Member Article

Lee?s new role puts events in order

The popularity of a medieval Banquet Hall and Workshop in Newcastle has resulted in a new appointment being made this month.

Lee McKinnell, who lives in Ryton, has been recruited as the new events manager at Blackfriars Restaurant, responsible for private and corporate events, weddings, workshop courses and gastronomic evenings within the complex.

The 50-seat Banquet Hall, which was built around 1239, was used by the ‘Black Friars’ for special occasions and to entertain nobles. It was also the celebrated venue used by King Edward III for receiving royal Scot, Edward Balliol, in 1334. After painstaking research the Hall was restored to its former glory in 2011 with authentic banners, chandeliers, wall coverings and stained-glass windows, and furnishings include large oak communal dining tables and matching chairs. As well as being used as an addition to the restaurant it is also used for private and corporate functions, its popular Medieval Banquets and gastronomic events and stages weddings for up to 50 people.

Lee will also be responsible for the Blackfriars’ Workshop facility which hosts more than 60 courses for all the family including artisan bread making, food and wine matching, chocolate workshops and Little Monk’s Cookery School. The workshop accommodates up to 12 people.

She brings with her a wealth of experience having worked in the hospitality industry for eight years in sales and event management roles at venues including Rockliffe Hall, Alnwick Castle and Matfen Hall and will now manage a growing number of events at Blackfriars as well as developing new opportunities for the company.

Lee attended Church High School in Newcastle and studied for a BA (Hons) in Media Production at the University of Northumbria whilst working in hotels to help to pay for her studies. She soon realised that her passion lay in hospitality and chose to pursue a career on it.

She said: “Ever since being at school I have really enjoyed the hospitality industry and have worked in just about every role from receptionist, waitressing to sales and event management. I was really attracted to Blackfriars as the venue is so unique and the team is really professional and friendly. I felt at home straight away and can’t wait to get started in my new role.

“In particular the Banquet Hall is so dramatic that once people have seen it, it pretty much sells itself and I’m honoured to be working for such an interesting venue in the centre of Newcastle”.

Blackfriars Restaurant was voted the top Restaurant in Newcastle at this year’s North East Tourism Awards held at the Sage Gateshead, attended by more than 400 leading tourism chiefs and has won a host of awards and acknowledgements since Andy Hook took it over from the council in 2001 including being voted Best Restaurant by Metro and Observer readers and is the Sustainable Restaurant Association Champion for Newcastle. It was voted the best place for a Sunday Roast by the Independent in January 2013 and is recommended by Michelin, Hardens and Which? Good Food Guides has an AA Rosette.

Andy Hook, managing director of Blackfriars Restaurant and Banquet Hall said: “Lee’s appointment is significant for us as we build upon the success of our corporate and private events both within the Banquet Hall, Restaurant and Workshop. Lee’s experience will help us to develop the events side of the business”.

Lee, (26) is originally from Stocksfield but now lives with her partner in Ryton. In her spare time loves horse riding, skiing, snow boarding and getting about by motorbike.

Blackfriars Restaurant, Friars Street, Newcastle, NE1 4XN, (0191) 261 5945, www.blackfriarsrestaurant.co.uk

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