Scaramanga's Mediterranean Restaurant

Scaramanga's Mediterranean Restaurant

Scaramanga's Mediterranean Restaurant
365 Cowpen Road
Blyth
Northumberland
NE24 5JW

Friday 11th May 2007

Scaramanga’s has only been open for about 18 months but in that time has earned itself the sort of reputation that means it has a lengthy waiting list for tables on ‘popular’ evenings. Even at lunchtimes and on ‘quiet’ weekday nights the occupancy levels are still high. When you understand the area it is in and the traditional nature of the local population you appreciate what a tremendous feat this has been (or maybe it is just a case of an oasis in a foody desert will draw diners like moths to a flame!).

The exterior is unremarkable, clean, simple, uncluttered, but just failing to disguise the original ‘shop front’ style construction of the building from which it was converted. Car parking is either on an unmade area to the side/rear or outside adjacent residential properties.

Once inside the ambience warms quickly and it is clear that a good amount of thought has gone into the furnishing and decoration of the interior (although the tables to the rear start to look a little plain and suffer from their ‘adjacent to the toilets and kitchen’ location) but, to be fair, that is true of many small restaurants and it’s not a big issue. There is a small but pleasant reception area with a bar then open plan into the L shaped dining area with about 40-50 covers and a good mix of tables a deux or those for larger parties.

Staff are very friendly. The restaurant manages a successful mix between informality and smartness such that you get a few diners in jeans, a few in business suits and the whole gamut in between, but no one feels out of place irrespective of their dress choice.

The menu is a very nice combination of predominantly Italian and Greek dishes as the Mediterranean tag suggests. Starters are around £4, pizza and pasta dishes usually £7, meat and fish mains at £10-£14 and desserts at £4. They have nice side dishes too, ‘happy hour’ menu, an astonishingly good value lunchtime menu at £7.25 or lighter lunchtime panninis and a selection of specials. The mixed grill is exceptional (and not just burger, chop and bland meats) at £15.50 and has humbled many a supposedly hard Geordie working man!

The desserts are sweet tooth heaven.

In summary Scaramanga’s offers really excellent value for money, in comfortable and pleasant surroundings, with tasty food, good portions, some menu creativity and friendly, attentive staff. I have visited the restaurant more regularly than any other in the time it has been open – this is testament to the superb value for money and the very good food it serves.

Review by Grahame Jenkins
Blyth, Northumberland