Why Newcastle Is a Great City for Festive Lunches

Newcastle upon Tyne is one of the UK’s most vibrant cities to celebrate the festive season. The city’s historic streets, riverside quayside and lively hospitality scene make it perfect for festive lunches with family, friends or colleagues. From traditional Christmas menus and multi‑course festive feasts to relaxed pub lunches with seasonal classics, Newcastle’s dining scene is rich with choices throughout November and December, and many restaurants start taking bookings well in advance.

Whether you want a Christmas Day meal, a festive lunch while Christmas shopping, or a cosy kids‑friendly pub roast with all the trimmings, Newcastle has something for every occasion. Many venues also offer vegetarian and vegan options in their festive menus, and pubs often have lively atmospheres that suit family gatherings too.

Below is our rounded‑up list of the Top 10 restaurants and pubs in Newcastle upon Tyne serving Christmas lunch or festive lunch options, all of which take bookings (and most of which are kid‑friendly).

1. 21 — Seasonal Festive Menus on the Quayside

Where: One Trinity Gardens, Newcastle upon Tyne.
Why It’s Festive: 21 offers a dedicated festive menu throughout December (excluding Christmas Day) with classic favourites such as butter roast turkey with all the trimmings and alternative mains.
What to Expect: Festive set lunches (2–3 courses) available midday — perfect for families, friends and office parties. Booking ahead is recommended for peak dates.
Kid‑Friendly: Yes — options suitable for children when reserved in advance.

2. The Botanist Newcastle — Festive Food & Drinks in Stylish Surroundings

Where: Monument Mall, central Newcastle.
Why It’s Festive: The Botanist runs a Christmas set menu and festive options during the holiday season, making it a popular choice when exploring city centre festivities.
What to Expect: Seasonal starters, mains and desserts with festive twists, plus signature cocktails; ideal for larger groups and family lunches.
Kid‑Friendly: Yes — relaxed atmosphere and wide menu selection.

3. Miller & Carter Newcastle — Festive Steakhouse Lunches

Where: Mosley Street, Newcastle.
Why It’s Festive: Miller & Carter’s festive menu offers a quality seasonal dining experience with a dedicated 2–3 course festive menu through December.
What to Expect: Festive favourites alongside the restaurant’s classic steak offerings — ideal for a more refined festive lunch or celebratory meal.
Kid‑Friendly: Yes — a young guest festive menu is available.

4. Pitcher & Piano Newcastle — Pub‑Style Festive Lunches on The Quayside

Where: Quayside, Newcastle.
Why It’s Festive: Pitcher & Piano serves a festive set menu from early November through to late December (excluding Christmas Day/Boxing Day), perfect for relaxed seasonal dining.
What to Expect: Festive starters, mains and desserts in a lively pub environment — great for groups and families.
Kid‑Friendly: Yes — classic pub dishes with festive touches.

5. Pleased To Meet You — Festive Menus for Groups and Parties

Where: High Bridge, Newcastle.
Why It’s Festive: PTMY runs a seasonal 2–3 course festive menu from late November to December — ideal for Christmas lunches with friends, colleagues or extended family.
What to Expect: A range of seasonal British dishes including traditional turkey roast, cod loin and other winter favourites.
Kid‑Friendly: Yes — broad menu appeal for younger diners.

6. The Hudson — Festive Menus with a Local Twist

Where: Neville Street, Newcastle.
Why It’s Festive: The Hudson offers a traditional Christmas menu with a contemporary twist, combining seasonal classics with a relaxed city centre vibe.
What to Expect: Festive brunch, lunch and dinner options with seasonal cocktails — ideal when exploring Newcastle’s Christmas markets beforehand.
Kid‑Friendly: Yes — welcoming and casual.

7. The Broad Chare — Gastropub Festive Lunches in the Heart of the City

Where: Broad Chare, Newcastle.
Why It’s Festive: A highly rated gastropub with hearty seasonal dishes and a warm, festive atmosphere — perfect for Sunday lunches or family gatherings.
What to Expect: Seasonal mains with pub favourites and festive desserts; booking advised for December weekends.
Kid‑Friendly: Yes — classic pub fare that appeals to all ages.

8. Babucho Quayside — Festive Brasserie Menus by the River

Where: Quayside, Newcastle.
Why It’s Festive: Babucho runs a festive menu from December until Christmas, ideal for family celebrations or a special lunch with friends.
What to Expect: Seasonal starters and mains priced competitively — excellent for group bookings.
Kid‑Friendly: Yes — generous portions and seasonal desserts.

9. Branches Restaurant — Jesmond Festive Lunch with Upscale Flair

Where: Jesmond, Newcastle.
Why It’s Festive: A well‑reviewed restaurant with modern seasonal cuisine — great for festive lunches with a bit more refinement.
What to Expect: Seasonal starters, mains and dessert options with festive touches; ideal for family or friends who enjoy contemporary menus.
Kid‑Friendly: Moderate — menus appeal to older children as well.

10. Victors Newcastle — Preston Quayside Dining with Festive Feel

Where: Quayside, Newcastle.
Why It’s Festive: Victors offers seasonal sharing plates, Sunday roasts and festive options throughout December — perfect for casual lunches with family or friends.
What to Expect: Classic comfort dishes and festive favourites with contemporary twists.
Kid‑Friendly: Yes — relaxed environment and broad menu appeal.

What to Expect from Festive Dining in Newcastle

Festive Menus & Booking

Most of the venues above offer festive set menus from late November to late December (some excluding Christmas and Boxing Day), with options ranging from classic roast lunch to modern seasonal cuisine. Booking ahead is recommended; many places begin reservations as soon as their seasonal menus are released.

Christmas Day & Christmas‑Period Dining

There are restaurants in Newcastle and nearby that offer Christmas Day lunch, including destinations listed by OpenTable such as Gino D’Acampo Newcastle and a small number of other restaurants and hotels (though prices can be premium and bookings required well in advance).

Kid‑Friendly Options

Many pubs and restaurants serve family‑friendly festive menus. Places like Pitcher & Piano and Miller & Carter explicitly offer children’s portions or young guest menus, making them comfortable for festive family lunches.

FAQs

Q: Do Newcastle restaurants serve Christmas Day lunch?
Yes — a handful of restaurants and hotels in and around Newcastle list Christmas Day lunch services on reservation platforms, though availability is limited and often booked far in advance.

Q: When should I book?
Early — festive menus and Christmas Day tables often get snapped up by late autumn or early winter. Weekend slots in December are particularly busy.

Q: Are vegetarian or vegan festive options available?
Many restaurants offer vegetarian or vegan dishes as part of their festive menus; always check when booking so dietary needs are confirmed.

Q: Can I walk in for a festive lunch?
Some pubs with seasonal menus (e.g., Wetherspoons) may offer festive dishes without bookings, but for specific Christmas menus and set courses, reservations are advised and often required.

Conclusion — Celebrate Festive Lunch in Newcastle Without the Stress

Newcastle upon Tyne offers an excellent range of festive lunch experiences, from traditional seasonal menus to contemporary city centre dining and cosy pub roasts. Whether you’re planning a family celebration, a work Christmas lunch or a cosy festive get‑together with friends, the city’s restaurants and pubs have got you covered. Book early, check menus and dietary options, and pick a venue that suits your mood and group size.

If you’re welcoming guests to your Newcastle property over the festive season and want a stress‑free hosting experience, Pass the Keys Newcastle can take care of your bookings, guest communication and property turnover — letting you enjoy the festive period without the hosting hassles.