The Gateshead restaurant that attracts big celebrity names

Raval Indian Brasserie & Bar, located near the Tyne Bridge in Gateshead, has built a reputation as one of the region’s leading fine-dining destinations.

Sir Ian McKellen (Image: RAVAL)

In recent years, that reputation has travelled far beyond the North East, attracting a steady stream of A-list visitors.

Among the most notable names to dine at Raval is legendary actor Sir Ian McKellen.

The star of The Lord of the Rings and X-Men chose the restaurant during a visit to the region, a moment manager Nas Islam described as a particular honour.

Claire King from Emmerdale (Image: RAVAL)

“It was a real privilege to welcome Sir Ian McKellen,” he said.

“For someone of his stature to choose to dine with us speaks volumes about the standards we aim to maintain every single day.”

The glittering guest list does not stop there.

Tony Hadley (Image: RAVAL)

Strictly Come Dancing professional Brendan Cole has been spotted enjoying the restaurant’s refined dishes, while acclaimed classical pianist Martin James Bartlett visited ahead of a performance at The Glasshouse International Centre for Music, just a short distance away.

Raval has also struck a chord with pop royalty.

Brendan Cole (Image: RAVAL)

Boyzlife duo Keith Duffy and Brian McFadden praised the food during a recent visit, and 1980s music icon Tony Hadley of Spandau Ballet fame described his experience as “first-class”.

Television favourites have likewise been drawn through its doors.

Toadie from Neighbours (Image: RAVAL)

Emmerdale star Claire King, a long-standing fan favourite, and Ryan Moloney, known to millions as Jarrod “Toadie” Rebecchi in Neighbours, have both sampled the restaurant’s signature blend of authentic Indian flavours and contemporary presentation.

Raval’s rise as a celebrity hotspot comes as little surprise given its growing list of accolades.

The restaurant was named Best Indian Fine Dining Restaurant outside London at the 2024 Asian Curry Awards and currently sits at the top of the British Indian Good Food Guide’s national rankings.

Known for its elegant setting and carefully curated menu, Raval has carved out a distinctive niche in the UK’s competitive fine-dining scene.