Newcastle restaurateurs celebrate 25 years at the helm of historic Blackfriars
The owners of one of Newcastle’s most distinctive historic venues are celebrating 25 years since they took on the city’s medieval Blackfriars complex and began transforming it into one of the region’s best-known hospitality destinations.
Andy and Sam Hook launched Blackfriars Restaurant in 2001, when the business occupied little more than what is now the restaurant’s main dining room.
Twenty-five years later, the site has grown into a thriving hospitality and heritage complex incorporating an award-winning restaurant, Banquet Hall, Cookery School, Brewery, Wine Tasting Room, Parlour Bar, meetings and function rooms and Cloister Garden.
Set within a restored 13th-century former Dominican friary, Blackfriars has evolved from a small café into a much-loved Newcastle institution, combining food, hospitality, education, events and the history of the remarkable building in which it sits.
The 25th anniversary is being marked with a private dinner this week attended by invited guests including North East Mayor Kim McGuinness, representatives from the new destination marketing agency, Experience North East England, friends, family, original suppliers and long-standing members of the Blackfriars team.
When Andy and Sam took on the business, they saw potential in a historic site that had been through several incarnations. Over the following 25 years, with the support of Historic England and Newcastle City Council, they gradually expanded into neighbouring parts of the complex, creating new spaces and experiences while retaining the character and heritage of the original friary.
But for the couple, the story of Blackfriars is about much more than the building. Working with historians, archaeologists, local partners and regional tourism organisations, the business has brought the site’s history to life through heritage tours, medieval banquets, historical talks, cookery classes, educational projects, food history events and immersive experiences.
Twenty-five years ago, we thought we had taken on a small café. What we actually inherited was 800 years of history and over the last quarter of a century, thousands of people have helped us add another chapter. No one builds something like this alone. Blackfriars has been shaped by our staff, customers, suppliers, contractors, historians, friends, family and everyone who has chosen to spend their time here.
Andy added,
“Buildings are just stone and restaurants are just tables. It is people who make somewhere special. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has helped Blackfriars not only survive but thrive.”
Today, Blackfriars continues to combine hospitality, heritage and food education from its unique city-centre setting, welcoming locals, domestic and international visitors, businesses and groups to experience one of Newcastle’s most atmospheric historic venues.
“Blackfriars has always been a place for the community,” said Andy. “We are proud to be the latest custodians of that extraordinary story.”
Blackfriars has won a number of awards over the last 25 years including Taste of the North East by destination marketing agency, Experience North East England.
Andy and Sam also own the Hooked-on Group which owns Dobson and Parnell on Newcastle quayside and Hinnies in Whitley Bay.
