The Botanist Newcastle in Newcastle upon Tyne - Phone Number, Reservations, Reviews

Nice meal & drink at a fair price, good friendly service

Very disappointed with the Sunday lunch today. Wasn’t very good at all. Wait time was 45 mins. No mash or turnip.

One of the worst meal services I’ve ever experienced. We booked an early table to avoid the rush as we had a young child in our group. The restaurant was relatively quiet when we got there and certainly never full as the evening progressed. It took 45 minutes for our drinks to arrive, despite following up multiple times with different waiters and the host, who were all unhelpful and just passing the buck to the next person. You’d think given this huge delay a manager would have stepped in to apologise and prioritise our food order coming through the kitchen. Nope. Our main courses did not arrive until a full 2 hours after we were seated! Again despite following up with multiple staff members to ask where our meals were. When the food finally arrived, we were then told a few items were missing/not available. The kebabs were poor quality and small portions for the price. The meat had the texture of rubber! Ordering further rounds of drinks or asking for the bill was also met with massive waits and the staff just disappearing for 20-30 minutes at a time. We also had to clear the glasses and plates from our own table between courses as the staff weren’t taking these away. After asking for the bill urgently (as our parking was about to expire after 3 hours in the restaurant) this took a further 10 minutes so we tried to pay at the bar so we could leave, and were told this wasn’t possible - you literally have a card machine, it is possible. When the bill finally arrived, the waiter had the nerve to put service charge on! I think the entire meal should have been comped given how poor the whole experience was. A special mention - the two hosts on the front of house station were particularly unhelpful. Clearly the dining room was short staffed, while they just stood gossiping and not offering any help on following up on our order or trying to resolve the situation in any way. If you can’t offer a reasonable service level, you shouldn’t be taking as many bookings. You need a competent manager on the floor in the dining room. Most of the staff were very inexperienced and running around like headless chickens. Avoid this place. You can get much better food and service at almost any other restaurant in Newcastle.

We loved this restaurant! The dishes were delicious and looked fantastic. The interior is stylish, and the staff is very friendly. We honestly recommend it to everyone. A wonderful place to eat!

My wife suggested that we visit here this afternoon (4.30pm) after the matinee at the Theatre Royal. She told me it had great views - but we didn't get the chance to enjoy them ! About 3 of the tables were occupied, but every single one of the others ( lots of them ) were littered with the dregs of used glasses . I can't remember the last time that I saw such an utterly disgusting bar. The bar staff ( a single young lady ) was sat at one of the tables ( not behind the bar ) playing on her mobile phone. Why wasn't she clearing the tables ? To be fair to her, she did finally look up from her phone and ask what we wanted - just before we turned around and left ! Strangely, as we passed the next level down there seemed to be plenty of staff there ( why weren't they helping out above ? ) but we had seen enough of this place, so didn't stop off there. I see there are lots of very good reviews of this place - so maybe we called on a (VERY) bad day ???

The vibe of this place is really cool! Our server was really nice as well. However, the food was quite disappointing. Price quality wise it's not great at all. And afterwards they tried to include a 10% tip, which is a lot on a bigger bill. It was optional but I can see how they trick people into being too scared to giving a smaller tip.

I love the Botanist and the service is always amazing. I am very disappointed to discover that the chicken and chorizo hanging kebab has been taken off the menu. Please please please bring it back.

Disappointed that my request 2 weeks in advance was ignored. I booked online and requested a table with a view and then the day before my booking I called to ask if my request for a table for 5 with a view was possible. I was informed it wouldn't be a problem. Upon arriving we were shown to a table against a wall and non of the window tables. When I asked why the member of staff looked confused and asked me whom I had spoken to the day before? Needless to say we accepted the table but I was disappointed to see window tables available and some obviously taken by other restaurant goers. If I had of known in advance I would have cancelled the slot and looked to eat elsewhere. Food isn't fantastic for the price so we wouldn't return.

