Lovage at St George’s Terrace, Jesmond is the brainchild of chef and part-owner, Kleo Tabuku, who has finally fulfilled his life-long dream of owning his own Mediterranean style bistro.
And now the restaurant – at the former Sale Pepe site – is open for business, with a menu which draws its inspiration from across Europe.
Starters include calamari in chickpea and garden fennel pollen batter served with lemon aioli, cauliflower, cumin and spinach fritters with minted yoghurt, crispy sardines with lovage mayo and spiced local lamb koftas.
Diners can choose from main course dishes such as lovage pappardelle with girolles, peas and sun blushed tomatoes, sustainable cod with Savoy cabbage, mussels and fish cream, gnocchi with smoked duck, ricotta and pears and salt aged flat iron steak.
Desserts also have a distinctly Mediterranean flavour including pistachio Tiramisu and roasted black figs with honey, marscapone and Prato biscotti.
The restaurant is also offering a special Sunday lunch menu, with a range of options including a traditional roast, with two courses for £28 and three for £32.
Kleo has been a well-respected chef for more than 25 years and has previously worked at hotels including Jesmond Dene House and Wynyard Hall.
He has launched the new venture in partnership with the award-winning Northumberland Pub Company, which also owns Pub of the Year The Blackbird in Ponteland and The Northumberland Arms at Felton.
“It’s fantastic that we are finally open and we are all very excited about showcasing the food to our diners,” he said.
“It’s the kind of food I grew up with and what I like to cook, using the very best local produce we can find so that everything is as fresh as possible.
“We can’t wait for people to come along and experience it for themselves.”
For further details visit www.lovagejesmond.co.uk
