2014 North East Foodie Awards

Welcome to New Girl in Toon's very own celebration of a year of amazing food places in the North East!   What fun would writing a blog full of food be if you couldn't host your own little award ceremony at the end of the year?  

This year I have ticked so many restaurants off my list and I thought it would be good to share my top picks of 2014 with you.

BEST AFTERNOON TEA

Winner: Jesmond Dene House

I think we all knew I'd pick JDH as my winner.  The food is amazing and the house is gorgeous - if you haven't been yet what on earth are you waiting for?  It is easily the best afternoon tea in the North East and we return time and time again.

Runner up: Bonbar

New to the Toon, afternoon tea at Bonbar is a really fun affair with funky glass teapots and delicious food.

BEST CAKE DATE

Winner: The Oak Café at Barker and Stonehouse

This little place is a hidden treasure in the centre of Newcastle.   A stone's throw away from the city centre it's peaceful and cosy with delicious cakes.  The best place to escape the hustle and bustle of the high street.

Runner up: Great British Cupcakery

Serving up the biggest cakes in town, the counter at the Great British Cupcakery has to be seen to be believed. 

BEST BRUNCH

Winner: Tyneside Bar and Cinema

The best breakfast menu in Newcastle!   Speed down there on a Sunday for Brunch Club, the perfect excuse to work your way down the entire menu whilst watching a classic old film.

Runner Up: Malmaison

Not for the faint hearted, the Malmaison offers up the biggest brunch in town which is so epic you'll need to go home after for a lie down.

BEST LUNCH ON THE GO

Winner: Sloppy Joe's

Always Simon's first suggestion if we're in Newcastle and desperate for a satisfying sandwich, he's even been known to sneak off and buy one without me!   Serving local produce on freshly baked bread - this is street style food at its finest.

Runner Up: Zapatista

Took us a while to try it but when we did it was love!   Hugely satisfying Burritos, crammed full of the most tasty fillings.   We will definitely be back there in 2015 to try out the churros that have recently been added to the menu.

BEST NORTH EAST NEWBIE

Winner: St Mary's Inn

Probably my most anticipated new restaurant of the year and it did not let me down.  From the people that brought us Jesmond Dene House, St Mary's Inn is so warm and cosy with a delicious menu.

Runner Up:  Coop Chicken House

After years of being left so disappointed by Nandos (bleurggghhh!) this little independent restaurant in Newcastle serves up chicken the right way ... with shots of sauce!  Delicious!

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR

Winner: Bonbar

Bonbar was a real surprise for us when we ventured in during Restaurant Week.  We had no idea what to expect and were really impressed by how fantastic the food was.  So much so we have since returned for afternoon tea and again on Christmas Day!

I'm already excited to see what places we can discover in 2015!