House of Tides

With a Michelin star in the bank (which is in fact the only one in Newcastle), business is booming at the House of Tides, and big-name North Country chef/proprietor Kenny Atkinson has extended the interiors of this Grade I-listed merchant’s residence on Newcastle’s humming Quayside. Fans of Great British Menu programme might recognise Atkinson from the show, which he won in 2009 and 2010.

Back in the room and drinks are still served in the flagstoned bar, while the main dining space occupies the first floor: above this is a new pastry bar and private dining area, with a walk-in wine cellar at the very top of the building. It’s “excellent in every way”, says a fan. Interiors are a mix of old and new with weathered wooden pillars giving way to open plan spaces only filled with essentials, rather than extras – wooden tables and leather chairs are topped with clean, classic crockery.

There’s a choice of menus, although innovative user-friendly food is the bottom line, with an emphatic modern British accent and some fabulous rustic notes – from native lobster with lemon and chervil or scallops with pork belly, sweetcorn and lardo to salt aged duck with apricot, black garlic and cauliflower or mussels, leek, sea purslane and caviar. After that, expect a sting in the tail from the likes of coconut with strawberries and basil or an assemblage of apple, almond and marigold for dessert. Those who prefer a savoury finish can opt to add a plate or British cheeses at the end of their meal.

There are two tasting menus available - the main menu and a vegetarian offering - and both come in at £125 per head, with the option to add a wine flight if liked. Alternatively, you can always make the decision yourself and choose from the exceptional wine list. 

House of Tides was opened by chef Kenny Atkinson and Abbie Atkinson on Newcastle’s Quayside in 2014. The couple opened the restaurant after years of Chef Atkinson’s culinary success. Before opening the restaurant Kenny Atkinson had already won Michelin stars for two separate restaurants around the UK. House of Tides was subsequently awarded a Michelin star itself just one year after the restaurant opened and has retained that star ever since. The restaurant has now been awarded four AA rosettes, and ranked fourth at the 2021 National Restaurant Awards. The restaurant serves beautifully presented British cuisine, celebrating local ingredients, Scottish seafood and traditional flavours.

House of Tides is located in a 16th century Grade I-listed building overlooking the Tyne. The entrance hall on the ground floor still has the old merchant building’s original flagstones and beams, and the upper floor where the main restaurant is held continues the refined-rustic style. The head chef is currently Chef Jake Siddle, who has worked at the restaurant since it first opened in 2014, when he was just 17. Chef Siddle took over from Chef Danny Parker in 2018.

The restaurant offers a tasting menu for lunch and dinner and has a separate tasting menu for vegetarians. Unfortunately, it currently cannot cater to vegan diets. The tasting menus always begin with the restaurant’s signature gougere, as well as the likes of Isle of Mull scallop with bacon jam, butternut squash and truffle and Highland venison with smoked beetroot, blackberry and salsify. Each course is presented in a minimalist, classical style typical of haute cuisine. Those visiting Newcastle should note that the restaurant is only open four days a week, and is closed Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Although walk-ins are accepted at the restaurant, booking in advance is strongly recommended as the restaurant tends to fill up fast.