On a lazy Sunday afternoon, I recently visited the Blackbird pub with my partner Josh to sample their renowned Sunday lunch offering. Situated in the heart of Ponteland, the Blackbird acts as a real hub within the community, catering for both locals and out-of-town customers alike.
Originally a castle built in the 14th century, the rural pub upholds many charming features, including slanted ceilings, historical artwork and rustic decor, whilst promoting a cosy, comfortable atmosphere, with snug booths, ambient lighting and brickwork fireplaces. The pub also benefits from a large outdoor beer garden, which caters for al-fresco dining and drinks within the summer months. During our visit, we enjoyed our Sunday lunch in the venue’s dining area, which is set aside from the main bar and offers a more luxurious and intimate dining experience. With beamed ceilings, plush leather seating and historical features, this is a character-filled space which promotes feelings of comfort and relaxation. Feeling thirsty, we decided to kick off proceedings with a bottle of Via Nova Pinot Grigio Blush from the pub’s expertly crafted wine list, although customers can also delight in the range of delicious beers and real ales available. At the Blackbird, the menu is subject to seasonal change, although diners can expect the usual country pub favourites, including beer battered haddock & chips, hearty sandwiches and tasty meats & pies. The real treat at the Blackbird, however, is the attention to detail provided by Head Chef Ralph and his team, as the kitchen prides itself on delivering exquisite, high-quality food combined with a contemporary twist. The venue’s Sunday lunch offering is equally impressive, with a range of roasts and unique dishes available. This is indeed gastropub dining at its absolute finest. Having worked up an appetite, we were delighted by the arrival of our starters. Josh sampled the tempura king prawns served with a tangy sweet chilli dip and fresh side salad, whilst I decided to try something a little different with the ham hock & cheddar croquettes. Coated in breadcrumbs and filled with lots of creamy goodness, the croquettes were served with pea shoots and a zingy burnt onion ketchup. The starters proved both flavoursome and nutritious and awoke the palate in anticipation for our mains. Following on, we both opted for the traditional Sunday roast, accompanied by the usual fixtures & fittings including crispy roasties, Yorkshire pudding and fresh vegetables. Meat lovers will certainly find their home at the Blackbird as customers can choose from a range of meats, including roast leg of lamb, topside of beef and a vegetarian nut roast. On this occasion, I devoured the breast of chicken, which paired nicely with a generous helping of creamy cauliflower cheese. Josh meanwhile tackled the hearty trio of meats, which included beef, pork and turkey – wowza! Drowned in lashings of gravy, the roasts offered both quantity and quality and were indeed some of the best we had ever tasted. Despite feeling fullish, we were eager to sample the pub’s dessert selection. I enjoyed the rich warm chocolate brownie and pistachio ice cream, whilst Josh gorged on the sweet sticky toffee pudding, served with butterscotch sauce, honeycomb and vanilla ice cream. Both desserts were extremely tasty and satisfying, and rounded off a thoroughly pleasant meal at the Blackbird. All in all, the Blackbird combines hearty pub dining with a modern, luxurious twist, making it the ideal location for both family meals and romantic occasions. Throughout our meal, we also noted the excellent service provided by the venue’s friendly staff, which made it clear why the Blackbird is a firm favourite among diners in Ponteland. The venue also offers a plethora of choice from its takeaway menu, so customers can enjoy the Blackbird’s delicious dishes and Sunday lunch from the comfort of their own home. With lockdown restrictions now eased, however, if you want to spread your wings, the Blackbird provides the perfect place