Here in 2022? Check out my list of new restaurants (updated for 2022)
There has been a lot of change in Newcastle bars & restaurants over the past ten years. I have been casually documenting them anyway, so decided to collate them all here in one place for simplicity/historical record. From 2016 to the end of 2017, here’s what opened (and some that never did) in Newcastle and beyond. Not an exhaustive list by any means, and some of the dates might be a little off, but the best from what I can remember.
Restaurants & bars that opened in Newcastle in 2018
A Bit on the Side, Side
As predicted, Solano’s didn’t last too long – it’s a terrible location no matter how many goals you scored for Newcastle United. Let’s see what these guys make of it, but I wouldn’t necessarily hold your breath…
Antler Newcastle, 55 Degrees North (June 12th))
‘Apres-ski bar’ opening alongside the Fat Buddha space. German/Alpine theme with drinks, and bratwurst. Yet to visit, but does fill a hole in NCL, so we’ll see. Reports are that it’s shocking.
Banyan, Monument
Is replacing Jamie’s Italian which is closing.
Beer Street, Railway Arches
Along the lines of the Split Chimp, no bad thing.
Beeronomy, Hood Street
A new venture from Mordue Brewery make this one definitely one to watch. Info is scarce but I’ll update once I know more.
Branches, Osborne Road, Jesmond
More accessible location for the popular Ponteland restaurant run by reliable Rob Elat – we’ll be heading along soon and I can’t actually wait.
Brinkburn Street Brewery, The Malings
Really nice brewpub, and kitchen from the Brinkburn guys. Excellent outside area, and food looks alright too! Great addition to the Ouseburn. Opened July/August.
By the River Brew Co, Quayside
Wylam chucking some shipping containers down on the Quayside right below the Tyne Bridge. Feat. street food vendors including: Dabbawal, Papa Ganoush, Oktpous, Lola Jeans. I’ll be all owa this when it opens, especially Traköl the main restaurant – an open flame scandi-inspired grill by Tony Renwick.
The Charthouse, Quayside
Not sure what to make of this one, but a Quayside location is always going to draw a lot of attention. Work has again been slow, so will probably fall into later-2018.
Le Chien Hirsute, Sunderland – Belgian beer cafe…in Sunderland! A pop-up at the relatively well-reviewed Holmeside Coffee.
Chuck’s Unforgettable Bar, Grainger Street
The Red’s True BBQ unit must have been too big, as they’ve converted it into a sports-bar-ish, with wings and things.
Dirt Health, Heaton (March)
Another take on the health eating thing. Same old?
El Paso, Jesmond (April 1)
A new Mexican-themed one from the Malhotra’s which looks to ride on the popularity of the beloved Barrio Comida. Not usually a fan of food from that group, but will approach with an open mind.
Filmore & Union, Eldon Square, and others.
The Jesmond branch seems to have been a success, so they’re opening two more to add to the Central Station outlet to make this four of the decent healthy-ish eating venues in town – one of them replacing the underperforming but loved by me Rossopomodoro in John Lewis.
Forsyth & Reed, Clayton Rd
Another coffee bar which tries to stay around for longer than 12m. To be fair, could be OK based on some of their social media snaps.
Garden House Inn / The Patricia #2, Durham
The old restaurant has been bought out by The Patricia team so is definitely one to follow for next year!
The Haymarket, Haymarket
Fusion restaurant across from Haymarket bus station. Work is dreadfully slow so looks like 2019/might never happen.
The Holy Hobo, Jesmond Place
Replacing Mr. Lynches, this is obviously a bar which happens to do food – don’t know too much else.
Infusion, Strawberry Place
Cheap Chinese, possibly made just for the student market around the Gallowgate area.
Junk It Up, Shields Road
Vegan fast food including fried chicken and burgers ? If I’m brave one day I’ll give it a go.
