- Play Hard
- 22nd May 2024
- 0
- 7 minutes
12 cool new openings in the North East you’ll want to know about


THALI TRAY, SANDYFORD
83-39 Goldspink Lane, Sandyford, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE2 1NQ
Lovers of authentic Indian restaurant Thali Tray in Bealim House can now get their fix at the restaurant’s latest opening in Sandyford. The brunch menu looks insane – we’re talking kedgerees, full Indian breakfasts, Indian eggs benedict and delicious sarnies. And Thali Tray fans, you know the score for evening dining. Choose your thali which includes two curries, rice, lime pickle and fresh chillies, then choose your bread (we highly recommend the chilli cheese garlic naan. A great addition to Sandyford’s cool dining scene.

CAFÉ AMSTERDAM
69 Victoria Terrace, Whitley Bay, NE26 2QN
A tiny slice of Amsterdam in Whitley Bay. This cool new hangout serves up Dutch craft beers, smoothie sours on tap, cheese and chutney plates, beer snacks and tompouce (a Dutch sweet treat). They also have a super fun communal sjoellen table (Dutch shuffleboard), which is already getting pretty competitive amongst punters.

PARM-O-RAMA
280 Chillingham Road, Heaton, NE6 5LQ
Our favourite parmo wagon has set up its own home in Heaton, offering sit-in and takeaway for its legendary parmo offering. They’re bringing a taste of Teesside to the Toon with cracking authentic parmos as well as burgers, loaded fries and a range of veggie and vegan options too. Crispy chicken and gooey cheese? We’re there.

THE PITMAN PIZZA CO
Stanley Terrace, Morpeth, NE61 1PA
A new pizza takeaway promising to bring the tradition of Naples to Northumberland has opened in Morpeth. The second venue following the success of the Bedlington takeaway, owner Tommy experiments with flavours from Italy to produce delicious combinations including The Pitman Pizza (smoked pepperoni, Napoli salami, picked chilli and chilli-infused hot honey) and the Truffle Shuffle (Parma ham, prosciutto di parma, portobello mushroom and rosemary on a cream cheese base with a drizzle of truffle oil). Takeaway every day? Yes.

STREET FOOD SRI LANKA
Units 45-46, Grainger Market, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 5QQ
The newest street food offering in the foodie gem of Newcastle’s Grainger Market is Street Food Sri Lanka, an authentic Sri Lankan café from the owners of URY restaurant on Newcastle Quayside. The street food cafe will celebrate Sri Lanka’s colourful and vibrant cuisine – expect a wide range of vivid seafood dishes, traditional curry, herbs, vegetables, exotic fruits and homemade breads on the menu, created by a hand-picked team of Sri Lankan chefs.
Image: Nourish with Arya

HUTS AT THE HALL
Gisborough Hall, Whitby Road, TS14 6PT
New to the Gisborough Hall family, Huts at The Hall are three handcrafted shepherd huts that have been inspired by nature, tucked away amongst the woodland with views across the North Yorkshire countryside. Think luxurious beds, roll-top bathtubs, stargazing roofs and log burners, as well as an outdoor hot tub, fire pit and a secluded outdoor space to enjoy your morning coffee. Heaven.

NEEDLES EYE CAFE
Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, NE64 6XE
Opening on Friday 24th May, this new shipping container cafe on Newbiggin Beach is dog-friendly and has a huge outdoor seating area so you can take in the coastline while enjoying street food including smash burgers and loaded fries. Not only that, but the cafe will have a Himalayan salt sauna with a sea view, offering hydrotherapy sessions where you can heat up in the sauna before taking a dip in a plunge pool, or the North Sea. The perfect excuse to warm up with a hot chocolate if you ask us…

SUNMOON
65 Castlegate, Berwick-upon-Tweed, TD15 1LF
Gallery/shop/massage studio – a unique mix which is the new headquarters of artist and masseuse, Lewanna Mountain. Pick up original artworks, screen-print tees, tie-dye one-off pieces and scented products from The Apothecary Tree, all handmade in Berwick.

TIPI AT THE TEMPUS
The Tempus, Charlton Hall Estate, Northumberland, NE67 5DZ
Every Friday and Saturday from 4pm – 9pm, The Tipi at The Tempus hotel in Northumberland will bring boho vibes with a rustic bar, live music, pizza and open fires. Family and dog-friendly, expect wood-fired pizzas and garlic flatbreads, as well as menus curated by guest vendors who will be invited for special food nights. All to the backdrop of live music to while away summer evenings. The tipi is also available to hire for events, christenings, and private parties.

THE MYSTERY OF THE MATCH-BALL BURGLAR
A mystery tour around Newcastle
A new concept has come to Newcastle with the launch of this new mystery guide that turns the streets of Newcastle into a giant escape room. Follow maps, unlock clues, track down hidden objects, decode symbols and uncover hidden messages to solve the crime. Priced at £19.99, purchase your mystery guide and head to the start point to start your adventure.

HUNTER’S DELI
Unit D/E Grainger Market, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 5QQ
The beloved delicatessen which has been in Newcastle’s Grainger Market for more than 70 years has had a glow-up with a new store as part of the market’s £9m renovation. Owner Julie Higgs began working in the deli as a teen and has owned the store for the last 29 years. Serving up deli meats, homemade bread, pastries and other treats, it’s worth a visit.

CHARTWELL RESTAURANT
Aldwark Manor Estate, York, YO61 1UF
The new restaurant at Aldwark Manor in York promises to deliver British cuisine with a modern Savoy twist, influenced by French chef, restauranteur and writer, Auguste Escoffier. There are four tasting menus to choose from, starting at £95.00, offering a glamourous and experiential dining experience. In addition to the main restaurant, there’ll be a mezzanine floor offering private dining, a speakeasy bar and a bespoke wine-tasting room.
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