Central Oven: Pizza Overload and Interior Spying

Since it was National Pizza Day on Thursday, I thought it only right I share some pizza porn. And seriously who doesn't love to look at pizza?! I mean, the only thing better than that, is actually eating it. So back at the end of last year Central Oven & Shaker opened and there was a buzz in the air on opening night - (prepare yourself for a photo heavy post.) I had a day of meetings so I was well and truly ready to let my hair down.

 

 

 

On approaching the venue, it was unmistakable this was where we needed to be. Fun pink neon wins me over almost every time. Located opposite Central Station, this neon really does set it apart from its city grey surroundings. And by 5:30pm the place was already mad busy. Myself and Zoe found our bearings, grabbed a seat (which was difficult) and got to our first drinks of the night. Prosecco. Obviously. We waited for fellow blogger, Ruth to arrive and more drinks circulated whilst patiently waiting for our table. I'm not sure which drinks were which but they sure looked pretty against the carrara marble bar tops.   

 

 

 

 

It was a bit hectic trying to get seated for a table (everyone wanting to get in on the pizza goodness, and who can blame them?!) We were lead to our table on the upstairs level, which overlooks the downstairs bar and kitchen. Basically the best spot for people watching.

 

 

 

 

Once the food started arriving to our table, I was quickly distracted from the people watching to swooning over food! The first dishes to hit the table were salads (the prettiest I've seen up close to date), and antipasti boards. Fresh crunchy leaves, sprinkled with flashes of purple in the form of edible flowers and feta, the olives, meats and cheeses. Spending a lot of my childhood visiting a Mediterranean country, these starters made for a happy blogger!

 

 

 

 

 

Next to hit the table was the much anticipated Central pizza. Stone baked, freshly made in their kitchen. With no previous other chains or association, we really didn't know what to expect. However, this pizza did not let us down! Thin crust (my fave) covered in delicious, stringy cheese and a selection of flavoursome toppings.

 

 

 

 

 

There are so many new places opening recently and with a plethora of chains and pizza shops its hard to know where really gets pizza right. Stone baking makes all the difference and you can really taste the authenticity in these pizzas. Hand thrown dough right in their kitchen, fresh produce and stone baked in fire heated ovens. That makes good pizza.

 

 

 

Pizza kept on coming and we kept on eating. A selection of toppings including veggie options, and with very attentive serving staff keeping our drinks topped up I felt very content in the teams hands. Food, drinks, service. Restaurant success 101. 

 

 



Caio, Reggie Cocktail

 

 

 

With full stomachs after our Neapolitan feast... we headed down stairs to relax and enjoy the atmosphere. (And of course, observe the interiors because I'm a little obsessed with that kinda thing with my creative brain.) The art deco details are unmistakable fused with industrial features like the lighting & exposed ceiling.

 

 

 

 

 

Just when we thought we were done with the indulging, more drinks circulated the room. Gingerbread cocktails (among other flavours), cotton candy prosecco... Safe to say the Central team aint' afraid to think outside the box in regards to menu choices. And with pizza ranging from £7 - £12, you can hardly complain about extortionate prices for passionate food. I'm pretty sure the menu has been expanded since the launch now offering breakfast pizzas among other unusual unique options. I have called in for lunch recently too. Same service, same good food. Need to head back to test out the carbonara pizza - I'm a total sap for creamy based pasta dishes but yet to try it on pizza! Central also offer a range of Italian themed desserts from tiramisu to gelato. Although we didn't get a chance to try on their launch I'd be interested to hear if the live up to the starters and mains.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Whether you're looking for somewhere to head for a quick but quality lunch, after work drinks or a meal for 2 then Central Oven is your hook up. Love to eat pizza? You can also become a Central patriot with a Playdough card and get rewarded for repeat visits. In a prime location on Neville Street, easy to find and a fun but chilled vibe, you've got to give this place a try!

 

Until next time...

 

The Original Redhead

 

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Hub of History: Grainger Market Festive Evening

If you've ever been to Newcastle or have friends in Newcastle you'll have most likely heard them talk about the infamous Grainger Market. Located on Grainger Street (duh), spitting distance from Grey's Monument. As a child, this is the market where I went every other Friday with my Grandparents. Like clockwork. I have fond memories of the hustle and bustle of the place, friendly familiar faces, smells, the fresh meats and pheasants hanging in the butchers, the calls of the greengrocers echoing through the alleys. I heard this year they were hosting a festive evening, I thought this would be a lovely way to relive my childhood memories. (Although, I do frequent the market regularly it's never enough for the nostalgia it holds.)

 

 

 

 

On entering, the place was buzzing. Myself, Zoe & Ruth headed to Pumphrey's Coffee for a hot drink before exploring. For those of you who haven't been to Pumphrye's Coffee, (where have you been?!) they stock a whole range of different flavoured coffee beans fresh to buy or you can stop by and grab a special blend coffee or even a  hot chocolate. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So many coffee flavours and types! And if you're not into coffee, Pumphrey's also have Curious Leaves in the Grainger Market too which is their tearoom.

 

 

 

We then headed to the centre of the market which was buzzing. The centre had live singers, rock and roll dancers later on - which I loved watching, the florists stand with beautiful wreaths on display, and offers on in the surrounding shops. Matthew's Cheese Shop & The French Oven were 2 which seemed to have considerable queue's most of the night. Matthew's has a wide selection of cheese and do great cheese boards for Christmas. The French Oven is a quaint little independent bakery which supplies bread to many local businesses surrounding and also regular customers.

 

 

 

 

 

I was (obviously) feeling hungry and was craving pizza, so heading to Slice was the only thing for it. Slice are what you think... They serve delicious pizza by the slice and this also had a decent queue too (rightly so!) They had a selection of flavours on sale and honestly this one was delicious! For £3 per slice you really can't complain, they're fairly filling!

 

 

 

 

 

The Grainger Market were also granting access to one of the balconies. We were escorted up and told a little about the history of the market. The market was built in 1835 and there was a grand banquet to mark the opening. The Grainger Market was opened as a butcher's market (now houses greengrocers among other businesses now) and was a place for the elite gentry of Newcastle to show off their money and best clothing. The alley's are quite wide, and it is said that the reason for this was the lad's wide Victorian skirts & the men's walking sticks. The balconies (which aren't open to the public now) were a spot for the ladies to wait whilst men did their socialising (and eating at the banquet.) Don't know about you girls, but I'd be fuming if my fella made me watch him eat!

 

 

 

 

Also on offer, was a chance to go down the wartime bunker. I myself, having spent so much time in the market didn't even know that there was a bunker in the place! So interesting. I didn't manage to get down myself but I'm so intrigued that there was a bunker built under the market!

 

 

 

 

For those of you living in Newcastle, and haven't visited this lovely place, then seriously get yourself there. Even if it's just to take in the surroundings, sights and smells. But even more so, go buy food, visit the local businesses and support a thriving epicentre of loveliness which has lasted for centuries!

 

 

Until next time...

 

The Original Redhead

 

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