Last week was one of my oldest friends birthday so we took ourselves off to Miller & Carter to celebrate in style and the lovely Vicky from Describe the Sky also joined us.
Having previously been a bar venture by Ant & Dec, the Miller & Carter chain have landed in Newcastle in an imposing, grand building in a prime location on Moseley Street, between the ‘Diamond Strip’ and the restaurant run of Grey Street and Dean Street.
As you walk in, you are surrounded by rich tones, wood panelling, high ceilings and huge fresh flower displays. We took a seat at the bar for some pre dinner cocktails and it felt very opulent. I actually felt like I was in a far more high end venue than we were. Just what Newcastle needed. Class without pretention. I had the non alcoholic Mojito (£2.50) which was super refreshing and tasty and to my pleasure, very reasonably priced! The ladies worked their way through the alcoholic menu!
Our server, Olivia, escorted us to our booth and presented us with a complimentary bottle of Champagne to celebrate Chris’ birthday. Such a very nice touch – Thanks M&C! Our table felt cosy and intimate with its lamp shade and comfy seats. The size of the restaurant is just huge. It was nicely full on a Thursday and service was at times a little slow so I can’t imagine what it would be like at 7pm on a Saturday, especially in the run up to Christmas. As we weren’t in a rush, it wasn’t so bad but little things took too long, like the bill, or dessert menu.
The pastry was light and crispy, giving way to the richness of the pate and mushrooms that lined it. The beef was a generous portion, thickly cut and perfectly cooked. All in all it was quite rich but ever so delicious. The beef dripping sauce I chose was mind blowing. I’m salivating merely thinking about it! Seriously. Order the beef dripping sauce – please!
Chris had the 8oz Fillet Steak (£22.50). She hadn’t realised the meal came with the salad and sauce included so had turned those down but opted to add the lobster thermidor and prawn Surf & Turf (£6). Again, slightly disappointing size wise but the price is hardly going to break the bank. Odd that the lobster thermidor was served on a scallop shell, unless it had been a mysterious substitution she hadn’t been told of.
The Fillet was a thick, juicy well cut piece of meat, cooked to perfection. The chips and onion loaf came in handy for soaking up all the delicious juices!
Vicky, as a vegetarian, opted for the Sweet potato and Red bean Burger (£9.95). Served with slaw and fries. It is good to see that Miller & Carter can offer up a decent alternative to meat which is something a lot of restaurants either forget to do, or can’t be bothered with. There were also salads and risottos on offer if meat isn’t your thing.
Where most places would charge extra, we were all incredibly impressed with the sides that came with our meals and the portion size was excellent for the price.
As I don’t really have a sweet tooth, and truth be told I would rather have had a starter, the Sticky Toffee Pudding (£5.50) I had was totally average. Presentation was nifty with the long chocolate roll but that was it for me. Next time I will order a starter!
Chris and Vicky both enjoyed their Banoffee Pie (£5.25) and Chocolate Brownie (£5.95), respectively.
I know I have said it before but I am not the biggest fan of red meat but I have been very consciously trying to order it more and learn to enjoy it so with that in mind I would give Miller & Carter a strong 9 out of 10, with 1 being taken off for speed of service.
I’m a massive fan of our Miller and Carter down here, will have to try the Newcastle one next time I’m visiting the rentals x