Miller and Carter Newcastle

When we lived in Essex we lived within walking distance to a Miller and Carter restaurant. It was one of our favourite places to go and despite pretty slow service (but really lovely staff), the food was divine. I've never had a better steak and neither has Mr B, so it's fair to say we've missed it since living up north. Until now our nearest M&C has been in Leeds, but a few months ago we found out that they were opening one in Newcastle. It opened earlier this week so it was only a matter of time before we visited.

We decided to go for lunch today despite eating out yesterday as well. We chose Ask Italian in Durham yesterday and generally it was really disappointing...again. The service is never good there and they weren't particularly helpful with Henry. In fact they charged us £6.25 for a full 4 course children's menu even though I'd only asked for the main course which they had said was no problem! Annoying. They were also quite happy to watch my husband on his hands and knees scrubbing the floor with baby wipes to pick up every crumb that Henry had dropped. I'm quite happy to clean up after Henry but usually staff come straight over with a dustpan and brush and tell us to not be so silly. I'd always assume that chain Italians would be the most family friendly places to go but this weekend has totally proved that wrong. 

Miller and Carter couldn't have been better. They gave us a lovely big table in the corner with a highchair that pushed right under the table (unlike Ask, hence the mess!). I was a bit worried that Henry would get food all over the lovely new carpets but he was actually remarkably clean today. The waiter chatted away to Henry and seemed really interested in him. He complimented us on how well behaved he was and was surprised at how much he was eating! The children's menu was basically small versions of the adults' menu and so we chose grilled chicken, vegetables and chips for Henry; all easy things for him to pick up and eat by himself while we enjoyed our lunch. We'd had nachos to start so dipped his chips in our guacamole and he ate loads. He was so well behaved and in such a happy mood, we were really proud to have him with us.

From an allergy point of view they were so helpful too. I didn't feel like I was being a pain at any point by asking for no dairy or egg and the waiter didn't make a big fuss about it, but made sure we knew that he'd let the kitchen know and it was all fine. The steak was so good, even without the tasty herby butter. I had beef dripping sauce on my steak for the first time (usually a creamy peppercorn girl) and it was divine!! 

The restaurant itself was really posh with some gorgeous furniture. It seems to have a bull theme going on with plenty of pictures and art work around the building. The bar looked gorgeous, hopefully Mr B and I might be able to visit on our own soon and have a few cocktails sitting in the tartan bar stools by the bar which I was admiring today.

Overall we were so impressed, we'll definitely be back soon. The same definitely can't be said for Ask in Durham which is a shame.

Now to dig out my trainers, I need to go for a run this afternoon after all this eating out...