We were in Newcastle city centre and fancied a nice Sunday lunch and a pint and has been thinking of sampling the Earl of Pitt Street for a while, so gave it an impromptu visit.
The gastro-pub has built up quite a reputation in recent years and we soon realised that we were fortunate to walk in and get a table just before noon as several hopeful diners were turned away as it was fully booked once we were seated. So the first key message is make sure you book beforehand.
It is very rare that I can handle a three-course Sunday lunch but as soon as I saw the menu I felt I just had to check it out.
We started with the ham hock terrine with piccalilli, black pudding and toasted sourdough (£7). The terrine was meaty but not greasy and spread on the toasted sourdough with a piccalilli made quite a special taste sensation that started our culinary experience perfectly.
We were then served our Sunday dinner mains, and as soon as it touched the tastebuds we knew we were in for a treat. I opted for the slow-cooked roast belly pork (£14.50) and my culinary companion chose the slow-cooked confit shoulder of lamb (15.50).
Belly pork has always been a favourite of mine and it was cooked well, although could have been a little softer, but that could just be my own preference as I wouldn't expect many to complain about what is served.
The lamb on the other hand was exceptional, and I was quite envious I hadn't opted it for myself, I'll certainly know next time. It was beautifully cooked and flavoured and just fell apart on your fork and melted in the mouth.
Both were served with a generous mix of vegetables, there was a pureed swede that was beautifully sweet on the palate, along with green beans, honey glazed carrots, cauliflower, roast potatoes and a tasty mash.
But another of the highlights was the Yorkshire pudding. I've had a few Yorkshire puds in my time but this is one of the best I've ever had on a Sunday lunch out. For starters it was absolutely huge and towered on the plate, standing loud and proud. It had a beautiful mix of being soft and crispy and it was not at all stodgy inside, which can often be a downside of many a dinner out. It was an absolute delight and when soaked in the rich gravy, it was as near to perfection as I can remember.
After this absolute pleasure, we both opted for a pudding and went for the Baileys and white chocolate cheesecake, with raspberry coulis, and cinder toffee (£6) and the rich chocolate brownie, with raspberry puree and salted caramel ice cream (£6.50).
The Baileys and white chocolate cheesecake was full flavoured and was created with the perfect measure of biscuit base to complement the taste without being too thick to overwhelm and dominate the sweet treat. The raspberry coulis was sharp and complemented with the raspberry and strawberry pieces topping the dish.
The rich chocolate brownie was exactly that, warm, rich, tasty, and with a soft inside, but the salted caramel ice cream brought an added taste elevation that took you to cloud nine, it was another highlight of a wonderful meal out.
I am partial to a good Sunday lunch out and this is one that will stick in my mind for some time I expect. With the starter, two dinners, two desserts, a latte and an pint of Moretti, and a discretionary service charge which was very well deserved, it all came to £63.69, which was very reasonable for the quality food, service and general atmosphere of the place.
Score 4.6 out of 5.
