Newcastle: Brewery Tour, Lunch, and Beer Tasting

The Newcastle: Brewery Tour, Lunch, and Beer Tasting offers a compact yet immersive experience into the world of St. Dominics Brewery. For around 3 hours, visitors get to explore the brewery located within the historic Blackfriars Restaurant, a building that dates back to 1239. This tour combines a guided brewery visit, a three-course meal made from fresh, seasonal ingredients, and a flight of three beers brewed on-site. The experience concludes with guests taking home a Beer Gift Pack containing three 500ml bottles of St. Dominics Beer, with enough for two to share.

This tour is ideal for those interested in local brewing traditions and history, as well as anyone eager to enjoy a quality meal paired with craft beers. While the overall pace is manageable and the focus is on learning and tasting, it is suited to most individuals, though it is not wheelchair accessible due to facilities upstairs. The small-group setting and live guide ensure an engaging, personable experience.

Key Points

• Includes a brewery tour at St. Dominics Brewery within a 1239-built Dominican friary
• Enjoy a 3-course meal made from local and seasonal ingredients
• Taste a flight of 3 beers brewed at the same brewery
• Take home a gift pack of 3 bottles of St. Dominics Beer for sharing
• Tour duration is approximately 3 hours, with a meet-up at the Parlour Bar
• The experience is suitable for most adults, but not wheelchair accessible

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Discovering the Historic Blackfriars Friary and Brewery

The tour begins at the Parlour Bar, where the guide meets guests before heading inside the Blackfriars Restaurant. This building has a history dating back to 1239, originally serving as a Dominican friary. The tour then takes visitors through the brewery, where the host shares stories about the friary’s past and the brewery’s development. Expect to learn about how the friars once gathered for readings, discussions, and community tasks before their expulsion in 1536.

The brewery itself is a micro-brewery, carefully crafted within this historic space, emphasizing local brewing craftsmanship. Visitors can observe the brewing process firsthand and gain insights into St. Dominics’ brewing techniques. The guide offers clear explanations, making this a great introduction to craft beer production for newcomers.

Tasting the Beers Brewed at St. Dominics

After the brewery tour, guests participate in a beer tasting featuring a flight of three beers brewed on the premises. These beers are distinctive to the brewery and are designed to showcase local flavors and brewing styles. Each beer is served in a 500ml bottle, enough to allow a good appreciation of the different varieties.

The beer tasting is paired with the 3-course lunch, which includes traditional historic dishes prepared from fresh, local ingredients. This pairing provides a balanced sensory experience, allowing guests to enjoy the flavors of the beers alongside hearty, seasonal cuisine.

A 3-Course Meal with a Historic Touch

The lunch is a standout feature of this tour, offering a set menu that emphasizes seasonal and local produce. The three courses include historic dishes, crafted to complement the beer flight. The meal is served in a comfortable, historic setting within the Blackfriars Restaurant, blending culinary tradition with local ingredients.

Guests are encouraged to savor each course thoughtfully, as the guide may provide context for the dishes and their historic significance. The lunch adds a generous element to the tour, making it suitable for those wanting a full experience of food and drink.

Taking Home a Beer Gift Pack

At the conclusion of the tour, each group receives a Beer Gift Pack containing three bottles of St. Dominics Beer—each 500ml—designed for sharing or keeping as a souvenir. The pack offers an authentic taste of the brewery’s craft and makes a great memento of the experience.

The gift pack is a nice touch, especially for visitors who want to enjoy St. Dominics Beer after their visit or give it as a local gift.

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Logistics and Accessibility

The meeting point is the Parlour Bar, within walking distance of central Newcastle. Guests are advised that level access is available from the main entrance to the dining area, but toilets are upstairs, and there is no accessible toilet on the lower level. As such, wheelchair users are not suitable for this tour.

The experience is offered with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for those cautious about travel plans. Reservations are flexible, allowing guests to reserve now and pay later.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most

This 3-hour tour appeals most to history enthusiasts, craft beer lovers, and those interested in local traditions. The small-group format and live English-speaking guide foster an intimate, informative atmosphere. Travelers seeking a combination of learning, tasting, and a hearty meal will find this experience well-balanced and value-packed.

While the experience is not suitable for wheelchair users, it remains accessible for most non-disabled adults who enjoy culinary and brewing stories in a historic setting.

The Sum Up: A Unique Blend of History, Food, and Craft Beer

The Newcastle: Brewery Tour, Lunch, and Beer Tasting offers a rich slice of local history combined with delicious food and craft beers. The guided tour within a medieval friary, paired with a three-course meal and beer tasting, creates a well-rounded experience for those keen on learning about Newcastle’s brewing culture.

The take-home gift pack adds a lasting memory of the visit, making this an ideal half-day activity for beer lovers and history buffs alike. The limited accessibility may be a drawback for some, but overall, the experience provides good value and authentic insight into St. Dominics Brewery and its historic roots.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
This tour is designed for adults, as it involves beer tasting and historical content unlikely suitable for children. The length and nature of the experience make it more appropriate for adults.

Can I cancel or reschedule the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance. You can also reserve now and pay later, giving flexibility to your travel planning.

Are there any accessibility restrictions?
Yes, wheelchair users are not suitable due to the upstairs toilets and layout of the building. The tour provides level access to the dining area, but full accessibility is limited.

What is included in the gift pack?
The gift pack contains three 500ml bottles of St. Dominics Beer, one for two guests to share or keep as a souvenir.

How long does the entire experience last?
The tour and meal last approximately 3 hours, including the brewery visit, lunch, and beer tasting.

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