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- 2nd Apr 2026
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Best Sunday lunch in the North East (2026): 37 tried and tested places worth booking now
Looking for the best Sunday lunch in the North East?
Whether you’re craving a classic Sunday roast in Newcastle, a cosy countryside pub in Northumberland or a hidden gem worth travelling for, we’ve done the hard work for you.
From towering Yorkshire puddings and perfectly crisp roast potatoes to slow-cooked meats and rich, indulgent gravy, these are the Sunday lunches that genuinely deliver.
We’ve rounded up 37 of the best places for Sunday lunch across Newcastle, Northumberland, Sunderland, Durham and Teesside. All tried, loved and highly recommended by our team and our readers.
Editor’s picks: Laura’s best Sunday lunch spots in the North East
If you only book one, make it one of these:
- Blackfriars, Newcastle – Consistently excellent. Get the Beef Wellington if it’s on the menu.
- The Rat Inn, Northumberland – award-winning for a reason. Amazing views.
- Matfen Hall, Northumberland – a luxury Sunday lunch, done properly.
- Hadrian’s Hotel, Northumberland – this new spot serves up a seriously delicious three-course menu at great value.
- The Jolly Fisherman, Craster – unbeatable coastal setting with fish options if you don’t fancy a roast.
Best Sunday lunch in Newcastle
If you’re searching for the best Sunday lunch in Newcastle, you’re spoilt for choice. From elevated dining spots to relaxed gastropubs, these are the places locals keep going back to.
Lovage, Jesmond
Lovage brings a refined, seasonal feel to Sunday lunch in Jesmond. Expect beautifully presented plates, bold flavours and a menu that feels a cut above your standard roast.
Best for: elevated dining in Jesmond
Nest, Heaton
Book this popular spot well in advance. Nest delivers on flavour, creativity and atmosphere. Their Sunday lunch offering is modern, seasonal and packed with thoughtful touches.
Best for: foodies
Hibou Blanc, City Centre
French-inspired and effortlessly stylish, Hibou Blanc offers a Sunday lunch in Newcastle that feels indulgent without being over the top. Think rich flavours, great wine and a chic setting.
Best for: date day
Wylam Brewery, Exhibition Park
Set within Exhibition Park, Wylam Brewery’s Sunday lunch combines great food with an impressive setting. Expect generous portions, quality ingredients and a lively atmosphere.
Best for: groups
Branches, Jesmond
A firm favourite in Jesmond, Branches is known for beautifully presented dishes and a polished feel. Their Sunday lunch is classic with a refined twist.
Best for: celebrations
21
A Newcastle institution, 21 serves one of the best Sunday roasts in Newcastle thanks to its focus on quality and consistency. Expect expertly cooked meats and all the classic sides done right.
Best for: a guaranteed great roast
Tanners Arms
Cosy, traditional and exactly what you want from a Sunday roast in Newcastle. Expect proper pub vibes, generous portions and rich gravy.
Best for: classic pub lunch
The Ship Inn (vegan)
Proof that a Sunday roast doesn’t need meat to impress. The Ship Inn serves one of the best vegan Sunday lunches in the North East.
Best for: plant-based Sunday lunch
Osters, Gosforth
Neighbourhood dining at its best, Osters offers a slightly different take on Sunday lunch, with Italian influence and quality ingredients. Plus, oysters on the menu.
Best for: upmarket neighbourhood dining
Dabbawal
If you’re looking for an alternative to a traditional Sunday roast, Dabbawal’s Indian-inspired Sunday menu is packed with flavour (and still includes Yorkshires).
Best for: a non-traditional Sunday lunch
Dobson & Parnell
Elegant yet relaxed, Dobson & Parnell delivers one of the more refined Sunday lunches in Newcastle. Expect beautifully cooked dishes and a strong wine list.
Best for: a polished Sunday
Best Sunday lunch in Northumberland
Looking for the best Sunday lunch in Northumberland? These countryside pubs and destination restaurants are worth the drive.
Hadrian’s Hotel
A new, cosy, countryside pub serving a hearty Sunday roast with generous portions and warm hospitality. Three-courses at great value, and a nice bar for a post-lunch drink.
