A bumper guide to 17 new North East openings

Vampire Rabbit

29 Collingwood Street, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 1JE

Opening its doors on the evening of Thursday 8^th August, Newcastle’s newest cocktail bar is an ode to the local legend of the famous Vampire Rabbit statue that has overlooked the back of St Nicholas’ Cathedral for over a century. It’s a cocktail-led late-night live music bar, with low-lit snug areas, booths, cosy seating and private hire options. We’re setting up a date night here asap.

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The Sofia

Mackies Corner, 104 High Street West, Sunderland, SR1 1TX

This ‘House of Brunch’ is serving up speciality coffee, brunch, natural wine and cocktails at the rapidly developing Mackies Corner in Sunderland. Expect restaurant-style service, unique dishes and good vibes all around. We can’t wait to try the Bolognese on Toast, which looks insane. We’ll be ordering with a Bloody Mary.

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 The Prince Alpine Bar

8 Pudding Chare, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 1UE

This year-round apres-ski style cabin bar is the only one of its kind in Newcastle. Expect staff dressed in traditional Lederhosen and walls covered in ski memorabilia. The vibe is party – with a DJ booth, sing-a-long discos and karaoke booths – plus live sax performances and live music at the weekends.

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Sunday Coffee and Kitchen

7 Leven Road, Norton, Stockton-on-Tees, TS20 1BQ

‘Immaculate vibes’ is how we’d describe this dog-friendly café and brunch spot. Expect flavoured matcha, pancake stacks, acai bowls, Instagrammable décor and a huge outdoor seating area. It’s walk-in only and they’re open every day except Tuesdays.

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Brek-e Café

10 Heaton Road, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE6 1SD

If you’re a fan of indulgent breakfast and brunch, this one is for you. The portions are huge – we’re talking the usual suspects alongside stuffed croissants, grilled cheeses, omelettes, French toast, waffles, pancakes and more. If it’s a breakfast item you can dream of, it’ll be on the menu.

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Image credit: Where Toon Scran

The Place Upstairs

568A Durham Road, Low Fell, NE9 6HX

A venue dedicated to excellent wine and charcuterie, run by local enthusiasts who are passionate about pairing wine with food. Their aim is simple – to be the go-to place for wine and charcuterie. Expect sharing boards featuring the best in continentally sourced charcuterie and cheese, brough to Low Fell. A great spot to head with friends.

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Sanskrit

391 Benton Park Road, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE7 7EE

This new Indian takeaway is making waves on social media as everyone is raving about the flavours. They do have a couple of small tables to eat-in, but this is a takeaway, enjoy stuffing your face at home recommendation. They have traditional dishes as well as chef’s specials, and a great tasting menu for £25 where you can try a wide variety of dishes for brilliant value. Your next takeaway night, sorted.

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Image credit: Geordie Scranners

Yummie Frozen Yogurt

Unit 7, Grainger Market, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 5QQ

Adding to the Grainger Market’s epic food offering, Yummie Yogurts is the new shop on the block, offering delicious frozen yogurt as well as fluffy Belgian waffles and fresh coffee. Health, gluten-free and vegan options are available at the store which is open 11.00am – 4.30pm, Tuesday to Saturday.

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Purlieu

271 Jesmond Road, Jesmond, NE2 1LB

A new coffee place in Jesmond, Purlieu is in the cute corner spot that used to be occupied by Birria Bella. With plenty outdoor seating as well as some cosy tables inside, the menu serves up breakfast, lunch, coffee and cocktails. We’ve got our eyes on the most amazing-sounding waffle – Blueberries, White Chocolate and Pistachio. Unreal.

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Sycamore

2-3 Town Hall Buildings, Corbridge, NE45 5AD

Sycamore has reopened in Corbridge for breakfast, lunch and dinner – and the response from customers so far has been high praise indeed. The food is getting rave reviews (shoutout to The Beef Dip), as well as the attentive staff and great atmosphere. It also has a great children’s menu. Worth a visit.

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Bazaar Restaurant

15 Captains Cook Square, Middlesbrough, TS1 5UB

From the maximalist cool décor to the menu – this place looks right up HLN’s street. The food offering is so good – we’re talking pomegranate and lime oysters, Lahmacun flatbreads and lamb shoulder. Plus, the lunch menu is incredibly good value, with two courses for £20.00 or three courses for £25.00. Added to our must-visit list immediately.

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HiiCLUB

Grand Stand Garage, Kenton Road, Gosforth, NE3 4NB

It’s open, and it’s even better than we imagined. Designed to elevate the way we workout and hangout, HiiCLUB offers innovative group fitness in an uber-stylish setting in Gosforth. A range of memberships are available and they also have opening offers available to let you try it out. The décor is minimalistic and super-cool – we want to hang out in the café every day (and work out, of course).

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Claremont Teahouse 

1 Eldon Place, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 7RD

Claremont Teahouse is a tea and coffee emporium in the heart of Newcastle – guaranteed to give you the best brew. It also offers a brunch and lunch menu, fresh bakes and our fav Dot Bagels. The lower ground area is now available for private hire, with a unique micro-cinema as well as seating and exhibition space options.

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Hoi Polloi

12 Maling Street, Ouseburn, NE6 1LP

Opening on 15^th August, the Hoi Polloi will be opening its third premium venue in Ouseburn. Expect the same great service of hair, beard and shave styling for men, from a talented team with global experience. A mix of industrial interior with a soft finish will instantly make you feel relaxed.

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The Ember

Sheepfolds, Easington Street, SR5 1ZZ

Located in the buzzing new Sheepfolds development in Sunderland, The Ember is a perfect spot for celebrations, date nights or a catch-up with friends. The menu features the finest locally sourced ingredients, with chef Tamer Hassan bringing his award-winning expertise to every dish, with a focus on charcoal-grilled specialities.

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Ninja Warrior

Teesside Leisure Park, Thornaby, Stockton-on-Tees, TS17 7BU

Ninja Warrior UK® Teesside, inspired by ITV’s hit show, opened earlier this month at Teesside Park. Prepare for climbing, balancing, swinging and bouncing challenges in a 28,570 sq ft indoor adventure park. Thrill seekers, don’t miss out on the fun.

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The Head Spa Newcastle

Address provided upon booking

Japanese head spas are sweeping the nation, and we’ve been watching them hypnotically on TikTok for months. The Head Spa Newcastle is our region’s first, and we couldn’t be more excited. With various treatments lasting 60 minutes (£75.00), 80 minutes (£85.00) or 90 minutes (£120.00), indulge in blissful you-time with a full deep scalp cleanse and shampoo, rainfall water therapy, massage and more. We’re booking in asap as it looks heavenly.

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