Sharing kebab was delicious! Got the 3 of us full! We tried kofta, chicken and halloumi.

Lovely venue, lovely food, went for Restaurant week, only 2 staff in Restaurant, could if done with 3, we will be back again.

Great place ! Good choice of food and drinks been here a few times and the drinks always take ages to come and on occasion food has arrived before the food.

After waiting 5 mins to be served the bar person who was run off her feet made a decent cocktail. However I question why there is only one person on the bar!! At the alchemist over the road there is no wait!!! And a lily pad martini ALWAYS comes with a nasturtium leaf. Apparently no more 😩 Sorry but you need to up your game

The food took forever! And there were flies on my water. But the aesthetics are 100%

Brilliant place for cocktails and drinks!

I always visit here when I'm in Newcastle, no trip home is complete without a Botanist hanging kebab. Good drinks selection, including several gins and inventive floral based cocktails, excellent menu with food nicely presented, wonderful decor, and the cosiest roof terrace with an amazing view. Unfortunately on our recent visit, the service was super friendly, but not great inasmuch as I think because the restaurant was quiet perhaps they didn't have so many staff in. This meant we had to get up to go look for someone a couple of times. They've also added a mandatory 15% service charge even just for 2 people rather than large parties. We always tip well, but prefer it to be discretionary and optional. It didn't amount to much, but perhaps this mandatory charge is why the service wasn't so good this visit.

I always visit the Botanist every time I come to Newcastle. I haven’t been for 4 years and once again it didn’t disappoint. I love the ambience and incredible interiors. We had a table with a great view of the streets below. The Beef Sunday lunch was very tasty with plenty of vegetables and delicious gravy. Jo our waiter was attentive and friendly providing us with great service. After the meal we went up to the roof terrace for a drink and to take in the stunning view over the city. I am back home in Wales now but am already looking forward to my next visit.

The Botanist never lived up to my expectations first of all arranged this restaurant for my wife's 60th with family and friends travelled down from Glasgow to spend weekend in Newcastle this was our first visit. So emailed the restaurant booked for 12 explained the dietary requirements for my wife food intolerance waste of time wasn't taken into account had to go through it again and still managed to get it wrong on delivery at the table returned the meal . Also they asked you to book drinks for on arrival which I done cist £100 arrived for booking 1945 expecting the presseco to be on table waited for another 20min usual excuse we are busy tonight not my issue they had 24hrs plus to organise 3 bottles of presseco. Would not recommend this venue the food was very average.

Nice restaurant week lunch, friendly staff

A disappointing visit. Family of 5 with 3 kids and our food all turned up at different times. My own main meal turned up 15 minutes after all our other meals and by that point I was so annoyed that I sent it back.

We arrived at 18.45, greeted and shown to our table. 2 more Table/Groups arrived 10 mins or so after us. 3 or 4 Waiters/Waitresses just casually wondered past our table but took the orders of the other tables before us. I even stopped one waitress to ask if I should order our drinks at the bar. After that someone did come over and took our order at 19.15, our drinks and meal order together. As the orders are taken on tablets the timings can be checked. It was a Saturday night and busy. I've got no issue with waiting. it's the fact that at the time we arrived the waiting staff were wondering around and past our table a number of times and then served 2 other tables first that arrived after us. We ordered a sharing starter and sharing main and could not fault any part of the meals or the service given by the waiter that served them. Which is such a shame as our first impression of the Botanist is poor service. I asked for the service charge to be taken off bill and gave the tip to the waiter directly. (Probably still goes into a joint pot)

City centre bar and eatery with a rustic theme. Great friendly service. Good food and drink with Moretti beer on draught. Came here for lunch before going to a show at the Theatre Royal. A bit expensive but to be expected in a city centre location. Optional 10% service charge added to bill.

Very slow service -waiting over an hour for our order. Table not ready despite having booked days before. Music very loud. Food was good when it arrived though. Disappointing as we've had better on previous visits.

