Our North East festive dining guide: afternoon teas, bottomless brunches and Christmas cocktails

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Christmas means one thing – it’s time to eat, drink and be merry. And when it comes to festive celebrations, the North East has some of the best spots to indulge. 

This season brings a range of festive afternoon teas, cheeky Christmas cocktails and seasonal set menus to share with loved ones. 

Whether you’re planning a magical family day out, a stylish evening with friends or a Christmas party with a twist, these standout venues are serving up unforgettable seasonal experiences. 

Raise a glass at the highest bottomless brunch in Newcastle at 3Sixty, tuck into an indulgent festive feast at Eslington Villa or unwind by the coast at The Cove. 

From elegant dinners and cosy afternoon teas to lively nights out and relaxing weekend escapes, the North East is bursting with festive flavour. Here’s where to eat, sip and celebrate Christmas in style this year.

TYNEMOUTH RESTAURANTS SERVING ALL THE FESTIVE FEELS…

THE COVE, TYNEMOUTH

At The Cove, Tynemouth, Christmas comes with sea breeze sophistication. From refined à la carte dining to festive sharing platters and wreath-making events, this coastal spot offers contemporary dining with laid-back luxury.

Festive dining

Expect creative small plates like teriyaki beef, pan-fried scallops, burrata with grilled peaches and indulgent mains including lobster thermidor, firecracker lamb and cauliflower steak with curried butter.

Our guide to North East festive dining: afternoon teas, bottomless brunches and Christmas cocktails

Wreath making events

Wednesday 19th & Tuesday 25th November & Wednesday 3rd, 10th & 17th December

Cost: £50 per person

Get crafty this Christmas with these wreath-making sessions, including mulled wine and nibbles.

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Christmas cocktails

The Cove’s cocktail list brings a taste of Christmas to the coast. Enjoy a winter berry bramble, a maple martini or a frosted mistletoe margarita or indulge in a Bailey’s chocolate orange martini. For sharing, the Christmas sangria – served by the glass or jug – captures the season’s warmth in every sip.

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Our guide to North East festive dining: afternoon teas, bottomless brunches and Christmas cocktails
Our guide to North East festive dining: afternoon teas, bottomless brunches and Christmas cocktails

DAVANTI CLASSICO, TYNEMOUTH

Bringing a taste of Italy to the festive season, Davanti Classico combines warmth, authenticity and flavour in every dish. From handmade pasta to slow-cooked meats and wood-fired pizzas, the menu celebrates the essence of Italian cooking.

Festive fayre menu

Available throughout December, Davanti’s two-course festive menu (£25.95) features dishes such as pan-fried duck breast, Spanish mussels and traditional roast turkey served with Italian flair. 

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Christmas Day dining

Thursday 25th December 

Cost: £95 per adult | £45 per child

If you want to celebrate the big day Italian-style, Davanti’s Christmas Day menu offers a relaxed, indulgent dining experience. Expect beautifully prepared dishes, fine wines and warm hospitality in a setting designed for festive gatherings. 

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Our guide to North East festive dining: afternoon teas, bottomless brunches and Christmas cocktails
Our guide to North East festive dining: afternoon teas, bottomless brunches and Christmas cocktails

HIDDEN TIGER, TYNEMOUTH 

For something different, Hidden Tiger brings together bold Asian flavours with festive spirit. Its four-course Festive Fayre Menu (£34.95) showcases a mix of sweet, savoury and spicy dishes – from crispy chicken bites and sesame truffle prawn toast to watermelon duck salad and kung pao chicken.

Paired with vibrant cocktails and elegant surroundings, it’s a stylish choice for Christmas dining with a exotic twist. 

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NEWCASTLE RESTAURANTS OFFERING THE TASTE OF CHRISTMAS

3SIXTY, NEWCASTLE 

Perched in the city’s tallest building, 3Sixty offers a festive experience like no other. With breathtaking panoramic views, live pianists, and menus designed for indulgence, it’s a true winter fairytale in the clouds.

