs with honey, mascarpone and Prato biscotti.
The restaurant is also offering a special Sunday lunch menu, with a range of options including a traditional roast, with two courses for £28 and three for £32.
Kleo, who has more than 25 years’ experience and has previously worked at hotels including Jesmond Dene House and Wynyard Hall, has launched the restaurant in partnership with the award-winning Northumberland Pub Company, which also owns Pub of the Year The Blackbird in Ponteland and The Northumberland Arms at Felton.
“It’s fantastic that we are finally open and we are all very excited about showcasing the food to our diners,” he said.
“It’s the kind of food I grew up with and what I like to cook, using the very best local produce we can find so that everything is as fresh as possible. We can’t wait for people to come along and experience it for themselves.”
