As the dark nights draw in, we’re saying goodbye to al fresco dining and seeking out cosy spots to relax, unwind and enjoy a bit of comfort food with a tipple or two. Gone are the days of sipping rosé in the striking sunlight. We’ve swapped them for indulging in cheese and wine, hidden beneath the railway arches. And as if by chance, we’ve found the perfect spot for feel-good French food, fine wine and smiling faces!
Bringing a taste of France to our doorstep, The French Quarter is a new neighbourhood restaurant and wine bar bringing all the good things in life together under one arched roof.
We feel like we’ve been whisked away to a chic café-come-wine bar in the French Alps. It’s cool, it’s friendly and it’s the sort of place you could spend the whole day whiling away the hours as you pick tapas-style and sip speciality wines.
Cedric and Catherine are the brains behind the business. Moving to the North East from France, the couple were keen to challenge perceptions that French dining is formal and fussy. It’s not; it’s about embracing the home comforts and enjoying them with great wine and good company. The FQ is a casual spot where you can enjoy the very best produce, you can try new wines, shop from the deli and share Cedric and Catherine’s love of all things French!
Cedric is originally from the Loire Valley in France and has a natural curiosity for food and wine. Catherine is originally from Northumberland and after setting off on a ski season in 2010, she met Cedric and fell in love with the place, the food and the overall experience.
Together, with a passion for French food and culture, combined with a genuine love of Newcastle, they’ve created the perfect recipe for a fine, French-inspired bistro in the heart of NE1.
We’re in for a hearty lunch - and a cup of freshly ground coffee goes down a treat as our dishes are brought out in tapas-style.
The menu incorporates simple but carefully selected French cuisine. My personal favourites being the soufflé au fromage et épinards (£5.95) and the boeuf bourguignon (£7.95).
The flavours are impeccable and everything about the food is delicious, from the charcuterie to the seasoning and the sauces soaked up with house bread.
The main dishes and lunch menus are set to change regularly, meaning The French Quarter is the perfect spot to return to for dinner or a quick bite to eat. It’s a little gem in the arches. Ooh la la!
Pop along and let us know what you think about this nourishing newbie. Tweet us at: @NewcastleNE1