Miss you, canny sandwiches of Eldon Garden.
** Unfortunately Garden Shed closed in 2013 **
Since the arrival of Garden Kitchen, we have been eagerly anticipating the launch of its sister venue Garden Shed as weāre always looking for somewhere quality and reasonably priced for a quick bite in the middle of town (listening yet, Olive & Bean?).
Having been invited along to try some sandwiches at the not-long opened sandwich bar, a weekend of birthday eating and drinking was topped off with high expectations for the humble sandwichā¦
Located at the entrance of Eldon Garden – this is a brilliant place to people watch. Being takeaway-oriented there are only a handful of stools, but itās definitely worth grabbing one if you can and watching the world go by. Featuring the same look and style, and importantly, same food as the main kitchen, quality should be on a par with itās big sister.
The options are succinct and feature everything youād expect – soup de jour, salads and classic sandwiches – all quite reasonably priced, with everything under Ā£5. The most you can really spend is Ā£4.95 which nets you a sandwich or salad, crisps/chocolate, and any drink for Ā£4.95 – canāt really go wrong.
Sandwiches remain classic but are well done – expect to see ham & pease pudding, club, and veggie offerings, as well as the always tempting build-your-own option. Choice of fresh breads is welcome; youāll remember we were fans. Pastrami (above, Ā£3.95) is a winner, as is the tomato & black pepper soup (below). This is lush, rich and cockle-warming, it kicks back with a load of pepper, and was just what was needed to shake off those birthday cocktails, and is sure to be a winner on a cold day. Comes with bread!
Salads are good, and thatās high praise from us – penne with beetroot and goatās cheese is only Ā£2.95, for example, and blows away anything youād get in any takeaway inside of Eldon Square, if not anywhere at that price. Havenāt tried but have high expectations for breakfast sandwiches, also available.
Teas, coffees, and soft drinks offered at reasonable price, including all variants of our darling Fentimans, as well as cupcakes and sweet things provided by Stacie Stewartās Beehive Bakery. We went for a lemon cupcake – but if you just fancy a tea and cake, perhaps head up the main restaurant.
You could do a lot worse than visit Garden Shed for your next sandwich fix. Even a salad if youāre adverse to bread. With so many (frankly, bad) choices in Eldon Square, make it easy for yourself and give the Shed a try. If youāve been to the main restaurant or even Six at the Baltic, youāll know youāre getting quality, and if itās not better than your cold and damp M&S sandwich, weāll pay.
P.S. Good Food Guide – why exactly isnāt SIX in there?
Contact: gardenkitchennewcastle.com
Cost of soup, two sandwiches, plus drinks & cupcake ~Ā£14 comped for review.
