Less than six months since opening its doors, a Brentwood Avenue restaurant has been praised by neighbours for bringing “more diversity” to the street and making it “more attractive” as a destination.

Long Friday was opened in mid-October by Anna Hedworth – who also owns the Cook House in Ouseburn – with the help of her partner, both of whom have backgrounds in architecture.

“We noticed Jesmond was missing somewhere to go that had that a relaxed, neighbourhood feel,” explains Hedworth, “somewhere you could get really good food and drinks, but in a relaxed environment. We wanted to create somewhere people could come in for just a glass of wine and a snack, but just as easily come in with friends and spend all night having a big feast.” 

The name, Long Friday, is based on a piece of Jesmond history. “We had a book on the history of Jesmond and found out that the fields that are now Jesmond each had different names and this rough area of Brentwood Avenue was called Long Friday,” says Hedworth.

“We came across the property in the last lockdown, and there were questions of whether it was stupid to be considering opening another restaurant when we didn’t know when the lockdowns would end. But we knew that people will always need somewhere to eat and drink, and I was confident that this was something that Jesmond would benefit from in the long run, and it has been really well received.” 

The menu features meat, fish, vegetable dishes and desserts all available in small plate style portions, with guests invited to share food amongst themselves. Hedworth says she is also particularly pleased that Long Friday is making more expensive wines available by the glass. “Very few people are going to buy a £90 bottle of wine, but here we offer guests a chance to drink a great range of wines by the glass if they want.”

Other restaurants and cafes on Brentwood Avenue have welcomed this latest addition. We’re delighted to have Long Friday as neighbours,” says Ben Evans, co-founder of Cake Stories. “It’s a great restaurant run by a great team and helps to make Brentwood Avenue even more attractive to visitors, which is good for all the businesses on the street.”

Lucas Morrsion, who owns bistro Arlo, agrees. “Long Friday brings more diversity to the street and makes it even more of a destination for customers to come to,” he says. “We have a fantastic range of restaurants, shops, hairdressers and beauty salons, and we all work alongside each other.”

Long Friday is open noon to late, Wednesday to Sunday to those with bookings and to walk-ins.