About 21

Situated on the Quayside in the heart of Newcastle, 21 provides the perfect setting for a delicious meal with terrific service.

The story of the restaurant starts in 1988, when chef Terry Laybourne opened the restaurant as 21 Queen Street, with support from wife Susan and brother Laurance.

It was an exciting time for the city – back then the area was not yet fashionable, the cultural renaissance barely a flicker, and the dust still settling after a painful period of de-industrialisation on Tyneside – but 21 Queen Street was at the heart of it all.

In less than three years, the restaurant won a Michelin Star and rapidly became one of the region’s best-loved, fine-dining establishments. Fast forward to the mid 2000s and the restaurant, by now the flagship of the growing 21 Hospitality, would take on a new, simplified name – 21 – and re-locate to nearby Trinity Gardens, a sleek new enclave of restaurants and bars close to the Law Courts.

Re-positioned and more relaxed, 21 has been lucky enough to collect many industry awards, in addition to personal accolades for Terry, such as Independent Restaurateur of the Year and an MBE for Services to the Hospitality Industry.

Today, the restaurant remains the jewel in the crown of 21 Hospitality, the venue where it all began.

With a straightforward, flavour-first food philosophy which is unashamedly influenced by the French classics, 21 also demonstrates an unwavering respect for ingredients and the seasons, creating dishes that both delight and satisfy.