There's a new restaurant on the block in Newcastle and it's opened its doors right in time for the first Bank Holiday of the year.
Taking up residence on the sixth floor of the city's famous hotel The Vermont, The Maven blends high end decor with an eclectic menu to suit all tastes and occasions.
Launching officially on Friday night, following a VIP preview on Thursday, the dining haunt is the latest of an ever growing list of venues for the Gainford Group, who own other popular Newcastle hotspots like Livello, Aveika and The Hudson.
Head chef Kris Campbell earned plenty of admirers from his time cooking up a storm at the Earl of Pitt Street and is excited to dish up plenty of flavoursome food at The Maven.
He told Chronicle Live: "The Maven is very different to anything else in Newcastle right now. The menu is mainly influenced by Europe and South East Asia but then we're also serving Afternoon Tea as well.
"We want The Maven to be a stand alone restaurant for everyone in Newcastle to want to come to. There's quite a big menu and there's a bit of everything on it from hearty beef dishes to mezze."
Speaking of the menu, highlights include starters like Chargrilled Chicken, Avacado and Gorgonzola Salad, Seared Tuna Salad and Avacado Bruschetta, main courses including Vietnamese Shaking Beef, Grilled Halloumi and Beer Battered Haddock and VERY tempting desserts ranging from Sticky Toffee Pudding to Raspberry Creme Brulee.
Oh and did we forget the sharing boards. You and your friends can tuck into dishes like Oven Baked Camembert and The Maven's signature Nachos.
A Signature Menu Deal is available Monday to Friday from 12 - 9.30pm and 12.30 - 5pm Saturday.
Gainford Group’s Executive Chef, Ken Thompson (formerly of Cafe21) added: "Chris has come up with a very exciting and eclectic menu; we really want The Maven to be a destination place for everyone in Newcastle and visitors to the city."
