Restaurants and Pubs That Will Make Your Night
A collection of our personal favourite places to Eat, Drink and Be Merry in and around Newark. Our list exclusively features independent establishments—no franchises or chains, just family-operated venues offering excellent home-cooked meals. These hidden gems have been personally vetted by us, ensuring they stand out as comforting, everyday favourites.
The Queens Hotel – East Markham
Just down the road from our new development in East Markham, The Queens Hotel is a cosy place to have a quiet drink at the end of a long day. Owned by Chris and Barbie, proud locals, who celebrated 30 years at The Queens Hotel in 2021.
A traditional village pub that prides itself on its quality local ales and home-cooked food. All their food is comforting, fresh and full of favourites.
Our director, Dean, loves them for their steak and stands by that it’s the best steak in the area. Monday is steak night at The Queens Hotel, and every steak is cooked to perfection and served with your choice of trimmings.
Ashiana Indian & Bangladeshi Restaurant – North Muskham
The Ashiana is our pick for a truly special night. They are known for truly exceptional authentic Indian and Bangladeshi food. Multi-award winners for both their Indian and Bangladeshi food, they are guaranteed to be unforgettable.
Owner Saiqul Miah brought The Ashiana to life when he brought together a group of truly talented staff, many of whom remain to this day. They continue to welcome happy customers through their doors.
This is the favourite of our Project Estimator, Henry, who claims this to be the best Indian food he has ever had. This is high praise as Henry is quite the cook himself.
The Blacksmiths is a beautiful mix of traditional and modern with a log burner in the centre of their beautiful dining space. Exposed brick and vaulted ceilings make for a cosy farmhouse feel and their large windows let in plenty of sun. They are perfect for a relaxing afternoon, try a drink in their garden, which always seems to be bathed in warm sunshine.
The Blacksmiths offer a modest menu which is always refreshed to make the most of local, seasonal produce. The chefs are always on the hunt for new flavours to bring out the Best of British, ensuring there is something for everyone.
They are particularly focused on tailoring to a range of dietary requirements without sacrificing variety or flavour. So, this is an excellent choice for any vegan vegetarian or celiac, or anyone wanting to try something new.
The Bluebell is no ordinary pub. Their food always looks and tastes incredible, even their pub favourites are plated and presented like a Michelin-star restaurant, but you can turn up in your wellies after a countryside walk!
The Bluebell Inn changes their menu daily as they use fresh seasonal produce, caught, picked and prepared that very day. Their chefs are especially proud of their new dishes and constant ability to surprise and delight customers. Due to this, it is important to check their restaurant times on the day you wish to go. But worry not, as their bar is open from 4 pm in the week and 12 pm at weekends, and their staff are known to be friendly and accommodating to all.
The King William Inn – Scaftworth
A little bit further out of Newark but one that captured the heart of our staff here. Great food served beautifully. The King William Inn offers a gourmet dining experience, and the added bonus is a delightful kids’ menu, making it family-friendly without compromising on culinary excellence.
The King William Inn serves all your favourites but with that extra special level up, unique to them. Their Sunday roast is known for miles around, and for good reason. They go above and beyond with beef, pork, lamb, chicken supreme or sweet potato and blue cheese pie. Don’t forget sides like truffle and bacon cauliflower cheese, honey-glazed pigs in blankets and more.
We can guarantee it is worth the drive out to experience this extra special place.
This is just a selection of our favourite places for a tried and true good meal. If you try any of these places, let them know we sent you, and come back to tell us how you liked it!
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