At the age of just 25, Newcastle chef Lawrence Norman has already spent a decade working in the hospitality industry.
In that time, he has honed his skills in many of Newcastle's much-loved eateries - from Jesmond restaurant, The Patricia, to burger specialist Meat:Stack. These days the Washington chef heads up the kitchen team at Horticulture, the Market Lane restaurant and bar owned by Mike Hesketh.
With his experience and connections across the North East's food scene, Lawrence knows the best places to eat and drink in the region. And now he has revealed his favourite restaurants and bars in Newcastle and the surrounding areas - and shared what makes them so special.
"I started my career with the Cairn Hotel Group and then after that worked for Bar 28, Meat:Stack, Horticulture, and The Patricia in Jesmond," Lawrence said.
"I then came back to Horticulture and it has been really good fun. I learned loads at The Patricia and have taken some of those techniques to make my own food and dishes, which has been really exciting."
Flint Pizza, 218a Chillingham Road, Newcastle
Diners can expect artisan Neapolitan pizza from this Newcastle gem.
"This is one of my favourites in Newcastle for pizza," Lawrence said.
"It is classical with flavours and keeping it simple lets the food speak for itself. It is just really good pizza.
"I tend to always go for one of the specials when they are on."
French Quarter, Arch 6 Westgate Road, Newcastle
This is a Parisian-style wine bar offering sharing dishes and larger plates.
"I really like it here," Lawrence said.
"It is just one of those places where you consistently get good food, good service and nice wine. I love a good charcuterie board and a glass of wine, so it is absolutely great for that.
"They do absolutely unbelievable dauphinoise potatoes, they are great after a few glasses of wine."
Trakol, By the River Brew, Hillgate Quays, Gateshead
The restaurant specialises in seasonal dishes with a focus on preservation, dry aging, and cooking over fire.
"I know quite a few of the lads working there and a few of the chefs and it is really interesting and cool what they are doing with the garden spaces," Lawrence said.
"They have got mushrooms growing down there and the micro herbs which is a cool thing to go and have a look at, as well as seeing them cooking on coals.
"It is my favourite Sunday roast in town!"
Rebel X Shapes, 150 Heaton Park Road, Newcastle
Shapes specialises in fresh, hand-rolled pasta and has a residency at Rebel.
"It is all about fresh, handmade pasta and classical dishes," Lawrence said.
"It is really approachable food and well priced, so I could go every other week and it's not going to cost an arm and a leg. They are really good."
The Patricia, 139 Jesmond Road, Newcastle
The fine dining restaurant featured in the Michelin 2020 guide and serves English bistro-style dishes with hints of a European influence.
"Their food is absolutely great," Lawrence said.
"When you are looking at a top-end restaurant they are in the more affordable range of that.
"The menu is constantly changing."
Mother Mercy, The Old George Yard, 44 Cloth Market, Newcastle
Voted one of the top 50 cocktail bars in the UK, Mother Mercy is a cocktail bar hidden in a basement hidden underneath Newcastle's Old George Yard.
"They are absolutely smashing it," Lawrence said.
"It is super cool and on-trend with nice drinks. The guys there are good at what they do."
Zerox, 48-52 Sandhill, Newcastle
The trendy bar and live music venue on the Quayside is one of Lawrence's favourite places to go on a night out.
"It is a really interesting bar and vibe that has different events on," he said.
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