Beautiful inside, food is average, good atmosphere and friendly

2 stars because food and venue was nice but service wasn't the best some unhelpful staff

Food was excellent. Service great . And the music was superb 👌 . Will be back again and again.

Overpriced hipster nonsense but what isn't these days.

This is one of the best places to be in the city center, yet it feels like a calm countryside retreat. The ambiance and vibes are truly refreshing. I love being here and look forward to coming back again!

Lovely atmosphere Slow to get drinks, one person behind the bar. Wednesday 7pm

Nice place good food and drink. Lift was down

Lovey place but hid a little out the way right in center

It was son’s graduation day lunch occasion meal and although it’s a lovely venue for drinks, the food didn’t quite live up to expectations. Service was lovely.

What can I say to such a beautiful place. The staff were amazing, so friendly and attentive. The food was gorgeous, especially the Sunday lunch, so tasty. The cocktails may not be 2 for 1 like a lot of places in Newcastle, but they are made so beautifully. Will definitely be back to see our lovely scouser Lois. Thanks to everyone at the Botanist Newcastle xx

Service at this restaurant has really gone downhill over the last few months. Waited an age at reception to get a table. Starter slapped down on the table before any drinks were served. When asked where the wine was the ‘host’ blamed the bar for the delay (it wasn’t too busy). Also had to ask for cutlery and serviettes. At this point decided to leave as there are far better restaurants in Newcastle that provide decent service and value for money. Eaten here many times but see no reason to return in future - will not be back, shame because the food was always tasty.

Good food and service abit priced but nice was there for my daughters graduation

First time visit and it won't be the last. Food was amazing and service was excellent . Great end to my daughter's graduation

Enjoyed our meal and experience, only down side was service was a little slow apart from that great time.

One of my favourite places to grab a Sunday lunch and a cocktail. Never disappoints

We went to the botanist for my graduation meal and at first it was a lovely atmosphere and the drinks and starters were delivered promptly. But after that we were left waiting for 3 hours for our main courses to arrive- which unfortunately by the time they came two individuals in our party had to leave as they had a train booked! So two people missed out on food and by the time food for the rest of us arrived we had lost our appetite due to how long we had had to wait! In the time we waited other families on other tables and come and gone and been served in the time we had to wait and when prompting the staff we were told that two chefs were sick but were failed to be notified this on arrival as we could have found a solution instead of waiting hours! We were finally offered a discount off the bill by the manager who also did not make an appearance to apologise or rectify the issue but instead sent staff to speak with us (all of whom were stressed which we are aware it’s not their fault) but the food service and management were overall terrible! Which ruined my special day and cause other individuals to miss out on food that we had waited so long for

I visited botanist for a birthday celebration, having informed them of the occasion in advance. We ordered three starters and one Hanging kebab, expecting a memorable dining experience. Unfortunately, the evening was far from enjoyable. It took about an hour for the starters to arrive, and the Hanging kebab took an additional 30 minutes. When the food finally came, it was stone cold, as if it had been sitting in the kitchen for ages. Given the high prices, I found the food to be extremely overpriced for the quality and service provided. I would not recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a pleasant dining experience.

A really nice venue with lots of indoor and terrace plants, plenty of tables for customers, a vibrant busy atmosphere, and a nice terrace on the upper floor, which has a great view of the town below. However, a big let down of my visit was the lack of bar staff on duty during my visit earlier today. There was one amazing member of bar staff on during this busy afternoon who was serving 7 customers in front of me, who were ordering multiple complex coctails and other drinks for their tables. I don't know if there was supposed to be another bartender on shift, or if they were taking their break, because it was very busy at the bar, and I also noticed another couple members of staff who were purely focused on collecting glasses, who at least one would of been better suited to assist the member of staff who was left alone to serve at the bar. It took a long time to get served because of this. The member of staff serving however had amazing customer service dispite being on their own whilst serving a busy bar. Another let down was when I reached the terrace on the top floor. There was a lot of glasses left on tables and there were covers over some of the sofas, which should have been took off at the start of the day. Also, there were rings on the table showing that it had not been cleaned, and the wooden area next to the table had a lot of stains on, which could have been cleaned before the bar had opened. This didn't entirely ruin the upstairs terrace, as it still had a beutiful view of newcastle below, however, my experience suggests that a lot more effort could go into the maintainance of the venue. I had last visited before the pandemic, and I expected a five star experience. Unfortunately this was not the case, and I hope more effort into better cleaning and better staffing levels can be implemented in future. I will visit again as the venue itself is generally very nice, but my visit today on the whole was unfortunately below par.