Festive fayre

From intimate dinners to long, leisurely lunches, 3Sixty’s festive menu celebrates the flavours of the season in style. Expect elevated dishes, fine wines and an atmosphere filled with Christmas vibes.

Our guide to North East festive dining: afternoon teas, bottomless brunches and Christmas cocktails
Santa's Sunday Lunches at Slieve Donard

Afternoon tea with Santa

Monday 22nd, Tuesday 23rd & Wednesday 24th December

Cost: Adults £29.95 | Children £19.95 | Under 2s £5

Spend a magical afternoon surrounded by gorgeous view of Newcastle’s skyline as you enjoy a festive selection of sandwiches and sweet treats — before a special visit from Santa himself.

Festive bottomless experience

Celebrate in style with this 90-minute bottomless brunch in Newcastle. Think bottomless wine, prosecco, selected cocktails and bottled beer, served alongside a festive charcuterie board for £44.95 per person. Enjoy live DJs every Friday and Saturday night and soothing harp sessions on Sundays. 

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Our guide to North East festive dining: afternoon teas, bottomless brunches and Christmas cocktails
Our guide to North East festive dining: afternoon teas, bottomless brunches and Christmas cocktails

BAR 52, NEWCASTLE

If you like your Christmas loud, fun and full of energy, Bar 52 is the place to be. ‘Newcastle’s No.1 sports and entertainment bar’ turns the festive season into a festive party, complete with live DJs, karaoke, games (including beer pong), and themed nights that keep spirits high all December long.

Swap silent nights for sing-alongs, karaoke booths, Jäger trains and cocktail towers. Gather your friends, your colleagues or your family and get ready for nights packed with festive chaos and unforgettable fun.

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HIDDEN GEMS FOR FESTIVE FEASTS WORTH TRAVELLING FOR 

ESLINGTON VILLA, GATESHEAD

Step into the warmth and grandeur of Eslington Villa this Christmas. The beautifully restored Victorian country house offers a timeless setting for festive celebrations, complete with open fires, twinkling lights and a menu that celebrates seasonal ingredients.

Festive set menu – 3 courses £39.95 (includes Bellini)

Starters include gin-cured salmon, spiced sweet potato and spinach croquettes and pulled ham hock bruschetta. Mains range from roast turkey with all the trimmings to slow-cooked featherblade of beef and sea bream with saffron potatoes. Finish with indulgent desserts such as Christmas pudding or chocolate and cherry brownie. 

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Our guide to North East festive dining: afternoon teas, bottomless brunches and Christmas cocktails
Our guide to North East festive dining: afternoon teas, bottomless brunches and Christmas cocktails

THE PARKMORE HOTEL, YARM

If you’re dreaming of a Christmas getaway, The Parkmore Hotel in Yarm offers festive stays that combine tradition with comfort. The Victorian building is full of character, while the on-site spa, leisure club and restaurant make it the perfect winter retreat.

Festive fayre and afternoon tea

Enjoy a classic festive afternoon tea (£19.95 per adult, £9.95 per child) or a seasonal Fayre menu (two courses £25, three courses £30), served in The Birdcage restaurant.

Festive unwind and dine

For the ultimate indulgence, guests can enjoy two hours’ access to the spa followed by a two-course meal or afternoon tea for £34.95 per person.

The hotel’s Winter Wonderland party nights, children’s events and festive dining options make it a one-stop destination for celebrating the season in style.

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Our guide to North East festive dining: afternoon teas, bottomless brunches and Christmas cocktails
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Rachael Ellis
Head of Content

After gaining a first in her BA Media and Journalism degree at Northumbria University, Rachael worked at Newcastle’s leading regional newspaper with her stories being picked up in national and global newspapers. She spent two very successful years giving a voice to those communities across the North East who otherwise…

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