I'm sorry to say that Lockdown has affected my creativity and writing - a lot of what I write is based on my experiences. Therefore because none of us could go anywhere there wasn't much to write about! I also needed a break from writing, especially after three years of being self-employed as a copywriter! Writing for work and not just for the love of writing can get tiring, so I'm raring to go after the long break!
I found a really handy list on the Newcastle Gateshead website of restaurants that are open from April 12th which made it easier to know where was available and had outdoor areas to eat. Be warned, a lot of places are getting booked up for the next couple of months! I knew that a lot of the bigger outdoor areas would be busy so thought it would be best to start somewhere that wouldn't be so packed (I've had my first vaccine so I don't feel to worried about catching COVID but still). My friends suggested Avieka on the Quayside and I knew that they did good sushi so what's not to like? Not to mention the top notch cocktails.
As I walked from the train station down to the Quayside I was a bit shocked at just how many people were out (students in big groups that weren't exactly keeping two metres distance). I had to laugh when I was walking down the bank from Amen Corner and saw I guy with his shirt off riding a bank up the really steep hill with a pint in one hand!
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The beautifully presented food |
Avieka is well-known for it's Japanese/Asian food, and the grill. I'm on a bit of health kick so it was going to be sushi for me. You need to book in advance to sit in the area around the back, which luckily had patio heaters going which helped when the temperature dropped. The DJ being there made me feel like I was in an outdoor nightclub and I was so close to getting up to dance, especially when he started cranking out the 70s tracks. I hadn't been for a while and was impressed with their Courtyard food and drinks menus.
I knew that I wanted an Aperol Spritz so I could pretend I was back in Italy, and I'm happy to report that they do a mean one. I then got carried away at being out, so opted for a Long Island Ice Tea which just tasted like Coke, but when I got up to go the loo I was swaying a bit, it was that strong! You can get jugs of the most popular drinks, like Aperol, Sangria and pink gin. When I go back I'll have to try their signature cocktail, the Godzilla (kiwi fruit and midori with a rhubarb and ginger liquor) and the Avieka Blossom (Disaronno, Midori, lemon and cranberry juice).
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More beautiful food and cocktails |
We opted for the Sushi Platter (sixteen pieces of sushi - four chicken cats, four salmon nigiri, four tuna nigiri and four ebi katsu (prawn) and each had another dish. The food was beautifully presented and was almost too pretty to eat. I'm obsessed with Chicken Katsu so I chose the Katsu Sushi which was delicious, my friends went for the King Prawn kebab, the Mushroom and Pepper kebab and the Teriyaki Chicken. I can also recommend the Mac n Cheese bites and the sweet potato fries. Next time I want to try the Hirata buns and tacos.
The Courtyard Garden has a fully retractable roof in case the weather turns and is fully heated, along with a Grey Goose Garden Bar. The staff were excellent and never too far away (you need to pay for whatever you order as you go which is fair enough). I was really impressed with the food and will be definitely be going back soon to try more of the sushi!
To visit Avieka's website click here
To book click here
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