Really disappointed. We waited an hour and 15 minutes for the food. No apology made by waitstaff. Food not good and overpriced. Went to the bathroom and came back and they'd taken the good away when I'd only eaten half of it. Went here once before and it was nice, such a shame, very bad experience

Last night I was refused service by one particular bartender. Apparently I was ‘too drunk and could barely keep my eyes open’. Now I was a bartender for 3 years and I can understand not serving someone, the fact was I had one drink previously and was clearly not drunk. This made me feel embarrassed and disgusted at the way I was treated, having autism I struggle to make eye contact and in all honesty I was just stood watching the duo that was playing. I called the pub right after we left and the manager apologised and offered us drinks on the house so we went back in. My partner then attempted to order another and was refused service again by the same person!! We could see her whispering to other bartenders at the bar and gazing over at us which made us feel very uncomfortable. We asked for the bar manager who sorted us out with drinks and I had a conversation with him and he clearly could see I wasn’t intoxicated and apologised again. I don’t know what I’d done to deserve this treatment by the bar staff, we weren’t loud or ‘too drunk’ only wanting to come in for the music and chilled out vibe the botanist has. Safe to say I won’t be returning due to this treatment and it’s disappointing as the botanist was one of my favourite places I actually felt comfortable enough to have a drink.

Beautiful premises, amazing views of the city - great food and drinks

Great ambience, roof terrace, but the steak is not good, the Caesar salad was not good either. Two stars for the ambience and location

Didn't start well by waiting to be seated at our booked table for 15 minutes. A member of staff at the bar was asked if anyone could seat us but noone arrived until after the second time we asked the same member of bar staff. It wasn't busy at all and some of the staff were seen standing chatting around the other side of the bar. No apology was given for the wait. The food was really tasty but the vegan hanging kebabs do not hang! One had fallen half way down the skewers and the other was brought on a plate. Restaurant staff did bring us a full extra skewer to make up for the lack of meatballs on the other two. Once seated, service was really good but the experience wasn't as good as it has been previously unfortunately

Very friendly and helpful staff. The food is delicious.

I'd booked a table for 1 pm for my son's birthday lunch, but we were unavoidably delayed. I found it quite a faff finding the phone number for the Newcastle site to make contact to say we'd be late, I would have liked to have had the number on my booking email. I was asked to rearrange our booking for later, which I did. When we arrived our table was free but we had quite a wait for our very pleasant young man server to arrive, then quite a wait for our drinks. The food arrived in good time and was delicious, thank you.

Food was gorgeous as ever. Our go to place when visiting Newcastle from Spain.

Food was very nice just a bit expensive

Lovely place and decor especially the terrace under the roof! Only negative point, the live music is great but way too loud! If you want to catch up with friends and don't want to shout all night, go somewhere else!

Staff were great, restaurant was pretty quiet so were a bit disappointed that our food was only just warm, like it had been sat there for a while

Absolutely beautiful bar with friendly, entertaining staff. This is definitely the bar you want to spend the whole day in, rather than bar hop a spoons. Yes, the cocktails are expensive, but they're good, and the atmosphere adds to the experience. You definitely feel rich when you spend the day here.