Kaltur #2, Dean Street
Another venue from the Kaltur team – opening a second location close to their small but perfectly formed first one seems like a natural step after also setting up in HWKRMRKT, but will be tough.
Kimchi Planet, Sandyford (July)
Another street food vendor making the leap to a fully-fledged restaurant. It’s in an odd location, but fair play to them.
The Little Fishy, Quayside (Jan)
Street food vendor that took over the Riley’s/Barrio Comida space.
Lobo Rojo, North Shields
Street food guys who’ve only just started but are taking over the old Irvins building. Will be checking this one out.
The Lock, North Shields
Cafe/brunching type place which took over the custom-built site by Herb Garden Harbour.
Log Fire Pizza – ??
One of my favourite street food places is getting a full restaurant, which is nearly always a Great Thing. Can’t wait to see it open, later this year.
Lucia Coffee & Jazz, Grainger Street
Eden Juice Bars didn’t last long – this looks to be a new attempt at that.
Manjaros, Charlotte Square
Serious attempt at a parmo in Newcastle – will tackle when drunk one time.
Merchants Cafe, Guildhall
Restaurant opening in prime Quayside location, which might be a bit more bar than restaurant, a la Aveika. Work has been ongoing for aaaages.
Mean Eyed Cat, Off Percy Street, NE1 (Late 2017/2018) – New micropub! Opening in a tiny unit. Good beers, and a funky vibe, with regular guest food vendors. Definitely worth a visit.
The Muddler, Grey Street
Opening in the former Osaka site – not quite sure about any info on this one yet other than the Stack team are busy kitting it out.
NOVA Seafood Grill, High Bridge
Seafood restaurant on High Bridge sounds, and looks good. We visited for restaurant week and promises to do good things.
The Old Coal Yard, Byker/Ouseburn (October)
Large extension of the existing Cumby to accommodate more brewing goodness from the Northern Alchemy guys. Also features Block & Bottle’s cured meats side-venture Meat Salt Smoke, and other pop-up goodness in the tap room. Looks like a great little space.
Papa Ganoush, Whitley Bay (Mar 2018)
Street food favourite finally gets a restaurant of their own in the up and coming Whitley Bay. Was due in 2016, delayed a long time but opened this year and it brilliant. Not only that, looks like the guys are opening another meze bar near Armstrong Bridge in Jesmond.
Pizza Punks, Grey Street
It’s another ‘one price, unlimited toppings’ pizza places. It’s actually better than all of the others. Replaced the Cafe Rouge unit.
Platform 2, Tynemouth Station
Proven Doughnuts, Hoult’s Yard
Ever popular doughnut seller takes a little unit in NE6, sells out on day one. Opened early August.
Rayz Backroom Bar, Pilgrim Street
They’ve done out half of Bierrex to accommodate the new Popolo – looks alright.
Revolution de Cuba, Cloth Market (July)
Chain restaurant opening off the Big Market – along the lines of Cabana, etc. so not quite got an opinion on this one yet.
Route, Side
Follow on restaurant from The Staith House guys. It’s on the Quayside, promises big casual dining, this one might just be great. Update: it’s an absolute blast. The quality of food here is fantastic, some of the finest you will get.
Saint Vincent, Broad Chare
21 Hospitality Group have closed Caffe Vivo this year, making way for wine bar/small plates venue, Saint Vincent. It’s great – more on the place soon.
Signor Prosecco, adjoining Sabatinis, Quayside
I think this opened in 2017 but can’t remember, it’s a tapas/small plates bar with all-you-can drink prosecco deals. Looks alright actually, I’m assuming the food comes direct outta the Sabatini kitchen.
Spanish City Restaurant Developments, Whitley Bay
Where to start – there’ll be Trenchers, a fish & chip place, Valerie’s tea room, 1901 steak house, a , and probably a few others. Remains to be seen if it’s a waste opportunity, or can turn around the fortunes of the much-loved Whitley Bay attraction. Opened 23 July.
