In the heart of Newcastle, The Hudson all-day eatery and late bar within The County Hotel offers not only opulent surroundings but also a captivating interior that is sure to inspire envy. Our visit aimed to explore their Sunday Lunch menu, in hopes of finding a culinary experience that matched their exquisite design.
Upon entering through the stunning bar, with its lavish seating and Gatsby-style ambiance, we were led to a secluded booth in the restaurant. The velvet booth seating and rich wooden tables transported us to the elegance of places like The Cromwell in Vegas, setting high expectations for our dining experience.
Finding The Best Sunday Dinner In Newcastle: The Hudson
Starters
We began with starters, opting for Calamari and Bang Bang Chicken. While the Calamari had a slightly rubbery texture, it came with a unique red pepper dip.
The Bang Bang Chicken was hearty and had a distinct festive flavour, possibly hinting at the presence of cinnamon in the recipe. Although tasty, neither starter left a lasting impression.
Sunday Roast
Moving on to the main course, being Sunday, we both chose a roast – one chicken and one beef. These dishes came generously accompanied by Yorkshire pudding, honey-roasted parsnips, carrots, and roast potatoes, all doused in gravy.
he chicken was tender and flavourful, while the beef, cooked to perfection, arrived with a delightful pink centre. The stuffing, not so great. I did enjoy the vegetables and thought the portion size for £10.95 was exceptional value for money. However, despite its merits, we felt that there were better Sunday Dinners to be found elsewhere in the city.
Dessert
For dessert, we indulged in Salted Caramel Brownie and Vanilla New York Style Cheesecake, both accompanied by sorbet and seasonal berries.
Although not typically a dessert enthusiast, I found this course to be the highlight of our meal. Both desserts were delectable, with the Salted Caramel Brownie striking a harmonious balance of sweetness and saltiness.
Cocktail Queen
We opted for The Rhubarb One and Hudson Zombie cocktails which The Hudson got so right. You can tell they excel in mixology over food. They both were strong and punchy. Full of flavour and served perfectly. I highly recommend their cocktails if you’re looking for somewhere to grab a cocktail (and take a gorgeous ‘gram photo).
Want to discover more restaurants in and around Newcastle City Centre? We’ve got you covered with our ‘Ultimate Newcastle Food Guide’.
In summary, The Hudson captivates with its opulent interior and expertly crafted cocktails, making it a prime destination for those seeking a truly sophisticated drinking experience. The lavish seating and Gatsby-inspired bar set the stage for a memorable evening out. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a cocktail with friends or capture that perfect Instagram-worthy moment, The Hudson excels in mixology.
However, our dining experience, while enjoyable, did leave us with expectations for more in terms of the food. The starters, though decent, didn’t quite meet the high standards set by the venue’s ambiance. The Sunday roast, while satisfying, didn’t stand out as exceptional compared to other offerings in the city.
Yet, it is important to note that this review reflects our experience with the Sunday Lunch menu. The Hudson’s a la carte menu might offer a more diverse and enticing range of dishes that could better showcase the culinary talents of their kitchen. As such, we remain open to returning to The Hudson in the future, in hopes of discovering a more gratifying dining experience.
Disclaimer: This meal was provided complimentary, all views are our own. Read more about disclosure here.