St Dominic's Brewery

St Dominic’s Brewery, micro-brewery, opened in 2024 and is carrying on the brewing tradition of years gone by. St Dominic’s Brewery, launched by the owners of Blackfriars, is set to become a cornerstone of Newcastle’s rich brewing heritage.

Located within the historic Blackfriars complex, which houses the renowned Blackfriars Restaurant, Cookery School, Parlour Bar, Tasting Room, Meeting Rooms, Banquet Hall, and King’s Suite, St Dominic’s Brewery offers a selection of traditional pale ales, lagers and IPAs. The beers are available for customers to enjoy while dining or attending one of the many events held at Blackfriars, as well as some local shops.

The brewery is situated in the Chapter House, a site rich with history. This was once the meeting place for friars to hear readings, discuss friary matters, and assign daily tasks. Following King Henry VIII’s Dissolution of the Monasteries (1536-1541), the Chapter House was repurposed as a meeting house for the Bakers and Brewers Guild. Today, Blackfriars is continuing this ancient tradition of brewing, blending historical practices with modern craft brewing techniques.

Head Brewer, Ben Hall, a former chef at Blackfriars, brings a unique blend of culinary and brewing expertise to St Dominic’s Brewery. Ben, who has been immersed in the Belgian beer scene, expressed his enthusiasm: “As a Frenchman who studied in Belgium and grew up with monastic beer, I am absolutely delighted to be given this opportunity to launch the first brewery at Blackfriars for hundreds of years. I have been an ardent home brewer for many years and am determined to convert my experience into the very best ales, beers, and lagers using the highest quality ingredients. And if the inaugural brews are anything to go by, I’m confident it’s going to be a hit.”

St Dominic’s Brewery will initially offer three beers: a pale ale, an IPA and a lager. These can be enjoyed in the Blackfriars Restaurant, during events, or while relaxing in the Blackfriars Parlour Bar or Cloister Garden. You can also enjoy at sister restaurants Dobson & Parnell on Newcastle Quayside and Hinnies in Whitley Bay.