Stack, Old Odeon Cinema Site (16 August)
After the success of Hadrian’s Tipi, the space has been gobbled up and will be a full-time shipping container home for several vendors, including predictably a lot of street food including: Hungry Vegan, Beacon Burgers, Hatch76, and Eatali – for now with surely more to follow. Also: Manhua Cha (Bubble Tea), Fourteen Drops (wine retailer). Beer Box (guess), Los Cocos Tacos, and the most interesting Sushi Me Rollin’ (by ex-Peace & Loaf team). Opened 16 August.
Sweet Dreams Dessert Cafe, Near Gallowgate
Yet another “desserts as a main thing” place, following Kaspa’s and Cream’s. I imagine it’ll be more of the same…
Taco Bell, Newcastle & Gateshead
Most Northern outlet for the taco chain.
Tomahawk Steakhouse, Quayside
After Jolly Fisherman on the Quay because the latest restaurant that couldn’t make the location work, these guys are going full steakhouse. Sounds alright, but as ever, it’s a troubled site and it’d take something magic to make it happen. We will see.
Umai Mi, into Eldon Square
Taking over the now empty Handmade Burger Co. space. Don’t know anything else about these guys.
The White Owl/Hibou Blanc, Bigg Market.
Don’t know anything about this but alongside the Bigg Market renovations beginning this year, hopefully there’s a change afoot. From the Uno’s team. It’s in the old The Gentleman gaff.
Restaurants & bars that opened in Newcastle in 2017
Al Buco, Old Eldon Square (Q1 2017)
Now closed. An Italian cafe selling authentic Italian quality “fast food”. It was pretty good, while it lasted!
Al Volo, Gallowgate (September 2017)
Now closed. “Italian fast/street food” in an old site on Gallowgate. Talks the talk, but wasn’t up to that much scratch in the end.
The Bake, Clayton Street West (Summer 2017)
Another branch of the popular lebanese restaurant moves into the strangest spot above a shisha bar.
Barrio Comida, Quayside (Dec 5th)
Relocated. Awesome taco based pop-up from Shaun Hurrell of Flat White Kitchen, St. Mary’s and others moving into a permanent location. Was a great pop-up!
Box Social Microbrewery/pub, The Arches (December 2 2017)
Popular up and coming brewery based in Newburn are opening a micro-pub in the original Split Chimp site. Should be interesting! (Now rebranded as Alpha Delta)
The Brandling, Jesmond (February 2017).
Big pub refurb in residential Jesmond. Has already closed its kitchen and is up for sale.
The Brownie Bar Cafe, Heaton (December 1st 2017)
Another branch for the successful delicious brownie peddlers in Heaton where they will no doubt satisfy many, many student munchies.
Cabana, Newgate Street (Q1 2017)
Now closed. Or, Turtle Bay part 2 – Brazillian-themed chain grill restaurant.
Cal’s Own, Jesmond (Q1 2017)
The best pizza in all of Newcastle is now in Jesmond not Heaton.
Central Oven & Shaker, Central Station (December 8th 2017)
Latest on-trend thing to open from Ladhar Leisure is a pizza and cocktails place, next door to the new Hilton.
The Continental, Collingwood Street (November 2017)
Another bar and restaurant from the guys that bring you El Torero and El Coto, in the former home of Two Fifths.
Dala Cafe, Quayside (Q1 2017)
Now closed. Taking on a key Greggs stronghold isn’t usually a wise move but the Big Gs new Quayside neighbours are bringing something new to the table with a Scandinavia twist on a cafe.
Dicksons, Grainger Street (May 2017)
NE chain of Greggs competitors returns to NE1 in prime position on Grainger St. Appear to have upped their game!
Dobson & Parnell, Queen Street (December 2017)
Third outlet from Mr. Blackfriars, Andy Hook. In the original space of Café 21 from back in the day so it has big boots to fill but will no doubt be a success.
