All Roads Leads To Antler

Visitors heading into one of Newcastle's newest bars would be forgiven for thinking they've been transported to the ski slopes, rather than eating and drinking a stone's throw away from the city's bustling centre.

Situated at Newcastle’s 55 Degrees North at the former Fat Buddha site, alpine-themed bar and restaurant Antler and its outdoor seating area – the largest in the city and open year-round – is hard to miss, complete with ski gondola seating and the restaurant’s very own outdoor pizza oven.

It’s the perfect location for a quick drink, a night out (there’s even a private karaoke room) lunch or just somewhere to meet up with friends.

Those choosing to visit Antler are greeted by wood panelled walls, roaring fire features and cosy seating areas – all inspired by the world’s greatest ski lodges.

And it isn’t just the décor that stays true to the theme, with a menu packed full of dishes paying homage to the countries that inspired the idea in the first place, as well as breakfast, burgers and even Sunday lunches.

Diners can try dishes like Bratwurst, either plain or with ketchup or mustard, one of the many schnitzel dishes, or the traditional Sauerbraten – slow cooked marinated beef served with mashed potato and braised red cabbage.

Or, for those dining with several friends, one of Antler’s impressive sharing platters served on a snowboard might be the answer.

But the food is only half the visit, with Antler having teamed up with internationally-renowned cocktail bars Mahiki to offer the ultimate cocktail experience and serving fresh, tank Czech Krusovice beer – the only bar in the city to do so.

As well as a range of spirits, wines and the usual cocktails guests might expect to find on the menu, like the Pornstar Martini and the Classic Mojito, the bar also offers a number of cocktails with a special twist.

For those who like their drinks with a little something extra, try the Mahiki Colada, served in a frozen pineapple, Doctor’s Orders which smokes as it is served or What’s My Name? complete with white chocolate foam.

Antler also offers a selection of specialist drinks fitting with the theme, including the Avalanche, The Yeti and Sex on the Snowbank – an alpine twist on the holiday favourite. And although Antler has moved into the former Fat Buddha site, the original restaurant is still open to the public, having relocated to the upper floor.

The Fat Buddha kitchen serves a range of authentic Asian cuisine, with head chef Walter Pang bringing his own signature dishes to the city, having trained in Japan and previously worked at London’s famed Nobu restaurant.

Again cocktails are very much on the menu – this time with a distinctly oriental twist.

Think the classic Singapore Sling or unique offerings such as Ginger Ninja, Zen Garden and Blushing Geisha. Or how about an imaginative take on a mojito with Asian pear and passion fruit versions also on offer.

Gary Hutchinson of Chrysalis Leisure which owns Antler and the Fat Buddha, believes the restaurants have a very special cocktail offering.

“We’ve put together two very distinct menus which offer classics and some bespoke drinks which absolutely reflect our venues,” he said.

“And we’re now also offering masterclasses so groups can get together and not only enjoy drinking the cocktails but they can make them too.”

Gary believes the sessions will also be popular with anyone planning a festive night out and with that in mind, both venues have also just released their Christmas party schedule.