Nice night food was amazing . The waitress who was looking after us was really nice and accommodating

We went to the Botanist Newcastle yesterday for my daughters 15th. The food was lovely, but the reason I'm writing the review, and why it's getting 5 stars, is because of Joe who served us. Nothing was too much trouble for him, he went out of his way to accommodate us, he didn't pressurise or rush us, he took time to listen and make everyone feel at ease and he ensured we all had a lovely time. We were all hugely impressed by his manner and work ethic, he's a total credit to the place.

Food was amazing, friendly, efficient, helpful staff. We will visit again soon. Thoroughly recommend a visit to the Botanist you will not be disappointed.

Great food friendly service, lovely atmosphere xxx

Unhealthy food and poor value for money.

Bit over rated for me. Pricey for drinks and food .and not the best lication

Lewis done our cocktail masterclass, he was amazing! So professional and everything was perfect! Would recommended to everyone! The drinks were gorgeous and he was the most amazing, knowledge bartender! X

Food wasn't that good just average standard. Nice spot to drink in the evening

Wow! Amazing food, excellent service. I would recommend this place to everyone

Very good food and exceptional atmosphere.

Didn't know you had to pre book. Found a empty table where the same waitress told me it was apparently for drinks only like ermm huns there's nobody occupying it what's your prob? She's was prob stuck up cause I wasn't dressed fancy or just racist.

Dreadful place. First time went in couldn't get seated and stunk of urine. Second time visited ordered drinks online and after waiting over half an hour they turned up minus one of drinks. Hype over substance. Plenty of better bars and pubs in Newcastle.

We ate here as a group of 8 last night. Our waiter Joe was brilliant - really friendly and helpful with lots of knowledge about the menu. Food and drinks both great and the view out to monument and down Grey Street a bonus! We weren't rushed at all even though it was a busy Saturday night. Would return!

Great food and wonderful server, everyone had a great time, thank you

Went for food and drinks before going on to Utillata arena for a show. Bar staff are friendly and quick to take orders and serve. The lady who then took us to our table and took food orders was polite and friendly. There were 10 of us buying food we all had starters and mains. When my main came (hanging skewers which a few of us ordered) the food was nice but not very hot the server asked if everything was ok I was busy saying to her well actually it's not very hot when she just smiled and walked away. At the end when we got the bill an optional £27.00 service charge had been added and we asked for this to be removed. I always tip good service but I think £27.00 is a bit steep.

Lovely place. Good choice of food and fun vibe.

Lovely food and location but beware the service charge! We had 4 burgers and 4 cokes and it came to a whopping £78, then an extra £7.80 was added as a service charge!! Reading the website you can ask for this to be removed, but come on, we're British and we won't want to make people feel uncomfortable! Why don't you just ask at the point of payment on the card machine like most other places? On their website it states that all tips go to servers and the people who prepare your food and drinks, stressing that none will go to management which just smacks of the Botanist not paying their servers / prep staff a decent wage and it has to be topped up by their customers! Come on Bontanist, do better!

Always super busy and take a long time to get served. The atmosphere is good and building itself it beautiful.

This was our first visit to this bar and it will not be our last good atmosphere was they had a band playing that were also good I would definitely recommend this bar.

Tables were not clean, chairs had numerous stains, and food took a long time to arrive. However the food was nice.

Great service, great atmosphere, great live music & great Sunday lunch

The food was good, the service was very nice. I recommend it for lunch and meeting friends

Just didn't like the place. Sorry.

Having waited for around 40 minutes for our food, we were disappointed to find the Yorkshire puddings were flat and cold. We witnessed two other tables complain about their Sunday lunch too. Unfortunately we won’t be going back, and wouldn’t recommend you to friends or colleagues

Went here for a Sunday lunch with my wife. Waited nearly 40 minutes and when the donners arrived, the Yorkshire puddings were flat and cold. Meats were okay but not a lot of vegetables to be honest. Would not go back and would not recommend for Sunday lunches

Great cocktails and food... that tree is pretty dusty now however, asthma suffers beware lol

Had a fantastic meal yesterday. Food was great, drinks were good and the staff were excellent. Definitely worth a visit.

