Like most other racegoers in the area, I make my way to the Border Minstrel pub in High Gosforth Park for a quick drink or to meet friends on racedays, when this popular venue is inevitably crowded and serving a limited menu as a consequence. It's fine for the excitement of racedays, but I wouldn't have considered going there at any other time.
At the suggestion of a business colleague who didn’t share that view, we headed there for a spot of lunch primarily to expel any misgivings he thought I had about the place. I was so pleased I did as I discovered the crowded raceday bar had transformed into a contemporary gastropub, serving freshly cooked pub grub with a smile.
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 more than happy to accommodate doggies and their walkers!
When we visited, the pub was in the grip of World Cup fever and boasted a buoyant atmosphere. Obligatory World Cup flags adorned the walls, whilst a lucky few were skiving off to watch the afternoon’s action. Known locally as ‘the pub in the park’, diners at the Border Minstrel can enjoy a range of menus and drinks seven days a week. There’s a secluded beer garden overlooking the racecourse, which we took full advantage of on a bright Summer’s day. After soaking up some rays, we moved inside to find a table and look over the menus.
With a selection of main plates, steaks, burgers and salads, its menu is hearty and eclectic, offering plenty of choice.
Coming under starters orders (sorry!), we kicked off with the Classic Prawn Cocktail in a Marie Rose Dressing and the Chicken Kebab Skewers served with Mixed Salad, Tzatziki Dip and Spicy Salsa.
Following up, I chose the Homemade Chilli Con Carne topped with Sour Cream and served with Chunky Chips a suitably stodgy accompaniment. My colleague opted for the Minted Lamb Shank served with Champ Mash and Seasonal Vegetables. This traditional comfort food looked and smelt very enticing and had me wishing I’d ordered the dish too.
Other eye-catching plates included the Chicken Breast stuffed with Sun-Blushed Tomato & Spinach and the Asian Rare Beef Salad in a Sesame & Chilli Dressing.
Demonstrably enjoying his meal, my guest then polished off the Blueberry Swirl Cheesecake with Vanilla Ice Cream. I settled for a very virtuous coffee as I’m still trying to lose a few pounds on a liquid-based diet!
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 throughout the week for those with young family.
In addition to this, the Border Minstrel has a cracking selection of wines, not to mention some interesting craft beers, amongst the usual suspects.
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 good food.
I seemed to be looking at the venue from a new perspective. Something else which caught my eye was the private function facilities, which included private hire of the beer garden for summer BBQ’s. This would allow the host time to mingle and have a drink without ending up smelling like a fugitive from the local chippie and you don’t have to clean the BBQ afterwards.
With Sky Sports, weekly quiz nights and ample free parking, The Border Minstrel has much to offer whether a race day or not. Giddy up!