El Toro Steakhouse, Marlborough Crescent (May 2017)
“Steakhouse” might be a stretch, but it has branches in Leeds and beyond and seems cheap enough.
Eldon Square Refurbishment (Grey’s Quarter), (Winter 2016): Bella Italia / Chaophraya / Chatime / Chiquito / Crepeaffaire / Ed’s Easy Diner (closed) / Frankie & Benny’s / George’s Great British Kitchen (closed) / Giraffe (closed) / Handmade Burger Co. (closed) / PizzaStorm (closed) / Smashburger / Tapas Revolution (closed) / TGI Friday’s / The Alchemist / Tortilla
The Fat Hippo, Durham (April). Yep, another Fat Hippo. Durham students will go madferit.
Five Guys, Northumberland Street (May), Las Iguanas, Quayside (May 2017)
Popular burger joint, and the South American-themed chain. Because one each of these in Newcastle just wasn’t enough.
Flat Caps Coffee, Carliol Square (November 2017)
Successfully crowdfunded second (and presumably infinitely better location for the popular coffee spot where Bunker Coffee was once housed. Presently pushing limits and testing late night opening.
Hadrian’s Tipi, Central Station (November 2017)
Not technically a restaurant but it’ll make a big splash – outside/inside cocktail bar concept from the Tokyo guys plonked in prime position right outside of Central Station. Was a temporary pop-up.
Harissa, Starbeck Avenue (May 2017)
Healthy Mediterranean takeaway food with a restaurant from the guys that bring you Food Nation.
Hinnies, Whitley Bay (Feb). Laid-back version mini of Blackfriars from the same team, but on the coast. Looks good!
The Jolly Fisherman, Quayside (August 2017)
Now closed. Popular fish restaurant tries opening up in doomed Newcastle site after much acclaim in Northumberland. Opened August 11th. Closed not long after.
La Lanterne Rouge, Carliol Square (December 2017)
Belgian beer pop-up from the Free Trade guys in Flat Cap Coffee’s new joint. Really unique and quite interesting, but not around for long.
La Yuan, Gallowgate (November 2017)
Now closed. Next door to Alsham – these restaurants change names and owners faster than I can keep up. This one is “authentically Chinese” – we’ll see.
Laneway Coffee, High Bridge (July 2017)
Independent coffee shop enters always-trendy High Bridge Street. Looks to be doing well, with both great coffee and sandwiches.
MOD Pizza, Metrocentre (November 10 2017)
Small chain of pizza restaurants offering unlimited toppings (?) which looks kinda interesting – intu Metrocentre yellow mall.
Monsieur Crepe Cafe, High Heaton (End 2016?). Omnipresent street food outlet are opening a real deal cafe which will be popular with students.
Nadon Thai, Moseley Street (Q1 2017)
Looks-authentic Thai restaurant with roots in Morpeth.
Northern Juice Co., High Bridge (Dec 2016)
Juices, smoothies and healthy drinks all round from this small unit on High Bridge which joins indie Laneway & Co. Was “an experiment” and has now closed, looking for bigger premises.
The Patricia, Jesmond (actually opened 2016)
“A neighbourhood restaurant” from well-versed chef Nick Grieves with a cracking menu. I love it – full review.
Quiznos, NE1 (opened late Dec 2016)
Now closed. They’re having another pop at Newcastle. Good luck. TIP: It’s just a shit version of Subway. Already closed.
Reds True BBQ, Nelson Street (November 21st 2016)
Now closed. Real deal barbecue from the Leeds guys who are rapidly expanding North. One to watch and with hundreds of covers, should keep the Longhorns and Bierrex of NCL busy.
Riley’s Fish Shack, Quayside Seaside (June 2017)
Relocated. Hot location for Tynemouth pop-up – fish wraps and grilled seafood by the Tyne.
Rub Smokehouse, The Gate (October 18th 2017)
Now closed. New small chain BBQ place – just what Newcastle needs! – moves into the Gate at the old site of Ask Italian selling ridiculously sized portions of MEATS.