Beautiful place, amazing cocktails too!

Out in Newcastle today. Went into the Botanist for bottle of wine. Hardly anyone in & I’m not surprised, £32 for a bottle of Rose. Most expensive place we visited. Hardly anyone in, be more realistic with your prices & you’d attract more customers

Unfortunately not a great experience. Me & my son both have allergies. We asked to swap coconut rice for plain boiled rice & were told this could not be accommodated. I understand staff have to be very careful however most things on the menu had a disclaimer of may contain nut or sesame & no other options were available. It was clear that all food was not cooked fresh. Not a great experience if you have allergies.

Depdnds what you want, but If you want to pay extortionate prices for drinks (£8.95 for a glass of house white wine) and bang average food this is your place.... The "famous" hanging chicken kebabs were bland and dry.. Way better places in the city.

beautiful place but the drinks are massively over priced 19 quid for a pint and a cocktail

Great drinks (cocktail and beer), great atmosphere, would highly recommend. Lots of different cocktails available on the menu and food looked delicious too although we didn't eat.

Visited for lunch. Food was good, quiet atmosphere sat upstairs.

Awesome atmosphere and staff! Drinks were lovely!

Sadly had a really bad case of food poisoning from eating here a few days ago. Still feeling very unwell. Such a shame as I was really looking forward to going and trying a hanging kebab. I don’t normally feel the need to write reviews, but think it’s only fair to keep others safe. Luckily the person I had food with is ok, but really hope they take this seriously. Only thing positive I would say is our server Anna, she was brilliant and very polite.

Fantastic meal with my wife and 2 daughters at the Botanist. Had visited the one in Edinburgh before so decided to visit when in Newcastle for our Easter break. Food was excellent…love the chicken kebabs and a good selection of wines and other drinks. Service was friendly and efficient.

The most amazing cocktails! Large variety but all of very high quality and uniqueness. The male bartender was very attentive and friendly.

It was a great place with an amazing rooftop area where we enjoyed a few rounds of cocktails. The bar staff was so welcoming and friendly. The cocktails were delicious. There are heaters in the outdoor rooftop terrace as well as a separate bar area up there. Great atmosphere and cocktails were well priced. We enjoyed our time here.

Not bad but the owner (or whoever wrote info from the owner) needs to remove the word "friendly" ... neither member of staff we encountered (one bar maid who stood in one spot asking multiple people for their orders rather than addressing each individually and one waitress in the restaurant area) were friendly... and at these prices I think a little courtesy would be nice... UPDATE... half an hour after arriving we've just tried to order a bar snack... the foods we wanted - UNAVAILABLE... sorry Botanist... will not be returning!!

Friendly staff and buzzy atmosphere. Live singer but couldn’t see him/her and sometimes hard to recognise the song. Had a selection of starters to share. Very good scotch egg and chicken skewers. Chips didn’t arrive but waitress quickly removed from the bill.

Joke bar Saturday half full can’t get a drink why are they even open never going back

It was difficult to find a table to reserve. We imagined it was more special than it turned out to be. The most impressive thing is the dome only if you are going to drink. For dinner you have small windows overlooking the square if you are lucky. The food is good but looks like any student cafeteria. Nothing remarkable in terms of quality and price

Lovely hanging kebabs, great service, beautiful surroundings.

Great food and good service, but it was a little loud

Really lovely bar & great location in the town centre. Was disappointed there was no live music on but the atmosphere was still quite nice. Drinks are pricey in all honestly but seemed to be made with care. Can’t complain but wouldn’t be in a massive hurry to return.

Came with my mam we both had the seabass wich was cooked perfectly, the romanesco sauce complimented the dish and tasted great. The drinks were tasty, well balanced and refreshing. The staff were friendly and helpful. Ive been a few times and always had an amazing expirience

Excellent service & food , plenty of options on the menu , very friendly staff , three of us ate & drank there on a Saturday evening & cannot really fault it