A fancy new restaurant promising dishes based on European cuisine has opened its doors for the first time in Newcastle

Lovage, at St George’s Terrace in Jesmond, Newcastle is the brainchild of chef and part-owner, Kleo Tabuku, who has finally fulfilled his life-long dream of owning his own Mediterranean style bistro.

And now the restaurant, at the former Sale Pepe site, is open for business, with a menu which draws its inspiration from across Europe.

Read more: Newcastle STACK being store behind Sunderland venue

Starters include calamari in chickpea and garden fennel pollen batter served with lemon aioli, cauliflower, cumin and spinach fritters with minted yoghurt, crispy sardines with lovage mayo and spiced local lamb koftas.

The Northern Echo: The restaurant's exterior. Picture: PRThe restaurant's exterior. Picture: PR (Image: PR)

While diners can choose from main course dishes such as lovage pappardelle with girolles, peas and sun blushed tomatoes, sustainable cod with Savoy cabbage, mussels and fish cream, gnocchi with smoked duck, ricotta and pears and salt aged flat iron steak.

Owner Kleo has been a well-respected chef for more than 25 years and has previously worked at hotels including Jesmond Dene House and Wynyard Hall.

The Northern Echo: Inside the restaurant. Picture: PRInside the restaurant. Picture: PR (Image: PR)

He has launched the new venture in partnership with the award-winning Northumberland Pub Company, which also owns Pub of the Year The Blackbird in Ponteland and The Northumberland Arms at Felton.c

To get more stories direct to your email basket go here 

Kleo said: “It’s fantastic that we are finally open and we are all very excited about showcasing the food to our diners.

“It’s the kind of food I grew up with and what I like to cook, using the very best local produce we can find so that everything is as fresh as possible.

“We can’t wait for people to come along and experience it for themselves.”

The restaurant is also offering a special Sunday lunch menu, with a range of options including a traditional roast, with two courses for £28 and three for £32.

Read next:

If you want to read more great stories, why not subscribe to your Northern Echo for as little as £1.25 a week. Click here