The Laundrette, Newcastle launches new summer menu

‘A well-made salad must have a certain uniformity; it should make perfect sense for those ingredients to share a bowl’ – Yotam Ottolenghi

When it comes to places to eat in Newcastle it’s easy to get bogged down with all the choice and wind up down at Unos on the Quayside because it’s been there since time began and you know what you’re going to get. The problem with that is of course you miss out on all the great places that popping up all over the city.

Since The Laundrette opened opposite Central Station last October it’s gone from strength to strength being ideally located in the heart of the city and underneath the brand new Vita student accommodation building. With their ethos being ‘Cocktails and Carbs’ it’s amazing I’d never visited before so when I was invited to sample their brand new summer menu, my chunky thighs and moderately pickled liver couldn’t get there fast enough.

We were treated to a sample of starters, mains and desserts and I can hand on heart say i was blown away by the quality of the food. The starters included a solid favourite of mine; nachos and we’re not talking cool wave doritos here. They were massive and with a generous helping of fixings (sour cream, guac, etc). Major thumbs up from me. We also tried some smoked salmon, prawn skewers and peppery chicken wings.

For mains its was all about the fish for me with the Tuna and Cod both cooked perfectly and totally in keeping with the summer theme when you want something a little lighter, after all we have all winter to eat big dinners. Tuna was so meaty you’d be forgiven for thinking it was steak (which is exactly how I like it). All the dishes came with great accompaniments like lentils, quinoa and rocket salads. Particular shout out goes to the cheesiest mac & cheese I think I’ve ever had and the courgette fries which taste devilishly naughty but with half the calories of chips.

For pudding we were served what could only be described as my dream dessert. I love dessert but often find after 2 courses, i’m too full to give one the attention it deserves. The platter of sweet treats we tried though was beautiful; think a Hotel Chocolat dipping adventure but even better. The show stopper? Having mini slices of sticky toffee cake to dip into rich thick gooey milk chocolate. Stick a fork in me; i’m done!

To wash it all down we got to sample some of the cocktails from the menu, which included the Plantation Punch (comes served with a side of cinnamon ice cream – whaaat?) and a Blueberry Gin Mojito, both of which were lovely although as I often find with mojitos, there was a bit too much ice and not enough drink for my liking. We also tried some Pride inspired drinks; The Pride Pornstar (topped with pineapple foam) and a Pride Bellini – blooming lush they were!

So if you’re looking for somewhere over this long hot summer we seem to be being treated to this year then definitely think about paying the Laundrette a visit. Apparently their development staff are told to ‘make the food instagrammable’ and it is definitely that. Good thing is is all tastes pretty good too. Win win!