Newcastle: Brewery Tour, Lunch, and Beer Tasting

Exploring Newcastle through a brewery visit combined with a hearty meal offers a unique way to experience the city’s local flavors and history. This tour, hosted at the historic Blackfriars Restaurant within the St. Dominics Brewery, provides an engaging mix of craft beer, regional cuisine, and stories from the past. It’s an excellent choice for those who enjoy authentic experiences with a touch of history.

One of the standout features of this tour is the intimate brewery tour that reveals the story behind St. Dominics, a microbrewery located within a building dating back to 1239. The combination of local produce in a three-course meal and a beer tasting flight makes this experience truly worthwhile. However, travelers should keep in mind that transportation to the venue is not included, so planning how to get there is essential.

This experience suits beer enthusiasts, history lovers, or anyone seeking a taste of Newcastle’s local culture. It’s particularly appealing for those who appreciate a well-rounded, relaxed outing rather than a rushed tour.

Key Points

• Authentic Brewery Experience: Learn about the history of St. Dominics within a centuries-old friary setting.
• Tasty Local Cuisine: Enjoy a three-course meal made from fresh, seasonal, local ingredients.
• Beer Tasting Flight: Sample three beers brewed on-site, perfect for discovering your new favorite brew.
• Rich History and Setting: The brewery’s location within Blackfriars Restaurant, dating back to 1239, adds a historical element.
• Gift Pack: Take home three bottles of St. Dominics beer as a memento of your visit.
• Limited Accessibility: The venue has level access from the main entrance but no accessible toilet on the lower level, making it less suitable for wheelchair users.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

The Brewery Tour: Stories in a Historic Setting

The tour of St. Dominics micro-brewery begins at the historic Blackfriars Restaurant, itself a building with centuries of history. You’ll meet your guide at the Parlour Bar before heading into the brewery, which is situated within this ancient Dominican friary. The guide, whose knowledge and friendly demeanor make the experience enjoyable, offers insights into the building’s past—dating back to 1239—and how it transformed into a modern microbrewery.

This setting is particularly appealing for history buffs. The fact that monks once gathered here for readings and community activities adds a layer of authenticity to the experience. As one reviewer noted, “The guide was very knowledgeable, sharing stories about the friary’s history alongside beer facts.” Expect to learn about how the brewery operates, the brewing process, and the specifics that make St. Dominics beers stand out.

The Three-Course Lunch: A Feast of Local Flavors

After the brewery tour, you’ll move to the Blackfriars Restaurant for your three-course meal. The menu emphasizes traditional historic dishes crafted from fresh, seasonal, and local produce. While the exact menu may vary, guests can expect hearty, flavorful options rooted in regional cuisine. The meal is set, ensuring a relaxed and unhurried dining experience.

Guests often praise the quality of the food—noted for its authentic taste and generous portions. One review mentioned that the dishes are “well-presented and clearly made with care.” It’s a great opportunity to enjoy a sit-down meal in a historic setting, with the knowledge that your food supports local producers.

Beer Flight: Tasting the Best of St. Dominics

Complementing the meal is a flight of three beers brewed on-site, giving you a chance to taste the brewery’s flagship offerings. The beers are crafted locally, and the flight format allows you to compare different styles, understand flavor profiles, and find new favorites.

Guests have mentioned that the beers are “well-balanced and flavorful,” and some appreciate that the flight includes “something for every palate.” This part of the experience is both fun and educational, especially for those new to craft beers or curious about what makes Newcastle’s brewing scene special.

Take-Home Beer Pack

As a keepsake, you’ll receive a Beer Gift Pack containing three 500ml bottles of St. Dominics Beer, shared between two guests. This thoughtful touch allows you to extend the experience after your visit and share it with friends or family.

Practical Details and Considerations

• The entire experience lasts around 3 hours, making it a manageable outing that fits well into a day of sightseeing.
• The price of $78 per person provides a good value considering the guided tour, meal, beer flight, and gift pack.
• The tour operates with a live English-speaking guide, ensuring a personable and informative experience.
• Transportation is not included, so plan to arrive at the meeting point, the Parlour Bar, on your own. Newcastle’s public transport or taxi service will do the trick.
• The venue has level access from the main entrance to the dining room, but note that the toilets are upstairs with no accessible toilet on the lower level, making it less suitable for those with mobility issues.

Why This Tour Works Well

If you’re after a relaxing, enriching experience that combines history, culture, and craft beer, this tour hits the mark. It’s especially appealing for beer aficionados, who will appreciate the chance to taste freshly brewed beers in a unique setting. History lovers will enjoy learning about the building’s past, while foodies will find the local, seasonal menu satisfying.

It’s also a fantastic way to discover a lesser-known part of Newcastle’s heritage, without the rush of larger, more commercial tours. The small-group setting means you’ll get plenty of attention from the guide and the chance to ask questions.

Who Should Consider This Tour

This experience is ideal for adults who enjoy craft beer and local cuisine, and those curious about Newcastle’s historical sites. It’s a good fit for couples, small groups, or solo travelers wanting a relaxed yet engaging activity.

However, those with mobility issues should be aware of the limited accessibility features, particularly the lack of an accessible toilet downstairs. It’s also not suitable for children, given the focus on beer and adult-oriented storytelling.

Final Thoughts

This Brewery Tour, Lunch, and Beer Tasting in Newcastle offers a well-rounded immersion into the city’s brewing scene and historical roots. You’ll leave with not only a better understanding of local beer craftsmanship but also a taste of regional history and cuisine. The combination of a guided brewery tour, a delicious meal, and a tasting flight, topped with a souvenir pack, provides a genuinely satisfying experience.

For beer lovers, history buffs, or those seeking an authentic local experience, this tour delivers more than just a drink; it offers a chance to connect with Newcastle’s character and traditions in a friendly, intimate setting.

FAQ

Is transportation to the venue included?
No, transportation is not included. Guests are expected to make their way to the Parlour Bar, the meeting point, using their own transport or local taxis.

What is the duration of the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 3 hours, including the brewery tour, meal, and tastings.

Is the menu fixed or can it be changed?
The lunch is a set three-course menu, featuring traditional historic dishes made from fresh, seasonal, and local produce. Specific dishes may vary.

Can I take the beer bottles home?
Yes, you will receive a Beer Gift Pack with three 500ml bottles of St. Dominics Beer, one shared between two guests.

Are there any accessibility considerations?
While there is level access from the main entrance to the dining room, the toilets are located upstairs, with no accessible toilet downstairs, making it less suitable for wheelchair users.

What kind of beers will I taste?
You’ll enjoy a flight of three beers brewed on-site, designed to showcase different styles and flavors. The beers are described as well-balanced and flavorful.

Is this experience suitable for children?
No, this experience is aimed at adults, given the focus on beer tasting and the adult-oriented storytelling.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund and reserve your spot without paying upfront, offering flexibility for plans to change.

This tour offers an engaging glimpse into Newcastle’s brewing and historical scene, making it a delightful addition to your visit whether you’re a local or a traveler exploring the city.