Jane Pikett enjoys the culinary show at McKennas at Northern Stage
Rather like visiting an airport when you’re not going on holiday, going to a theatre bistro when you’re not seeing a show can leave you feeling a bit, well, like you’re missing something.
Hence, I generally avoid theatre eateries unless I’m seeing a play, apart from McKennas at Northern Stage, that is, which is such a favourite for its buzzing vibe and fresh, wholesome food that I go regardless – show or no show.
A grazer who in a former life was probably a native of the Mediterranean, tapas and/or mezze tend to be my default setting, and McKennas does
both very well.
From the tapas menu, the harissa roasted beetroot with goat’s cheese and the calamari are always good. The braised beans and baked egg are a comforting delight, and the tempura cauliflower and curried mayo sits comfortably alongside a portion of proper bruschetta with tomatoes, basil and garlic.
McKenna’s suits grazing and sharing, its buzzing atmosphere, particularly during the day and early evening, enjoyed by local creatives and theatre goers, uni profs, students and office workers.
If you’re seeing a show, the pre-theatre quick bites work brilliantly, with things like nachos with all the trimmings, cured meat mezze with bread, olives and feta, or a simple plate of hummus, olives and feta, stuffed vine leaves and bread with dipping oil staving off tummy rumbles during the second act.
Or for a proper evening out, go for a relaxed three-course dinner from the menu or the blackboard. We can highly recommend the lamb done two ways from our last visit, while the burgers are deservedly renowned.
Alan McKenna’s run the successful restaurant here at Northern Stage since 1996, and he does it extremely well. This place is friendly – the giant illuminated sign above the bar reads, simply, lovely, which is rather nice – and the food is good quality, simple, and suits everyone, from the breakfasts and light lunches to those pre-theatre grazing plates to your proper three-course dinners.
Unwind downstairs in the bustling café bar, or take a table upstairs in the bistro which overlooks it and enjoy steak and chips with a good bottle of wine. Either way, the happy vibe will come with you, and even if you haven’t seen the show, its stars may well come in for supper after the performance. Lovely!
McKenna’s at Northern Stage Barras Bridge, Newcastle tel 0191 242 7242