Sambuca Benbenuto, Quayside (Q1 2017)
Ever-popular and ridiculously cheap Italian chain finally has a go at a central Newcastle restaurant.
Saucy Burger, Sunderland (January 2017). Oh boy. Now closed.
The Shilling, Quayside (Actually opened late 2016)
Now closed. Home of the old Rumpolis finally gets a new tenant, and it’s a good one. Tim Ward of Popolo/Alvinos and more sets up a cocktail bar/nose to tail dining experience. Definitely one to watch when it opens. UPDATE: Briefly re-branded as Victoria Shilling, but I think the owners have already parted ways, and looks to be already closed.
The Split Chimp, Forth Street (May 2017)
Newcastle’s smallest micro pub moves into new large home, former site of the now closed The Sausage Emporium.
Supernatural Cafe, Grainger Street (May 2017)
Spin-off cafe from one of the only vegan/veggie restaurants in town.
Thai House Cafe, Clayton Street (Q1 2017)
Hidden Thai restaurant/cafe from real Thai people in a location which never usually holds tenants for very long. Update: it’s awesome!
Thaikhun, Barburrito, Five Guys, Byron (Q1 2017)
Part of the Metrocentre Qube Extension into the yellow mall – chains galore.
Turtle Bay, Newgate Street (Q1 2017)
Caribbean-styled chain opens in the old Co-op building to great fanfare, and BOGOF cocktails.
Tyne Bank Brewery, Walker (November 2017)
Local brewers open a bar/tap/sell as much of our beer as we possibly can joint in a Wylam-like move. Looks great, mind.
Ury Easy Bites & Parlour, Queen Street (November 2017)
An extension/expansion of Ury/formerly Rasa with a bit of a takeaway/casual dining feel. Some traditional food, but also, corned beef sandwiches. Hmm.
Violets Cafe, The Side (June 2017)
Now closed. Tea and cakes by Mrs. Kenny Atkinson in prime Quayside location. An afternoon tea for £25 shows they mean business.
Wokify, Four Lane Ends (Q2 2017).
From the owner of Meet & Treat, it’s a fast-food take on noodles – remains to be seen if it’ll be good or not.
Wylam Brewery, Exhibition Park (Q1 2017)
Astonishing venue for the Wylam boys to sell ridiculous amounts of their ace beer. A truly world class beer venue.
Yo! Sushi, Grainger Street (May 2017)
Relocated new swanky unit after being ousted as part of the Fenwick food hall revamp
You Are What You Eat, Off Grainger Market/Grainger Street
Opened late 2017, but has been closed after only a couple of weeks. I doubt it will re-open, after a unpaid rent bill appeared in the window…
ZaapThai, Newgate St. (August 2017)
Thai-street-esque restaurant with roots in Yorkshire joins awfully similar chains in the old Coop building.
Restaurants & bars that opened in Newcastle in 2016
A Bit on the Side, Side (Never actually opened)
As predicted, Solano’s didn’t last too long – it’s a terrible location no matter how many goals you scored for Newcastle United. I wouldn’t necessarily hold your breath about this materialising…
Absurd Bird, into Grey’s Quarter (Never actually opened)
UPDATE: Now canned. Filling the vacant space next to Red’s, Absurd Bird is a Southern USA chain which is at least a little different to what’s gone before.
The Alchemist, Eldon Square (March 21st 2016)
Top cocktail bar misses the opening of the new Grey’s Quarter and will now be last to open in Spring 2017.
Arch2 Brewpub & Kitchen, Stepney Bank (May 2017)
Home of Newcastle Brewing Ltd. offering a collab with popular Tynemouth brunch spot Dil and The Bear in a definite One to Watch in the up and coming Stepney Bank area. UPDATE: awesome little spot.
