Member Article

Newcastle Brown Ale curry launched to celebrate Tyne Bridge anniversary

Politicians and business leaders will tuck into curry made from Newcastle Brown Ale to celebrate one of the country’s most iconic landmarks.

The spicy dish, which uses the famous Geordie brew to give the sauce a unique flavour, is to be served up in honour of the Tyne Bridge.

Chefs at Raval Luxury Indian Restaurant created Newcastle Brown Ale Curry to mark the 85th anniversary of the internationally-renowned structure.

Restaurant boss Avi Malik said: “We tried it on a select number of people for one night only back in February and it was a resounding success.

“Now customers can get a second chance to sample it at a very special event that pays tribute to our region’s proud engineering heritage.

“Northerners have taken curry to their hearts. We’re hoping the combination of one of their favourite dishes with a drink as legendary as Newcastle Brown Ale will prove irresistible.”

The celebration evening takes place on Thursday, October 10, exactly 85 years after King George V officially opened the bridge.

North East-based engineering giants British Engines Ltd have sponsored the night and guests will include former Regional Minister Nick Brown, Labour MP for Newcastle East, as well as business leaders and civic dignitaries.

Guests will also be able to meet some of the region’s finest artists, who are currently exhibiting their work at the restaurant. All of the paintings on display take their inspiration from North East landmarks, including the Tyne Bridge.

The beer-infused curry will be served with Northumbrian lamb. And the North East inspired menu will also feature a dessert containing Lindisfarne Mead.

Richard Dodds, Project and Engineering Director of British Engines Ltd, said: “The North East showcases the traditions of engineering and manufacturing dating back to the Industrial Revolution.

“Our success is built around the foundations of highly-skilled, hard-working people, passionate about their jobs.

“With the engineering heritage of the BEL Group dating back to the 1920s, we are proud to celebrate the 85th anniversary of the Tyne Bridge.”

Tickets for the event, which includes a champagne reception, cost £35. Further details can be found at http://www.ravaluk.com/

DID YOU KNOW?

A popular misconception is that the Tyne Bridge’s design was the inspiration behind Australia’s Sydney Harbour Bridge, which was opened four years later in 1932.

In fact, the reverse is true. Work started Down Under before building began in Newcastle.

Engineers Mott, Hay and Anderson based their design on the Sydney Harbour Bridge blueprint, but construction in Australia took longer because the bridge was bigger.

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Health and safety regulations were somewhat relaxed in the 1920s and construction workers often operated at heights of up to 60 metres above the Tyne without harnesses or safety ropes.

They walked along the skeletal frame and steel cables, risking their lives. Perhaps surprisingly only one man, Charles Tosh, died as a result of the dangerous working conditions.

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Golden jubilee celebrations were held on October 10, 1978, when 1,000 balloons were released above the river to celebrate the bridge’s 50th anniversary.

To mark the occasion, a cavalcade of vintage vehicles and a procession of people in period dress stopped traffic, re-creating the opening ceremony when King George V declared the bridge open in 1928.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ken Oxley .