Simon Rimmer, the celebrity chef and co-host of Channel 4's Sunday Brunch, has lavished praise on Newcastle's culinary offerings following a road trip to the North East. The 63-year-old visited two acclaimed eateries—House of Tides on Newcastle Quayside and Riley's Fish Shack on King Edward's Bay in Tynemouth—and shared his experience on Instagram.
Instagram Post Highlights
In his social media post, Rimmer wrote: 'Brilliant road trip with @steve.frew1 Martin and Mo. @tebayservices then to Newcastle with @kenny.atkinson1b @houseoftides for stunning dinner. Pint or 2 @crownposada. Then up the coast to @rileysfishshack for stunning fish on the beach and a quick catch up with the Queen of Tynemouth @stephlunch.' The post also mentioned a stop at the Crown Posada, a historic pub in Newcastle.
House of Tides Recognition
Rimmer's visit to House of Tides comes weeks after the restaurant was ranked among the top 100 in the UK Restaurant Awards. The venue has also hosted other celebrities, including Royle Family star Jessica Stevenson and her family. House of Tides is known for its fine dining and has earned a strong reputation under chef-patron Kenny Atkinson.
Riley's Fish Shack Acclaim
Riley's Fish Shack, a beachfront spot in Tynemouth, has attracted numerous famous faces, including Gary Barlow, Jason Donovan, Phil Spencer, and Rick Stein. The renowned chef and critic Rick Stein praised it as 'one of the best hidden gems in all of the UK' during a podcast in late 2025.
Rimmer's Career
Simon Rimmer began his TV career hosting Something for the Weekend on Channel 5 in 2006 alongside Tim Lovejoy. He has since co-presented Sunday Brunch for 14 years and appeared on shows like Britain's Favourite Food, Great British Menu, and as a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing in 2017.
