North East & Yorkshire

House of Tides

 

House of Tides, Newcastle

Set in Newcastle, House of Tides is a recent development which tells a great story.

Once a 16th Century former merchant’s town house, the building has since been transformed into a beautiful, quirky restaurant which has preserved its historic qualities.

The building underwent restoration which was complete in 2011, and since then the other final touches in terms of the dining essentials were finalised in January 2014, when the 50 cover restaurant was opened to the public. The main contractors MGM Building Services worked alongside the specialist architects Simpson and Brown.

Having been empty for over thirty years, the house was utilised as a storage unit in the 1970’s. Subsequently English Heritage and local businessman Bobby Patterson purchased the building and restored it over a period of five years, restoring it to its current state.

House of Tides, Newcastle

Dating back to the 15th century, the building has never seen a restaurant transformation so this is something innovative and exciting to take place in the heart of Newcastle, adding to the existing tourism attraction.

We caught up with the Owner and Main Director of company Tempest Fine Foods Ltd, Kenny Atkinson to find out more about the development. Kenny said:

It’s amazing to be a part of the project, especially because there is no other building like this in Newcastle; it’s very unique. Generally you think of restaurants as modern buildings with a cutting edge style whereas this one is bursting with history and character, we fell in love with it straight away. The atmosphere of the restaurant isn’t the usual typical dining ambience, as you step in straight away you see the 16th century flag stones, whitewashed walls and exposed beams.”

Kenny Atkinson’s original and bold cooking has earned him numerous awards, including a Michelin star in 2008 and 2009 and Hotel and Caterer Cateys chef of the year in 2009.

House of Tides, Newcastle

 

Downstairs there is a bar which has been designed as more of a seating area where guests can sit with menus and enjoy a drink and a few appetisers prior to their main meal. Moving upstairs to the next level the restaurant takes the guests on an exquisite journey, with many historical features to catch ones attention.

Upstairs is a room where the old rich merchants from the 16th century used to live in luxury with their families. This space is embellished with distinctive limestone beams that have partridges and pears beautifully sculptured into them and a big open fire place to add to the personality of the room.

House of Tides, Newcastle

 

Kenny said:

The majority of Newcastle had probably never seen the inside of this building as it had been closed off for such a long time, now interest in the building has raised immensely. The feedback has been amazing; quirky always works in Newcastle or any city centre with such a varied clientele. Being used to working in 5* hotels all my career, the restaurant boasts an expensive and luxurious tone.”

For more information on House of Tides, please visit: www.houseoftides.co.uk

 

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Roma Publications