Aurora Kitchen, NE4 (October 2016) (CLOSED)
Now closed. See: The Naked Deli Take 2. “Healthy eating” cafe poised to gobble up all of the student trade just off Gallowgate.
BBs Coffee & Muffins, Grey’s Quarter (Q3 2016?)
Wondering if intu had an ace Wahaca surprise up their sleeve in the remaining Eldon Square unit? Ha.
Beeronomy, Grainger Chambers (2018)
Now closed. A beer-joint/restaurant collaboration between Mordue Brewery and The Feathers Inn – say no more. ONE TO WATCH.
Billy Bootleggers, Grainger Market (May 2016)
Expansion of the existing No.28 bar to include a speakeasy style cocktail bar – looks and sounds like a decent addition to the cocktail scene.
Boat Noodle, Leazes Lane (May 2016)
With Chili Padi now moved up to Gallowgate, Boat Noodle is more of the same in the old spot. Actually looks alright so I’ll get round to testing both soon.
BURGER., The Gate (September 2016)
Now closed. Another burger-only restaurant, opening in The Gate of all places. Comes from two successful restaurants in Scotland, so will have to take a look to see if it can stand up in an overcrowded NCL burger market. Update – closed…
Canaca, Eden Juice Bar, and You Are What You Eat, Grainger Street (Q3 2016)
All now closed! All vaguely health food related. You Are What You Eat has a great location just off Grainger Street, Eden Juice Bar does what it says on the tin, and Canaca takes on the unit on Saville Row corner. Not tried any of them as a matter of urgency but will get round to it.
Catch Seafood, Ponteland (May/June 2016)
Now closed. You don’t get much greatness up for the gods in Darras Hall, but this seafood place might be OK. Might be…
Centrale: a beer shop actually in Central Station. As if the train-goers needed any more drinking opportunities, but it’s a proper craft shop, so will keep an eye on it. More drinks at Nord (opened 5th August), a bottle shop and beer haven in Whitley Bay of all places. Looks canny.
Champion Bottles and Taps, Heaton (Jan 5th 2016)
New tap room/bottle shop to service Heaton and beyond. Serving a fine selection of great beers, ciders, and wine.
The Charthouse (Never happened — became Hard Rock Cafe)
Not sure what to make of this one, but a Quayside location is always going to draw a lot of attention. Only just got going, so will probably fall into 2018.
Chuchos Tacos, Shields Road, Byker (February 2016)
Another street food venture making the big break into a full-time restaurant. They’re no Barrio Comida, but more taco competition is never a bad thing.
Colonel Porters, Dean Street (April 28th 2016)
Not sure if this is just a rebrand of Canteen & Cocktails, or another attempt at reinvigorating a site which sees many, any places come and go… we will see. Update: Chris Finnigan in the kitchen, so might actually be worth a look.
Colmans Seafood Temple, South Shields (May 26th 2017). Offshoot from the legendary fish and chip shop. More of a ‘proper’ restaurant, and an oyster bar – one to keep an eye on!
Côte, Grey Street (23rd October 2017)
Big high-street chain poised to open in the derelict Barclays Bank just down from the Monument. AKA: Another Wasted Opportunity.
Cumberland Arms/Northern Alchemy extension, Byker (Autumn? 2016)
Large extension of the existing Cumby to accommodate more brewing goodness from the Northern Alchemy guys.
Darcy’s Grilled Cheese, and CurryRolls, Central Station, (January 2016)
Now closed. These two are popups of existing street food vendors in the exterior concourse of Central Station. It’s an interesting space, so watch out and see who else pops up there. CurryRolls have already bailed, but can be found just about everywhere on the street food circuit.
Donerhaus, Sunderland (May 2017). Now closed. Posh kebabs, in Sunderland. Sceptical, but I want to give it a go.
Dosa Kitchen, (Osborne Road, Jesmond (November 2016)
IT’S BACK! A long awaited full-time home for brilliant Indian food and a great way to end the year – moving into where Longhorns closed earlier this year, and with a new expanded menu, and beers. Hooray!
