A couple of weeks ago friends told me about a great restaurant that they had been to on the Gateshead Quays. They were so enthusiastic about it I thought I would give it a whirl and I assure you I certainly wasn’t disappointed.
River Beat is a fabulous Asian Fusion restaurant just a hop, skip and a jump across the swing bridge from the Newcastle quayside over to the Gateshead side. With stunning views across the Tyne, this is a great lunch and evening spot. With tables available inside and out and a private dining room upstairs it’s a super venue for any celebration or just for a lunch or an evening out.
3 Easy Reasons To Taste River Beat’s Award Winning Food
By the River
The building used to be the old river police station but you certainly wouldn’t know this once you step inside. What a tremendous transformation, the decor is simple and luxurious with dark wood tables and cream seating. The mix of high and low seating areas gives this old building an uplifting contemporary feel. A friendly environment with fabulous ambiance and perfect for the sharing experience that is tapas.
We chose Saturday lunchtime and although fairly quiet we were treated to the full VIP experience. The staff were attentive and exceptionally informed, which is a great combo in a tapas restaurant where some of the dishes may be unfamiliar.
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Lots to choose from
We ordered drinks and perused the menu. While the choice is exceptional it is not overly exhaustive and there is certainly something for everyone; whether you are a real meat eater opting for the belly pork, or a pescatarian opting for the squid, there are vegetarian choices along with tapas which is gluten free and all with a fabulous Asian influence.
We opted for the early bird special of three tapas for £9.95 and selected 6 to try along with a couple of sides. As always our eyes are bigger than our bellies and we should have kept to the waiter’s advice and stuck to the three tapas with NO sides. The food, however, was absolutely amazing and we were delighted with our selections. Although we couldn’t eat it all we were desperate to give it a go as it was all incredibly tasty. Here is the list of our succulent choices:
- Twice cooked red braised belly pork Hoisin sauce and spring onions
- Cauliflower and dill curried fritters with a Vindaloo dip
- Pink salt n pepper squid Plum and tamarind dip
- Pork Nam Prik with Crisp leaves
- Chiang rai rice balls Mango and lime leave syrup
- Sweet potato tapas bravas and a Sriracha mayo
- Japanese togarashi 7 spiced French Fries
- Courgette chips with Seaweed and lemon mayo
Gourmet Tapas
River Beat also offers gourmet tapas; which includes select dishes of duck, salmon, scallops, and tofu. For those not necessarily wanting the sharing experience, there is a wonderful selection of four far eastern curries. There is also a kids menu. This menu really can’t be ‘beat’.
We thoroughly enjoyed experimenting with the sensational tastes of the Asian tapas and can’t wait to return. Why not take the short stroll across the swing bridge and experience this wonderful restaurant for yourself I can assure you that you will want to return again and again.
Since our visit to River Beat they have won the prestigious accolade of ‘Best Restaurant’ at the Tyne & Wear Lifestyle Awards 2016, and deservedly so!
