*This is a collaborative post
Yeah! Christmas has landed in Newcastle. If you haven't already paid the toon a visit at night yet then you simply must. Newcastle Christmas lights are beautiful,
Fenwick's window is as magical as ever and
the Christmas markets are in full swing. I had such a nice time walking from the haymarket down to the Quayside this week that I almost forgot it was freezing cold and I couldn't feel my fingers!
My destination for the evening was Newcastle Gusto where I was joining
Katie Jane Online and
New Girl in Toon for the first of the restaurant's Christmas Party Nights.
First of all - how lush is the restaurant looking! I love all of the twinkling lights and festive foliage. It really put us in the festive spirit. The booth style seating is perfect for a girly get together or smaller groups of around 6 and the longer tables are ideal for larger gatherings and work nights out.
I love all the little details that Gusto Christmas Party Nights offer from their
dedicated Christmas menu and Christmas Cocktails (more about those later) to the Christmas Crackers on your table. The jokes inside were actually quite funny too (or maybe it's just because it's been a while). The whole restaurant was here for a good time and we enjoyed some friendly banter with the tables around us as we all wore our obligatory paper hats.
Gusto Christmas Party Nights Menu
Gusto's Christmas Party Nights are £35 pp and include a delicious 3 course meal, exceptional live music and a fantastic atmosphere. There are two party nights available throughout December:-
- Andy Usher Tribute Band | Tuesday 6th December (book here)
- Glen R does Swing | Tuesday 13th December (book here)
You can also book bar only tickets for just £10 which includes a drink and entry.
There is a choice of three starters:
- Peppered Mackerel Crostini
- Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup
- Smoked Duck Salad
Followed by a choice of four mains:
- Slow cooked beef daube
- Baked fillet of Salmon
- Roast Turkey
- Artichoke Tortellini
All served with roast potatoes, buttered carrots and green beans.
Finally there is a choice of three desserts:
- Apple and Blackberry Crumble
- Chocolate and Ginger Tart
- Christmas Mess
The food at Gusto is always top notch. There were clean plates all round and our server even joked that we had licked them clean! haha! I can't resist ordering turkey if it's on a Christmas menu and I can confidently say that the turkey at Gusto has been the best I've ever eaten in a restaurant. It was succulent without any hint of dryness and served with all the trimmings including homemade Cranberry sauce. Absolutely delicious! I will say I was disappointed that Christmas Pudding wasn't on the menu (another dish I like to eat as much as possible of in December) however the apple and blackberry crumble more than made up for it.

I am struggling to put into words how fab the atmosphere is during a live music night at Gusto. They always book the very best singers and performers. There is the worry when you see a tribute singer that it might be a bit like watching a mate on the karaoke but the performers at Gusto are nothing like this. It's like an intimate performance from a West End star. We watched Rob Lamberti (a George Michael tribute) and he was fabulous. The whole restaurant was singing along and up dancing. The singers start at around 9pm and reservations are from 7pm so there is plenty of time to enjoy your meal and drinks before the party starts.
Christmas Cocktails at Newcastle Gusto
I don't know about you but I'm a sucker for a themed cocktail and Gusto have created 6 special tipples for the festive season. These can be enjoyed at anytime throughout the festive season and not just during party nights. I tried the Gingerbread Cocktail and loved it so much I had to order another. I'd definitely recommend. All cocktails are £7.50 each:
White Christmas
Classic Christmas flavours of cinnamon, brandy, port and a touch of cream
Gingerbread Fizz
A concoction of gingerbread, Disaronno & Prosecco topped with a Cherry
Cauld Wine
A mix of wine, spice, apple, lemon and a secret German ingredient
Santa Fe
Tequila, Velvet Falernum, Lime Juice and a little Cranberry Sauce
A Kiss Under the Mistletoe
Ketel One Vodka, Disaronno, Lime Juice, Almond Syrup and Cherry Preserve
Three Wise Men
Tawny Port, Benedictine & Bullet Bourbon stirred slowly and finished with a zest of orange
I want to try them all! I'll definitely be popping into Gusto's bar during our Christmas shopping to sample a few more.
One of the things that really makes Gusto special is their staff. They are happy, friendly and honestly it feels as if you are chatting to your friend when you talk with them. I loved seeing the staff up and dancing, posing for selfies, taking their own pics......they really are a fantastic team and will look after you very well. If you can't decide what to order, they have a very strong menu knowledge and are always happy to recommend. They haven't been wrong yet!
New Year's Eve & Festive Dining at Newcastle Gusto
If Gusto's party nights aren't for you or you can't make those dates, there are other ways you can enjoy a visit across the festive season:-
Or pop into the bar for a Christmas Cocktail at anytime
In case you need the details again, Gusto's Christmas party nights are:
6th December | Andy Usher 3 piece acoustic band -
details here
We had THE best night at Newcastle Gusto. It was so good that we are already planning on returning for New Year's Eve. Let me know if any of their Christmas Cocktails or party nights tickle your fancy.
Disclosure | I am a Gusto Brand Ambassador and received complimentary food & drink in return for this post. As always, all thoughts and words are my own.