Today we’re talking about a city that combines rich history, stunning architecture, and mouth-watering food… Newcastle! This vibrant city located in the North-East of England has something for everyone. Whether you’re a football fan looking to catch a match at St James’ Park, a history buff wanting to explore the medieval castle, or a foodie craving some authentic Geordie cuisine, Newcastle has got you covered. In this blog, we’ll be focusing on the delicious food scene of Newcastle, from the iconic pan haggerty to the beloved Greggs. So, grab a cuppa and get ready to explore the culinary delights of Newcastle!
Pan Haggerty
Let’s start with one of the most beloved dishes of Newcastle – pan haggerty. This cheesy potato casserole is a hearty and filling meal that’s perfect for a cold winter night. Made with layers of sliced potatoes, onions, and cheese, pan haggerty is a traditional dish that has been enjoyed in Newcastle for centuries. Though the origin of this dish remains a mystery, some believe it gained it’s popularity within the mining community during the ‘hungry’ 1930’s. Just like the very similar French ‘gratin’ there is a distinct tradition that Panhaggerty should always be served from the vessel it was cooked in, and ‘panhin’, is an old English word for a small cooking pan.
Stotties
Next up is stotties, a type of bread that’s unique to Newcastle. Stotties are round, flat loaves that are perfect for sandwiches. They are usually made with a combination of white and wholemeal flour and have a distinct chewy texture that sets them apart from other breads. Stotties are a favourite among locals and are often enjoyed with ham and pease pudding, a traditional Northern dish made from split peas. It used to be customary to bounce a freshly baked stottie on the kitchen floor to test the quality and texture, if the stottie didn’t bounce it was thrown away. I think it’s safe to say this is one tradition we’re not sad to see disappear! Yuk!
Craster Kippers
No visit to Newcastle is complete without trying the famous Craster kippers. These smoked herring fillets are a delicacy that is enjoyed all over the UK, but they are particularly popular in Newcastle. The kippers are smoked over oak chips and are usually served with buttered bread or scrambled eggs. They are a true taste of the sea and are a must-try for any seafood lover. Built in 1856 by the Craster family, “Robsons Smokehouse” is now the only smokehouse in Craster. “Robsons Smokehouse” passed through four generations and today is run by Neil Robson. His father Alan still keeps a keen eye on the business and visits the smokehouse every day.
Newcastle Brown Ale
But what about something to wash down all that delicious food? Enter Newcastle Brown Ale. This iconic beer is synonymous with Newcastle and has been brewed in the city since 1927. Known locally as “Broon” or “Newkie Brown”, Newcastle Brown Ale is a smooth and flavourful beer that is enjoyed all over the world. During the late 1990s, the beer was the most widely distributed alcoholic product in the UK, and by the 2000s there were huge sales in the United States. The famous blue star logo was introduced to Newcastle Brown Ale bottles in 1928. By 1937, the ale was widely distributed in bottles and cans and continued its popularity surge to become the favourite beer of North East men working in the shipbuilding, mining and engineering industries.
Greggs
Finally, we can’t talk about Newcastle without mentioning the city’s most famous bakery – Greggs. Founded in 1939 by John Gregg in Newcastle, Greggs has grown from a small family bakery to a national institution. They are famous for their sausage rolls, pasties, and steak bakes, and have even expanded their menu to include vegan and gluten-free options. If you’re local to the Northeast of England, you may get to try new Greggs items before they’re released to the rest of the country. Their Newcastle sites are often used to trial brand new items, at the time of writing this, menu items currently only available in Newcastle include: Chicken Katsu Loaded Wedges, BBQ Chicken and Bacon Wrap and Mayo Crispy Chicken Wrap.
So there you have it, a quick guide to the delicious food and drink of Newcastle. From pan haggerty to stotties, Craster kippers to Newcastle Brown Ale, and Greggs, this city has something for everyone. So, the next time you find yourself in Newcastle, make sure to indulge in some of the local specialties – your taste buds will thank you!
