Great Jones Craft & Kitchen

Great Jones Craft & Kitchen is the newest eatery on the Newcastle strip. The Restaurant is the brainchild of a young couple who have recently relocated from New York to County Down.

Sean, originally from Kilkeel, and his Argentinian partner Lorena ran a Harlem based bar and restaurant across the water and have ploughed that New York experience, spunk and originality in to this unique restaurant by the sea.

Great Jones exudes cool: reclaimed parquet flooring from a local school gym clads the walls, and exposed brick and naked light bulbs are the order of the day. The place has a very fresh, modern feeling without that whiff of try-hard that often accompanies this style of decor.

The menu is an interesting mix of old favourites and the distinctly different. Fish and chips and seafood chowder sit alongside spiced monkfish tails and a ginger and star anise rump of beef.

The drinks on offer are a fantastic array of craft beers from all over the world; a substantial wine list and some very unusual cocktails: try the Blood and Sand, but be prepared to be enslaved to its exquisite and extremely potent allure.

Great Jones is excellently priced, especially to anyone who frequents Belfast’s more expensive restaurants and the service is attentive but casual.

There was a good crowd in attendance when we were there, creating an informal and rather hip atmosphere. If you’re looking for somewhere different Great Jones is well worth a run down to Newcastle to experience a little piece of NYC.

Eve Rosato

Great Jones Craft & Kitchen