Errant Brewery Tap, Forth Street Arches (Q3 2017). Popular brewery ‘doing a Box Social’ and moving into the arches. Should be a canny little addition to the NCL drinking run.
Filmore & Union, Acorn Road, Jesmond (Dec 14th 2016)
Healthy eating but actually really good cafe expands from Central Station to a dedicated unit in Jesmond. Should be heaving.
The Forge, Washington. Decent looking little restaurant with chef Lee Bennett at the helm – might be worth a trip to Washington for. (2016?)
The Garage, Stoddart Street (November 2016) is a cafe which looks better than average.
The French Quarter, Westgate Road Arches (August 3rd 2016)
A French-themed bar/small plates in the Arches. Wine by the litre to take away, and decent French food mean I’ll be heading back for a bit more of a dig around…
Similarly L’ulivo, Chillingham Road (December 2016) looks mildly better than your usual £3.95/3c Italians.
Giraffe Lounge, St. James Boulevard (September 2016)
Now closed. Tim Ward has already moved on from The Shilling (above) and took on the old home of Electric East/The Bottle Shop. Looks to be very similar with beers and bar scran – will see.
The Grind, Grainger Market (Summer 2017). Mega popular since day one, and despite now being called something completely different – they’re taking on a unit in the Grainger Market. Dangerous for the waistline…
The Haymarket, Haymarket (Never happened, still)
Fusion restaurant across from Haymarket bus station. Work is slow so looks like late 2017/early 2018.
The Herb Garden Harbour, North Shields Marina (May 2017). North Tyneside-expansion of the popular pizza restaurant The Herb Garden with hydroponics. Opening weirdly, on North Shields Marina, in a completely new build. A North Shields renaissance?
Junk It Up is a vegan cafe on Shields Road, Byker “set to open in December”. Hmm… 2016
Kiln, Ouseburn (May 2016)
Camber Coffee, Inside Start Fitness (July 2016)
Coffee 32, Acorn Road (May 2016)
Three coffee shops, all with food. One is proper canny – see the full post on Kiln here whereas Camber looks like a proper coffee shop, and the other is…another Jesmond Cafe. They’re ten a penny, so will have to visit to see.
Kaltur Tapas, High Bridge (June 2016)
Opening in I believe the old END store on High Bridge selling their cured meats, cheese, and other lovely things. UPDATE: It’s class.
Kith & Kin, Whitley Bay (Q2 2017) is an interesting looking cafe/restaurant. Whitley is getting some decent places at the minute, so it might be worth a follow.
The Launderette, Central Station (Early October 2016)
Now closed. Popular Manchester cocktail bar is being put into the new student flats next door to the Union Rooms. Food, not so great.
Little Italy, Grainger Market (January 2016)
Extended version of Pizza by the Slice selling pasta, panini, and Italian antipasti opened in January in the Grainger Market (formerly Greggs’ unit)
Lost & Found, Heaton (June 2016) (CLOSED)
Is the new venture from respected Chinese chef Lulu Chai, famous for her popups a few years back, this looks pretty good.
Master Seafood, Stowell Street (June 2016)
Someone finally took on the old Laus, dormant since it closed. Looks to be more of the same, with a bakery opening next door.
Mean Eyed Cat, Off Percy Street, NE1 (Late 2017/2018) – New micropub! Opening in a tiny unit, and with not a great deal of information as of yet, but one to watch.
Merchants Cafe, Guildhall (Never happened)
Cafe/cake shop/proper patisserie in the Guildhall. Might turn out to be more of a bar than a cafe…
Mmm… are moving to a bigger premises on Grainger Street outside of the market – so they can’t complain about opening hours any more ? 2016
Mr. Petit, Old Eldon Square (August 2017) (CLOSED)
In the old Al Buco building – I believe this is Matty Stephenson (of The Shilling)’s new joint. Looks canny.
