Review: Victors, Newcastle Quayside
With a modern Asian-inspired menu, an extensive cocktail list and wisteria hanging from the ceilings, we check out Newcastle Quayside’s latest restaurant and bar, Victors
We head inside, coming straight into the bar area with its pink plush swivel chairs – perfect for after-work drinks, which a few other guests seem to be enjoying. The venue takes inspiration from the Hampton’s and throughout there are purple and pink wisterias hanging from the ceiling and chandeliers placed perfectly to create a cosy feel. The dining area is separated from the bar with a glass wall, giving diners a view of their cocktails being created but the impression of a separate space to enjoy their meals. We’re shown to our table and take a seat in the comfortable rattan-style chairs.
The cocktail menu is extensive and filled with everything from classic pornstar martinis to signature creations and some of the finest Sake cocktail concoctions too. After a while I decide on the Social Butterfly (Tanqueray Nº Ten gin, Briottet poppy liqueur, fresh lemon juice, Monin rose syrup and prosecco) served in a prosecco glass with a white paper butterfly perched on the side. The drink is really refreshing and has a nod towards flavours of rose lemonade. My friend and dining partner for the evening orders the Japanese Sidecar, a mix of Hennessy VS cognac, apricot brandy, Akashi-Tai Daiginjo sake and fresh lemon juice. For those not drinking alcohol but wanting to enjoy a special cocktail as well, there are a number of low-alcohol and non-alcoholic drinks on the menu.
We dither over the food menu of small bites, sushi rolls and larger plates before deciding to share a number of different dishes. We start with halloumi served with Greek yoghurt, pomegranate molasses and coriander, as well as sourdough with a three butter flight. Both dishes are generous in portions, with a full mini sourdough being presented on the table alongside salted, honey truffle and wild garlic butters. The bread is warm, soft and crunchy on the outside, and both the wild garlic and honey truffled butter are perfectly strong in flavour. The halloumi is accompanied by plenty of Greek yoghurt and we make our way though our starter dishes easily.
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Our waitress advises that diners typically find three small plates each to be about right – we order a total of three small plates, as well as one of the sushi roll plates, a sashimi dish and a portion of parmesan truffle fries, all to share. Like our starters, our mains are generous. The yellowfin tuna sashimi sushi rolls are served with soy, mirin and lime sauce, whilst the salt and chilli popcorn chicken is cooked perfectly and served with a great chipotle mayonnaise. We also indulge in crispy shrimp tempura with soy and yuzu, as well as seared scallops served on a pancetta jam and herb salad. Our personal favourite is the spicy Devon crab sushi rolls served with wasabi mayonnaise, pickled cucumber, shichimi togarashi, sriracha dressing and black sesame. The spice is just right and the side of fresh wasabi and pickled cabbage are great for cleansing your palate or spicing the dish up more.
Although we’ve decided we can’t really handle any more delicious food, we quickly change our minds as we look over the dessert menu. My friend goes for the pistachio cheesecake served with toasted pistachios and butterscotch sauce – it has a lovely soft texture and a strong pistachio flavour. I can’t resist the chocolate and peanut butter meltdown – a combination of cookie dough, chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream topped with peanut butter cups. It’s totally indulgent and well worth the calories.
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We finish our meal with two final drinks each. This time I try the Blushing Geisha served with an edible flower on the top for garnish. It’s a combination of Tanqueray gin, Briottet rose liqueur, Briottet lychee liqueur, apple juice, lemon juice and Monin vanilla syrup, and is the perfect end to my meal. My friend goes for the Japanese Negroni with a Roku gin and Akashi-Tai Umeshu (plum) sake base, Belsazar rose vermouth, Campari and cherry bitters.
We can’t fault a thing. The beautiful restaurant interiors are unlike any other in Newcastle and the fantastic food and drinks, combined with great service, all make for a great evening out – we can’t wait to return.
Victors Newcastle
106 Quayside, Newcastle NE1 3DX
0191 359 2906
