Blackfriars
Blackfriars has 2 meeting/event spaces for 25–80 delegates (theatre), largest: Main Dining Hall (120).
- Up to 120 delegates
- 2 meeting spaces
1 photosPhotography pending verification1 photosCapacity overview
2 spaces · capacities by layout · floor area in m²
| Room | Theatre | Cabaret | Boardroom | Classroom | U-shape | Banquet | Reception | m² |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main Dining Hall | 80 | — | 30 | 50 | 35 | 90 | 120 | 150 |
| Private Dining Room | 25 | — | 14 | 20 | 18 | 24 | 30 | 40 |
At a glance
Blackfriars is a unique historic venue housed in a beautifully preserved 13th-century Dominican friary in the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne. As Britain's oldest purpose-built dining room, this Grade I listed building combines medieval architecture with modern hospitality. The venue operates as both an award-winning restaurant and sophisticated event space, featuring original stone walls, medieval arches, and atmospheric lighting. Blackfriars offers flexible spaces for corporate events, private dining, weddings, and conferences, accommodating up to 120 guests. The venue provides modern amenities including AV equipment and professional event management while maintaining its historic character and charm.
Best suited for
- Wedding Receptions
- Corporate Events
- Private Dining
- Birthday Parties
- Business Meetings
Why book with us?
- Independent venue sourcing
- Free to event organisers
- Access to negotiated rates
- Alternative venues included
- Human expert support
Know before you book
Provenance shown for every factMeeting spaces at this venue
Pricing & packages
Exact rates are confirmed on your proposal — our experts negotiate on your behalf.
Meeting room, equipment, lunch & refreshments.
Half day, full day and evening rates available on request.
Bespoke menus and exclusive-use packages for private events.
Food & catering
- Restaurant on site
- Bar on site
- Full catering service available
Dietary options catered for
Top facilities
- Historic Building
- Medieval Architecture
- Private Dining
- Corporate Events
- Wedding Ceremonies
- AV Equipment
- Professional Catering
- Central Location
AV & production
Accessibility
Always confirm specific access requirements with our team — we check on your behalf.
- Wheelchair accessible
- Step-free access to main areas
Location & getting there
Friars Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4XN, United Kingdom
Venue Intelligence™
Every rating below is computed from verified platform data — never marketing copy.
Blackfriars is a verified historic restaurant & event venue in Newcastle upon Tyne, hosting up to 120 guests. Its profile rates most strongly for Corporate, Historic, Hybrid Ready. Verified on-site: wi-fi, av & production, food & catering, accessibility. Best suited to corporate conferences and board meetings.
Best for: corporate conferences and board meetings, memorable events in a heritage setting, hybrid and streamed events.
Sustainability credentials are not yet evidenced in the profile data.
Venue profile ratings
- Corporate★★★★★
- Luxury★★★★★
- Historic★★★★★
- Creative★★★★★
- Eco★★★★★
- Hybrid Ready★★★★★
- Networking★★★★★
- Training★★★★★
- International★★★★★
- Accessibility★★★★★
Verified on-site
- Wi-Fi✓ Verified
- AV & production✓ Verified
- Food & catering✓ Verified
- BedroomsNot listed
- SustainabilityNot listed
- Accessibility✓ Verified
Venue IQ™
A living intelligence record — every entry is generated from verified platform data, not marketing copy.
- Sept 2026Photography refreshed — 3 images
Latest venue imagery reviewed and published.
- Sept 2026Quality score 90/100
Top-tier data completeness — capacities, facilities and access verified.
- Oct 2025Venue verified and listed
Added to the InternationalVenues.com verified directory.
Frequently asked
How many meeting rooms does Blackfriars have?
Blackfriars has 2 meeting and event spaces in Newcastle upon Tyne, seating up to 80 delegates theatre-style in the largest room.
What is the capacity of Blackfriars's largest event space?
The largest event space at Blackfriars is Main Dining Hall, with a maximum capacity of 120 guests.
What conference facilities does Blackfriars offer?
Blackfriars offers Historic Building, Medieval Architecture, Private Dining, Corporate Events, Projector, Screen, PA System across its 2 meeting and event spaces.
What is the maximum capacity?
Up to 120 guests for dining events, 80 seated theatre style
What AV equipment is available?
Basic AV equipment available including projector, screen and microphones
Is catering available?
Full restaurant catering services with traditional and contemporary menus
Is there parking available?
Limited on-street parking, public car parks nearby in Newcastle city centre
About Blackfriars
Blackfriars is a unique historic venue housed in a beautifully preserved 13th-century Dominican friary in the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne. As Britain's oldest purpose-built dining room, this Grade I listed building combines medieval architecture with modern hospitality. The venue operates as both an award-winning restaurant and sophisticated event space, featuring original stone walls, medieval arches, and atmospheric lighting. Blackfriars offers flexible spaces for corporate events, private dining, weddings, and conferences, accommodating up to 120 guests. The venue provides modern amenities including AV equipment and professional event management while maintaining its historic character and charm.
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Photo: JimmyGuano · CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
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