Play Hard

10 new openings across the North East you’ll what to know about this month

From a new food tour exploring international cuisines that Durham has to offer to Newcastle’s first-ever stylish twenties-style show bar with live entertainment, here are the newest spots that have recently opened their doors.

Written by Rachael Nichol
Published 09.06.2022

PAMPER

 

Laser Clinics UK Sunderland

The Bridges Shopping Centre, Unit 71, Ground Level, Sunderland, SR1 3LD

After their success in Newcastle with plenty of us flocking to enhance our natural beauty, Laser Clinics UK is now expanding to Sunderland and will open on the 24th of June. The team here understand that beauty isn’t ‘one size fits all’ so offer a tailored treatment plan to ensure they meet our individual needs and achieve our desired results.

As soon as you walk through the door, you’ll feel welcome, at ease and ready to enjoy your pamper. Whether you are after HydraFacial to help all your skin concerns, fancy stopping your constant waxing appointments by getting laser hair removal or want to rehydrate your skin, target fine lines and dryness with Profhilo Injectables from two expert nurse practitioners who are available every Thursday and Sunday, whatever your treatment the team will make you feel fabulous on the inside and out.

 

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EAT

 

Triple A Tours in Durham 

Book online

After taking Newcastle by storm, award-winning Triple A Tours is now expanding to Durham – and we are sohere for it. From sampling Turkish delight at How Bazaar to trying Mexican street food washed down with a margarita at Barrio Comida, sipping on local ales, wines and gins to visiting Durham’s most haunted pub, The Shakespeare, this fabulous food tour gives us a chance to experience the range of diverse local cuisines.

Launching this weekend, the new tour will initially run every Saturday and continue throughout the year. Promising to give people the chance to discover a different side of Durham, this carefully curated tour takes us along the riverside and through the streets for a sightseeing tour, too.

Find more about Triple A Tours’ journey by reading our full feature

 

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The Crabshack

Sandsend Road, Whitby YO21 3ST

What better way to enjoy the sunshine than being by the coast? Raithwaite Sandsend has got us covered. Nestled between the Yorkshire coastline and the North York Moors, the restored 19th century estate filled with sprawling woodland and a home-grown restaurant has now opened a new foodie pop-up. Introducing… The Crab Shack.

Expect a delicious menu filled with fresh-from-the-boat fish and seafood, all prepared with seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. From traditional favourites like proper fish and chips and the freshest of crab sandwiches – sourced from Whitby’s trusted harbour fisherman – to something with a more contemporary twist with the likes of Thai crab cakes and salt and chilli calamari, this perfect spot for you seafood fanatics.

 

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The Bake Eldon

Greys Quarter, Eldon Square, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7AP

The Bake One is now serving traditional Lebanese food as it returns to the heart of Newcastle City Centre with its newest eatery in the food court in Eldon Square. Expect the finest of authentic Lebanese dishes including hot and cold meze and charcoal-grilled meats, and stylish surroundings that feature an open-plan kitchen and traditional Lebanese-style decoration.

 

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Aly’s Bakery

30 Park View, Whitley Bay NE26 2TH

There’s nothing like the smell of fresh, warm bread in the morning and Aly’s Bakery in Whitley Bay has already had seen customers queuing up to pick up freshly baked bread, pastries and cakes. From celebration cakes and buffets for any occasion to sandwiches for your lunch, the family-run bakery that’s been 20 years in the making is now open.

 

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DRINK

 

The Garden Tap Pub

Gibside, Rowlands Gill NE16 6BG

This venture between National Trust’s Gibside and Firebrick Brewery is set to be a huge draw for visitors over the summer. With its menu of food, drink and musical performance from local bands, this cosy country pub serves three cask ales and two keg lines alongside spirits and wine and even has musical instruments dotted around including newly tuned guitars or ukuleles to play.

 

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The Purple Peacock

Degrees North, 55 Pilgrim Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 6BJ

Ok, so this isn’t really a new opening, but The Purple Peacock has reopened after a massive £350k glamourous makeover. Introducing Newcastle’s first-ever show bar. But what is a show bar? It’s all about sitting back and relaxing in stylish twenties-style décor while tucking into small plates and being entertained by a weekly line-up of talented acts and there’s a late night party every Saturday, too.

 

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Baba Yaga’s House

216 Whitley Road, Whitley Bay, NE26 2TA

Expect local artwork, cosy décor and the hearty smell of freshly brewed coffee as you walk through this café bar’s doors. Whether you’re after a caffeine fix with a brew made from Pink Lane Coffee beans, a freshly pulled chilled pint or a cheeky cocktail (or two) to sip on, there’s something for everyone at this new stylish spot that gives us all those zen vibes by the coast.

 

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Axis

Arch 16, Wellington Street, Gateshead, NE8 2AJ

Gateshead’s newest microbar is bringing something different into the mix by selling vegan craft beer and natural wine. Home inside one of the vacant railway arches of High Level Bridge, every visit to the bar will be different as their drink selection is rotated regularly and will serve eight types of craft beer, including pale ale with gluten-free, low-alcohol and no-alcohol options, too.

 

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Regular Jo’s Coffee

Listen up coffee lovers, this one is for you. After serving up speciality coffee freshly roasted by our friends at Baristocracy at Tynemouth Market every weekend, now Regular Jo’s has opened up their own new permanent shop. Whether you’ve got a weakness for frappes and iced coffee, cappuccinos have your heart or your four-legged friend loves a good ol’ pup cup, this new coffee shop is based in the heart of Tynemouth is well worth a visit.

 

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