Last Thursday, along with what looked like every else in Newcastle, we lucky enough to grab the last table for two inside venue formerly known as the Kensington Night Club, now known as Ginger Megs. It’s the brainchild of the people behind Parry St Garage and Merewether Surfhouse, and we think you’re gonna love it.
THE SPACE
We have to mention the space upfront because it really is one of the biggest drawcards for a night a Ginger Megs.
When you enter, off King Street via a laneway beside Foghorn Brewhouse, you really get the feeling there’s something unique going on here. It’s a big space with soft lighting and massive striking murals on the walls framed by dark interiors and furnishings.
It’s industrial, cavernous and intimate all at the same time. A great space to spend a few hours in at least, and one of the most exciting venues to have a few drinks and a meal in Newcastle at best.
THE FOOD
They call it a “Pan Asian Eatery”, but the simple way to explain the food at Ginger Megs is Asian Fusion.
We kicked off our culinary journey with some salt and Sichuan pepper squid served with lemon & coriander, nam jim dipping sauce, some Asian greens with oyster sauce & sesame sauce and a serving of Ginger Megs’ fried mixed vegetable wontons with chilli jam. The Asian greens are the highlight and really showcase simple yet complex flavours.
After a few cocktails (see below) we decided to split a main of honey & palm sugar fried king prawns served with sesame, spring onion and crispy noodle. For us the batter was a little bready and dense, but the sauce was well balanced and not too sweet. Just the way it should be.
THE COCKTAILS
Here at Newcastle Live we find it hard not to head straight to the cocktail list on a night out. Tonight we quench our thirst with a selection that included the Ginger Buddah with gin, muddled ginger, grapefruit juice, fresh lemon juice & lemongrass, the Five Spice Margarita which is a take on the traditional Margarita served with chinese five spice syrup and the Bangkok Hilton with its mix of Plantation rum, triple sec, pineapple juice, fresh lime juice and almond syrup served with a slice of caramelized pineapple.
The Margarita divided the table but it was the Bangkok Hilton that really hit the mark for us. We can see a few more Thursday nights spent with a couple of this in hand.
THE LOWDOWN
Our bill came to around $130 for our food and 4 cocktails which we thought was pretty reasonable given the whole package. The space and the cocktails are the real drawcard here, but that’s not to say that you wont heartily enjoy your meal too.
Contact
02 4069 1888
hello@gingermegsx.com.au
Location
212 King Street
Newcastle, NSW 2300
Hours
7 days : 5pm ’til late
Sat – Sun : 12pm ‘til 3pm
