For a leading Newcastle chef whose culinary skills have earned him the national spotlight, it seems there's no place quite like home when it comes to eating out.
Danny Parker, head chef at the luxury Jesmond Dene House, certainly knows his onions and built his reputation with a CV including other top restaurants Wynyard Hall in County Durham and Michelin star The House of Tides as well as TV appearances to showcase his ideas on Great British Menu and MasterChef: The Professionals. But, his success aside, he isn't short of praise for many fellow restaurants on what he calls an "outstanding" local dining scene.
While Danny might spend most of his time in the kitchen at the award-winning Jesmond hotel, he enjoys dining out when he has time off and has several favourite places he likes to go. Jesmond Dene House's award-winning Fern restaurant is, of course, among them.
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Danny is actually leaving there at the end of April to move on to the next stage of his career which will see him explore the role of chef on a yacht. Over his time in Jesmond he has created inspired seasonal menus and special tasting events, showcasing quality produce with minimal fanfare.
It seems now is a blossoming time for the Newcastle dining scene as a whole, following the challenges and restrictions it has faced during the pandemic and despite the current cost of living crisis. There are high quality restaurants around, says Danny, and it is clear that customers appreciate a good meal out even in cash-strapped times.
"The food scene in Newcastle is so vibrant and mixed, it's outstanding," he says. "I think, including the wider Northumberland area, we really have it all, from great Japanese dining at Soho to Michelin star House Of Tides and Pine; amazing pizza from Flint, Gingerino and Scream for Pizza; proper pubs like The Broad Chare and amazing hospitality at 21!"
While families might be looking to eat out for the best value possible, he singles out two Newcastle restaurants and another in Jesmond. "I think value for money is quite subjective," he says.
"I like Aidan's Kitchen (Starbeck Avenue), Sushi Me Rollin’ or Francesca's." And he does not think the pandemic has had any lasting effects upon dining habits, although the full three-course blow-out may be a less popular choice. "I think people still love to eat out, and they love to eat good food. I think we see less people opting for a full three-course and sides now - people often foregoing the side or a dessert!"
Danny Parker's top five places to eat
Ophelia
6-10 Bowsden Terrace, South Gosforth, Newcastle, NE3 1RX , opheliagosforth.co.uk
Danny says of the restaurant, which opened in January: "The food is very nice, and very French! The setting is warming, and the cocktails / drinks selection is amazing."
Fern
Jesmond Dene House, Jesmond Dene Road, Newcastle, NE2 2E, jesmonddenehouse.co.uk
The Jesmond Dene home of the revamped restaurant sits within nine acres of woodland gardens. Danny says: "Obviously, I am biast but the setting is really unique, with arguably the best view in the area."
Scream for Pizza
21-25 Starbeck Avenue, Sandyford Road, Newcastle, NE2 1RJ, www.screamforpizza.com
The pizza favourite, which also opened a 'grab and go' outlet on the Quayside, was initially launched by former cruise ship workers Alex Walker and Victoria Featherby in a converted French army ambulance in 2014 and has gone on to huge success. It featured on BBC show Britain's Top Takeaways last summer.
Danny says: "The Brooklyn Bee pizza with their own homemade honey chilli vodka sauce is unreal."
The Broad Chare
25 Broad Chare, Newcastle, NE1 3DQ, thebroadchare.co.uk
The traditional pub just off the quayside has proved a hit since it opened with a menu created by 21 Newcastle chef and restaurateur Terry Laybourne. It was recently named the third best gasto pub in the UK.
Danny has no doubts of what he would order from here if had a last meal to eat on earth. "Haggis on toast is up there with one of my favourite meals; I would eat this on death row," he says.
Burds
The Gatehouse, Fleming Business Centre, Jesmond, Newcastle, NE2 3AE, on Facebook here
This brunch cafe was opened in summer 2021 by Sarah Tod, previously assistant manager of a Newcastle gallery, with a menu created by local chef Laura Matthews.
Danny recommends the Great ‘Muff’ saying "their breakfast double patty muffin is out of this world."
Danny's favourite place to go for Sunday lunch
It's a previously-mentioned favourite that stands out for Danny when it comes to the all-important weekly roast - but he is also tempted to try the fast up-and-coming restaurant Lovage in Jesmond which recently celebrated an inclusion in the Michelin Guide within just five months of its opening.
Danny says: "I am yet to try Lovage but hear great things. Aside from Fern at Jesmond Dene House, it would have to be The Broad Chare for a traditional roast."
Danny is set to launch a new spring menu at Fern on March 31, featuring the likes of Whitby crab; lamp rump; braised feather blade of beef; vanilla crème brulée and rhubarb, ginger and srawberry trifle. See here - or call 0191 212 3000 - for more about the restaurant and the 40-bedroom Jesmond Dene Hotel which, as an added attraction for families this spring, has also enhanced its overnight stay packages to include, for young ones, treats upon arrival, child-size robes and toiletries, books, activities and milk and cookies in the evening.
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