The Laundrette is one of those places in Newcastle City Centre that’s pretty good for any kind of occasion. Hen parties, cocktails, after event carbs and date nights. We’ve been a frequent visitor since they opened in October 2017 and have previously talked about their opening and their Christmas menu.

We headed back for their Summer Menu Launch. Which included a very bright twist as they also launched their limited edition Pride cocktails too.

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We started the evening off with a selection from their outdoor tapas menu. These light bites are great for after-work drinks in the sunshine with friends to tide you over.

Let’s Start

Nachos are one of my favourites. And these fried tortillas which are covered in cheese, guac and chillis really pack a punch and are the perfect light nibble.

The BBQ chicken wings went down a treat. I’m not a fan of meat on the bone so opted out of these. However, the general consensus was that they were meaty and extremely flavoursome.

Finally, on our tapas sharer, we enjoyed some skewered prawns. Which were light and perfect for the Summer season. They were served with a salad garnish, although I don’t think any of us touched this at all!

Thrown in at the deep end we were served a selection of the small load starters. First up was the bruschetta (£9.50), oozing with melted cheese and Mediterranean vegetables on a thickly toasted bruschetta. And then drizzled with pesto this was one which I was looking forward to. Sans courgette this would have been the perfect starter. However, I do have an issue with chunky courgette and that did lessen the enjoyment for me. Still a large portion and extremely full of taste.

The other starter, a one in which I was really looking forward to from the new menu was the Smoked salmon, celeriac slaw and tomato caper dressing (£8.50). Celeriac, if you have never tried it previously is a liquorice tasting vegetable which is extremely underrated. This worked perfectly with the smoked salami to create a strong taste bringing together the sweeter liquorice flavour with the smokiness of the salmon. A little on the higher price point for a simple starter, it was, however, well worth it.

Main Event

From the main load we were served the pan roasted cod, spiced ndjua Puy lentils with vine roasted cherry tomatoes (£16.50). Cod isn’t a fish I usually would opt for when out for a meal as it’s a simple fish. So I was, therefore, feeling a little indifferent about this dish. However, teamed with the spiced lentils this dish was an awakening of senses. The bed of lentils in a rich sauce in which the cod was sat on was extremely flavoursome and well seasoned. It complimented the chunky skin-on cod perfectly as it brought this simple fish to life.

Next up, the marinated lamb rump with blood orange rocket salad and lemon honey dressing (£17). Lamb is one of those meats I still struggle with. The flavour and smell really don’t do it for me. Hailed as the best dish on the new menu. Everybody else gave this dish a spin and all commented on how delicious and meaty the lamb was. And how it worked with the blood orange and honey to create a fresh Summer dish.

A generous portion of meat, served pink was really nice to see as often with lamb dishes in general meat is sparse. If you’re a lover of lamb and looking for something delicious and not overbearing in this heat, this dish is for you.

Fish Dish

Tuna, my second favourite fish, after halibut, was served rare (how it should be). On a bed of pickled fennel, orange with a drizzle of salsa verde (£18.50). This 6oz salt and pepper steak was easily my favourite dish on the menu and something that has been long-anticipated on the menu. A decent fish salad. Tuna steaks are not only really tasty, they’re also a powerhouse of essential nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, potassium, magnesium, iron, vitamin A, B6 and B12. This delicious salad is ideal if you’re looking to eat a little cleaner than the rest of the carb-overloaded menu at The Laundrette, Newcastle.

Quinoa is one of those millennial hipster things, isn’t it? Totally an in vogue food, but something that I just absolutely love. This spiced cauliflower quinoa salad served with mango, grapefruit, pomegranate and hazelnuts (£12) is a vegan’s heaven. With a primarily meat and fish-centric menu this salad is perfect for those who opt for a meat-free lifestyle or are looking for something plant-based for a change. The spiced cauliflower really pulls together the whole dish to create a filling and tasty main.

Summer Side Chicks

If you’re looking for a devilishly naughty yet cleaner option than fries. The salt & pepper fried courgette (£3.50) will be a welcome sound to your ears. These ribbons of courgette are fried and seasoned for a less calorific and low carb alternative to your traditional chips and fries. Not my favourite side (we know my feelings about courgette!) however I can really see the attraction of a bowl of these.

Finally, no visit to The Laundrette is ever complete without a portion of their Truffle Mac ’n’ Cheese. I am a huge lover of this dish and it’s always served with a cheesy crusted top. Priced at £4.50 for a small (this size) and £9 for a main meal it’s one of those you must check out for yourself!

If you save room for a final spin, then from the delicates you must get the sharing board of sheer goodness. Chocolate fondue with a selection of brownies, warm sticky toffee cake. With toasted marshmallows, sugary doughnuts and lashings of cream (£12) are enough to put you in a sugar coma for days, but it is totally worth it!

Pride as Punch @ The Laundrette

You can’t visit The Laundrette without sampling some of their cocktails (and mocktails). With the launch of their limited edition Pride cocktails to celebrate Pride making its annual descent on the city these Rainbow Dash Bellinis really had us all impressed, especially with the cute rainbow ribbon.

Would you choose a Pridestar Martini (a colourful twist on a Pornstar) or a from Laundrette with Love? Either way, whatever you start with, my shout is to have one of every single one on the menu. That’s just me, right?

The Laundrette are also hosting a Love Island Final evening and a Newcastle Ladies’ Day offer. Where you are transported to and from races. You’ll also return after for a meal and drinks at The Laundrette. Call them now on 0191 261 2334 to find out more about both of these events.

Disclaimer: This meal was provided complimentary, all views are our own. Read more about disclosure here.