Meat is having a moment and as a city, we’re all super excited about Fenwick Food Hall’s newest addition, Porterhouse Butcher & Kitchen.
This Terry Laybourne venture offers casual dining for the meat-lovers of NE1 and beyond. It’s the perfect lunch stop-off while browsing Fenwick, or somewhere to pop in and feast on local produce with friends.
Inspired by buzzy European food markets where chatting to the local butcher who then sizzles up a streak for you is the norm, Terry wanted to create something similar in the hubbub of Fenwick Food Hall.
“Those European markets are just the best,” says Terry.
“I think the best of all is the San Miguel in Madrid – it just buzzes from nine in the morning until twelve at night. I’ve always thought, if we can create even half of that anywhere in Newcastle it would be a dream. And here we are now.”
With our steak knives at the ready, we tuck in for a fillet-filled afternoon at the meat counter.
Interior designed by a local lad who heads up an agency in London, you can see the genuine passion and dedication at every touch point. From the sleek signage to the shiny table wear to the bold splashes of colour and the bustling goings-on behind the meat counter, flushes of fun and elegance have been injected into the place, making for a perky new addition to the Food Hall.
We start with the small plates. I opt for the fried duck egg and Basque black pudding (£7.10), while my dinner dates choose the chicken liver pate and hot toast (£5.80) and the Saltwater sashimi (£9.20) from our friends at Porterhouse’s sister business, Saltwater Fish Company. Perfect appetisers, preparing our bellies for the main event.
Next up is the real deal. The steak. My pal and I are keen to try the chateau steak (250g, £28.20), while our chum opts for the fillet steak (200g, £26.40). Cooked rare and bursting with juicy flavours with flash of chargrilled flavour on the edges, the steaks come served with fires, a side garnish, mustards and béarnaise sauce. Try the hipster chips (£3.20) with truffle oil and parmesan for something a little punchy.
There’s something sweet about this steak place – and in that department, the desserts don’t disappoint. My company spice things up with the grilled pineapple with chilli caramel and coconut ice cream (£5), while I go for the crème caramel (£4.80). Not only are the steaks something to celebrate here, but the sweet somethings are tasty touches worth talking about too.
The staff are smart, the chefs are bubbly and the vibe is good here. Make time in your diary for a meat moment at Porterhouse this month.
Find out more at: www.porterhousencl.co.uk
