13 new openings in the North East to check out

HULA, NEWCASTLE

90 Side, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 1PR 

Opening this Friday, Hula is bringing a taste of Hawaii to the Toon with their Hawaiian street food and cocktails.

From the masterminds behind Twenty Twenty, you can expect the same laidback and chilled social dining, this time with tiki vibes and an extensive cocktail list with a Latin influence.

Oh, and they’re dog-friendly too.

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CREATION, SALTBURN

6-8 Diamond Street, Saltburn-by-the-Sea

This fantastic new lifestyle store in Saltburn opened just at the end of last month and it is already beloved by locals.

From candles and home fragrance to wellness goods, ceramics, jewellery and homeware, CREATION is a one-stop-shop for unique finds.

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SKULLEN STUDIOS

Unit 1, 40 Warton Terrace, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE6 5LP

Our faves at Skullen have moved to a gorgeous new studio in Heaton and we are just obsessed with their new space.

Ran by Nic and Lucy, Skullen specialise in all things nails, brows and lashes and they were even the first to bring tooth gems to the North East.

The new studio boasts a fresh new look with all of the same values as the old: empowering and supporting women and creating a safe space for their clients, regardless of age and gender.

Beth and Laura both religiously visit Lucy for immaculately done gel nails and couldn’t recommend her enough.

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MR BAO, NEWCASTLE

14 Pilgrim St, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 6QG

This new Hong Kong style café in Newcastle city centre is serving up fresh dim sum, dumplings, bao, steamed rice, coffee and bubble tea. We’ve seen the lunch pics on Instagram and it looks, banging. Open every day 11.30am – 6.30pm.

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42-44 Grainger St, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 5JG

Now we can transport ourselves to the flavourful streets of Bombay with the opening of Dakwala on Grainger Street. Taking inspiration from Mumbai’s traditional Khanawal eateries, Dakwala promises more than just dining but a celebration of Bombay’s rich culinary heritage. We can’t stop looking at the menu – the Pani Puri snacks, Bombay Burger starter and the signature Dak House Chicken (a creamy chicken masala) are all on our list.

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SOCIAL BIRD

2-8 Fenkle St, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 5XU

Described as ‘fancy food with a laid-back vibe’. Inside Hotel Indigo on Fenkle Street, this new opening suits our every need. 6.30am coffee? Check. Brunch? Check. Great WiFi to catch up on some work? Check. Dinner and cocktails? Check.

Chicken is their vibe and they pride themselves on sourcing high-welfare and sustainable hens, using the whole bird for maximum flavour and minimum waste.

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MOTEL MEXICANA

32-34 Mosley St, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 1DF

This one looks FUN. Four floors of Latin-themed entertainment, food and drink. The former Bijoux, the owner’s wives are from Spain and Columbia respectively and have been heavily involved in ensuring every aspect of Motel Mexicana is authentically Latin. There’s something for everyone, with food and drinks by day, live music, DJs and Latino Bottle Shows by night.

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ASTER & THYME, NEWCASTLE AIRPORT

Departure lounge, Newcastle International Airport, NE13 8BZ

OK granted, you need to book a flight to visit this one, but if you do find yourself in Newcastle Airport, Aster & Thyme is the new premium bar and restaurant serving up the best local produce with views we guarantee you can’t find anywhere else (you guessed it, the runway). From North Sea Kippers to Local Artisan Cheese Boards, check in early because you’ll want to spend a couple of hours chilling here.

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17 South Parade, Whitley Bay, NE26 2RE

The latest opening in Whitley Bay is The Library – a cosy bar and sunlit beer garden that’s our new spot for pints at the coast. Serving up local craft beers, wines and cocktails, keep an eye on their Instagram for details of live music nights. Plus, it’s dog-friendly.

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FORM & FLOW STUDIO

Coach house, Lead Rd, Slaley, Hexham NE47 0BN

Always wanted to try reformer Pilates? This is a gorgeous studio to check it out. Small but perfectly formed, Form & Flow Studio offers a private personal training gym, mat and reformer Pilates plus holistic massage therapy. The ultimate wellness gem in the heart of Northumberland.

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MARMALADE CAT, TYNEMOUTH

78 Front St, Tynemouth, North Shields, NE30 4BP

This lifestyle store nestled inside the Land of Green Ginger in Tynemouth is worth checking out for cool art, vintage pieces and homeware. Open Thursday – Sunday, it’s the perfect place for wholesome weekend vibes. Plus, they’re hosting a lovely Pour, Pause and Paint event on Friday 12^th April – a cosy evening painting with watercolours and sipping pretty, vintage inspired cocktails. Perfect.

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Bishop Auckland, Crook and Aycliffe

 Towns across County Durham will be treated to the expansion of Baccanalia’s street food markets. Baccanalia’s street food markets will feature delicious food from various traders, alongside local beers and ales on tap, live performances by talented local musicians, and family activities.

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TAYU PAN ASIAN, LOW FELL

168 Kells Lane, Gateshead, NE9 5HY

The latest addition to Gateshead’s dining scene opened on Friday 5th April, bringing authentic Pan Asian to Low Fell. The menu includes sushi, ramen, dim sum and traditional dishes, as well as meats marinated for 24 hours and cooked up on the charcoal grill. They’ve got a cute menu for little ones too, and it’s also a bar serving up great cocktails.

CHECK IT OUT