Now at the height of the flat racing season, the Border Minstrel Pub is a venue which really comes into its own. The pub is the perfect spot for lapping up the excitement of raceday, but also has much to offer non-racing punters on a daily basis.
The pub serves food from 12 o’clock daily and is a sage choice for a business meeting, pub lunch, family meal or Sunday dinner. Named after the winner of the 1927 Northumberland Plate, this Grade II listed building is situated at the heart of High Gosforth Park, an area encompassing Newcastle Racecourse, two golf courses and many acres of surrounding woodland. As a result, the area is very popular on the dog-walking circuit with the pub keen to accommodate dog-walkers.
We visited on a mid-week evening and found that the crowded raceday boozer had transformed into a contemporary gastropub serving freshly-cooked pub grub with a smile. On a glorious Summer’s evening we first sharpened our appetites in the beer garden before repairing inside to find a table and look over the menus.
Featuring a mix of main plates, steaks, burgers and salads, the Border Minstrel’s menu is hearty and eclectic, offering something for all of the family. Their drinks selection is also worth noting with a range of traditional ales, craft beers and specially selected wines and spirits available.
We kicked off with a trio of tantalising starters. Prawn cocktail arrived with plump king prawns, fat hunks of bread and a gloopy marie rose sauce. Chicken skewers were spiked with a racy sweet chilli salsa whilst the pea and broccoli soup was an aromatic healthy option.
Main courses followed shortly after and proved to be of a similar high standard. The chilli con carne was wholesome and hearty with thick cut chips proving a suitably stodgy accompaniment. We also enjoyed the minted lamb shank with Irish “champ mash and seasonal vegetables alongside a home-cooked lasagne with a garlic bread and side salad.
Throughout our meal, we were waited on superbly by Nicola and Corrina who even coaxed us in to finishing off with a warm chocolate brownie sundae, which we all agreed was well worth the calories.
Our meal had been memorable for all the right reasons and at an extremely cost-effective price. If you do not have the time for the “full monty at lunchtime, there’s also a light bites/ sandwich menu along with a children’s menu for those with young family.
The pub is also a popular Sunday lunch outpost, serving a weekly carvery from 12pm 5pm. If the food is of the same high quality as our meal today, I shall be taking the family there shortly. With one course available for just £8.95, two courses at £12.95 and three for £16.95, it looks a bargain for such high quality fayre.
Once you add Sky Sports, weekly quiz nights and ample free parking to the mix, this is a place with a lot going for it.
“The Pub in the Park has much to offer its visitors whether raceday or not.
For more information, visit www.borderminstrel.co.uk