Jesmond Dene House Hotel, Newcastle

Dec 13 2009 by Eddy Eats

Perusing the wine list was like reading War and Peace! Everything you could possibly want was covered. Some of the wines on this list cost enough to make even a Premiership footballer think twice and we chose the Georges Duboeuf French red, which at £15 was the cheapest by a mile and very drinkable it was too.

The restaurant has two dining areas and we ate in the old music room with ornate plasterwork and modern colours. She Who Must Be Fed took a quick peek into the light and leafy Garden Room and summer terrace and declared next time we go I should book a table in there. Next time? Perhaps this fine dining lark was not such a good idea, I’m not sure the wallet can take the strain.

I went for the seared king scallop with artichoke puree, salad and other interesting adornments. The serving was modest in quantity but amazing in quality, perfectly cooked and presented with real care. Mrs Eats thought her broccoli and stilton veloute (soup to you and I) with walnut tortellini was too salty but I think it was just a bit rich for her taste and readily polished off her leftovers.

The wife was cheered up by her main course of local wild mushroom risotto which was apparently excellent, I don’t know for sure as there were no leftovers to be had this time.

My roast sirloin of Aberdeen Angus beef was served medium rare and was a touch on the bloody side for me. In fact, I reckon a decent vet could’ve got the thing back on its feet!

The roast potatoes and vegetables and Yorkshire pudding were superb and served in healthy portions leaving just enough room for my selection of Farmhouse cheeses.

The waitress brought over a trolley with a wide range of French and English cheeses, which were mostly new to me. All three I picked were delicious but I couldn’t tell you what they were. Maybe a couple of local cheeses might be a good addition to the menu?

Of course, Mrs Eats saved a bit of room for her dessert and opted for the exotic sounding milk chocolate cremeux, chocolate dentelle and pumpkin ice cream. Not too rich, unusual and in generous portions, this was a real hit and gave me few moments peace and quiet!

At £25 for three courses per person, this Sunday lunch ended up being quite pricey once drinks, wine and coffees were taken into account.

I don’t think we’ll be eating here every Sunday but for a treat or an occasion it’s a real winner. Mrs Eats enjoyed people watching the genteel crowd of customers who were a real range of ages and some of whom were obviously quite well to do.

The service and atmosphere were both relaxed and friendly, however, and there was no feeling of being out of place at all. Most importantly the food served is quality, quite traditional, just top-notch ingredients cooked very well.

TELEPHONE: 0191 212 5555. (OK for 13.12.09)

FOOD SERVED: 12.30pm till 3.15pm.

DRINKS: Lager - bottles only - Peroni £4, bitter - bottles only - Speckled Hen £4.50, gin and tonic £5.10, glass of wine £4, fresh orange juice £2.80.