Best for: a relaxed countryside Sunday
The Rat Inn
One of the best Sunday lunches in Northumberland, The Rat Inn pairs incredible views with standout food.
Best for: views and award-winning food
The Northumberland Arms
A classic country pub delivering a proper Sunday roast with all the trimmings.
Best for: families
Matfen Hall
For a luxury Sunday lunch in Northumberland, Matfen Hall is hard to beat. Expect stunning surroundings and an indulgent menu.
Best for: special occasions
Adam and Eve, Alnwick
A charming spot in Alnwick serving a traditional Sunday roast done well. Plus they have a great outdoor terrace for warmer days.
Best for: relaxed dining
Bailiffgate Hotel
Modern, stylish and slightly different, this is a great option if you’re looking for something beyond the traditional roast.
Best for: contemporary dining with castle views
The Feathers Inn, Stocksfield
A long-standing favourite known for its consistently great Sunday lunches and cosy feel.
Best for: reliability
The Jolly Fisherman, Craster
A coastal favourite serving one of the best Sunday lunches in Northumberland, with unbeatable sea views.
Best for: coastal Sundays
Best Sunday lunch in Teesside
Searching for the best Sunday lunch in Teesside? These spots prove it’s well worth the trip.
The Warehouse, Stockton
An unsuspecting place in an industrial estate but trust us, the Sunday roasts are SO good.
Best for: a surprise favourite
Peppermill Bistro
Only do roasts now and then (follow on Instagram for announcements) but get a booking if you spot is as the Sunday lunches are incredible.
Best for: gold dust lunches
Bazaar, Middlesbrough
Mega portions and boujee-decor – feels like you could be in Dubai (but you’re in Middlesbrough).
Best for: huge portions and cocktails on the side
The Bay Horse, Darlington
A MICHELIN Guide spot so the standards are absolutley excellent.
Best for: indulgent Sundays
Chadwicks Inn, Maltby
A hidden gem. Another MICHELIN Guide spot giving gorgeous gastropub vibes.
Best for: a local favourite
Central Park, Middlesbrough
Unbelievable portions and the Yorkshire puddings are pretty spectacular.
Best for: Yorkshire pudding lovers
Neighbourhood gems worth the trip
These hidden gems serve some of the best Sunday lunches in the North East – and are absolutely worth knowing about.
The Beehive, Earsdon
A cosy pub known for consistently great Sunday roasts.
Best for: comfort food
Barca Sunday Club, Tynemouth
A lively, modern take on Sunday lunch – perfect for a more social afternoon with drinks downstairs afterwards.
Best for: a fun Sunday
The Uncommon, North Shields
Trendy, relaxed and full of personality, with a Sunday menu to match.
Best for: immaculate vibes and drinks all afternoon
The Lamp Room, Seaham
A coastal hidden gem serving great food in a laid-back setting.
Best for: seaside lunch
Ember, Sunderland
Modern and stylish, bringing a fresh take to Sunday lunch in Sunderland.
Best for: high quality and riverside views
Owl & Otter
Cosy, welcoming and reliably great for a traditional roast.
Best for: relaxed Sundays
Stocksfield Golf Club
Unexpectedly excellent, with generous portions and great value.
Best for: value
The Salthouse, Cullercoats
One of the best spots for a Sunday lunch by the sea in the North East.
Best for: coastal views
The Crown at Mickleton, Barnard Castle
A destination pub known for high-quality food and a standout Sunday roast.
Best for: a day trip
Ravello, Lanchester
Italian flair meets Sunday comfort food.
Best for: something different
eaststreet19, Sunderland
Cool, contemporary and one to know in Sunderland.
Best for: modern dining
FAQs: Sunday lunch in the North East
Where is the best Sunday lunch in Newcastle?
Top picks include Blackfriars, 21, Nest and The Broad Chare for a classic roast experience.
What time is Sunday lunch served?
Most venues serve Sunday lunch between 12pm and 4pm, though some offer extended sittings — booking is recommended.
Do you need to book Sunday lunch?
Yes — the best Sunday lunches in the North East book up quickly, especially in Newcastle and popular countryside spots.
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