Trinity Gardens, Quayside, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 2HH
Harden's survey result
Summary
“You can always rely on top-quality food and service at this long-established Terry Laybourne flagship”, the first restaurant he opened back in 1988 (at 21 Queen Street) by the chef often credited with bringing upscale modern dining to Newcastle (Laybourne was awarded the Freedom of the City last year). Top Tip – “the fixed-price menu is a genuine bargain” at two courses for £30, three for £36 (lunch) or £31 and £37 respectively at dinner.
Summary
“They really know what they are doing” at this stalwart on the Quayside – and well they should, for it’s been a local fixture since 1988, when 21 Hospitality Group owner Terry Laybourne opened the first of his now expanded empire (most recently taking in Newcastle and York café spin-offs in tandem with department store Fenwick). While it’s not as starry as it once was, you’re still assured an “excellent meal” indebted to French classics and delivered by “well-informed staff”.
Summary
The venue where it all began for local restaurant hero and 21 Hospitality Group owner Terry Laybourne; even well into its third decade, the Quayside icon (though not as commented-on as it once was) is still a “very dependable destination” (“good for celebration meals” especially), and turning out “well prepared and beautifully presented” food that owes a debt to French classics.
Summary
Terry Laybourne’s “buzzy Quayside fixture” is “clearly the place to be in the Toon” – “reliably pleasing and deservedly popular” after providing “top-quality dining at surprisingly affordable prices” for 35 years. Top Tip – “great pre-theatre prix-fixe menu” ahead of a visit to the Sage, just across the Millennium Bridge.
For 34 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at 21?
Prices
| Wine per bottle | £30.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £4.00 |
| Bread | £0.00 |
| Service | 13.00% |
Restaurant details
21 Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Prawn mousseline starter was exquisite, confit duck main was good, refreshing Chablis seemed very well priced. 21 always has great food, prepared well but no surprises"
Trinity Gardens, Quayside, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 2HH
Opening hours
| Monday | CLOSED |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5:30 pm‑9 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5:30 pm‑9 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5:30 pm‑9 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5:30 pm‑9 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5:30 pm‑10 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑5 pm |