Newcastle Tap, Central Station (July 2017). NCL version of the ace Tapped – craft beer pub / brewery with hundreds of proper beers. Should be exciting. See also:
Papa Ganoush, Whitley Bay (2018). Street food favourite finally gets a restaurant of their own in the up and coming Whitley Bay. Was due in 2016, delayed but a definite One to Follow.
Porterhouse & Ko Sai, Fenwick Food Hall (August 2017)
Ko Sai mustn’t have been making the 21 group enough money where Saltwater was, so Ko Sai is now sadly closed, and Porterhouse – a butcher/meat bar will take it’s place, very much in the vein of Saltwater next door. With Chris Eagle also at the helm, one to watch.
The Purple Bear, Chare (March 16th 2016)
Now located in the old Northumberland Arms just off Northumberland Street, it’s a BBQ/bang on trend about five years ago bar/restaurant. Been ongoing for aaaagess, so we’ll see…
The Restaurant/coffee shop/cake stop at The Sill, Once Brewed, Hadrian’s Wall – bit far out of the way but it’s operate dby the folks over at SIX so might be worth a passing trip. 2016
Simply Cheesecake & Friends, Dean Street (Mid-Feb 2016)
Was a crowdfunded take on a cafe/cake shop/whatever they fancy as the Simply Cheesecake lasses open a space on Dean Street to host their cakes, and invite guest street food traders alongside them. Interesting project that fell short and has closed already in July 2017. Already replaced with SAFARI Grill & Cafe – a similar spin-off from the BBQ meat guys – think ostrich, alligator, etc. etc.
Sweet Dreams Dessert Cafe, Near Gallowgate (2016???)
Yet another “desserts as a main thing” place, following Kaspa’s and Cream’s. I imagine it’ll be more of the same…
Tapas Revolution, Greys Quarter (Feb 13th 2016)
One of the last ones in Eldon Square is a tapas place that isn’t La Tasca – and it’s actually really decent.
The Town Mouse, St. Mary’s Place (Feb 21st 2016)
Micro-pub underneath the shops on St. Mary’s Place. Promising real ale and hopefully along the lines of Box Social / Split Chimp.
Ugot, Grey Street ( 2016???)
Popular good-eating cafe have bought the site, and might one day finally do something in the old Ninety-Nine site, but as of May, it still looks empty. UPDATE: I think this has been canned now.
The Union Rooms is already back open, still as Union Rooms, with a new owner. Similarly, Long Bar is re-branding to Waiting Rooms (22/04/2017). Station East (Gateshead) opened under the railway bridge and seems to be a proper boozer. Caps Off is a bottle shop in Bishop Auckland that I’ll be checking out when in the area too.
Urban Grill Shack,Grainger Market (January 2016)
I think this is a spin-off from Sloppy Joes – selling cheap burgers and hot dogs. Hmm.
La Viña are moving back into their old home on Grey Street, was Graze, was Viva Brazil, was La Tasca… ad infinitum… 2016
Vietcafe, Grainger Street (May/June 2017)
Another Vietnamese supermarket with restaurant attached, they’re doing banh mi and some rice & noodle dishes in the old KFC space on the corner of the Big Market. I’ll be checking it out soon for lunch.
Wokify, Four Lane Ends (Q2 2017). From the owner of Meet & Treat, it’s a fast-food take on noodles – remains to be seen if it’ll be good or not.
YOLO Townhouse, High Bridge (May/June 2016)
YOLO (that name…) moves into the old Capology store offering food and drink. Haven’t been to the Ponteland one, but with this one a little closer, we will see. I didn’t get invited to the #YOLOBLOGGERSNIGHT, which probably says all you need to know.
Zucchini Pasta Bar, 55degrees North (May 2016)
Takeaway pasta? Finally! Don’t know too much about these guys but will be all over it when it opens. Update: also class.
Did I forget yours or one of your favourites? Gimme a shout.