- Look Good
- 5th Sep 2025
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- 0 minute
10 very cool new openings in the North East to check out
Café Filto
Goldspink Lane, Sandyford, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1NU
Sandyford’s brunch scene just got a serious upgrade. Café Filto, now open in a sleek, design-led space on Goldspink Lane, serves up elevated coffee, brunch and cocktails in a spot filled with sculptural greenery, soft lighting and cool concrete curves. With an outdoor area and an eye-catching interior, it’s already becoming the local destination for iced matcha, postwork margaritas or just a midday pickmeup.
Assemble
3 Old Eldon Square, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1
The team behind House Bar Heaton has opened a super cool new natural wine bar and café in the city centre. Assemble is already getting attention for its relaxed, walkin space, topnotch coffee and natural wine. Think small plates, excellent pours and a friendly neighbourhood vibe. From Thursdays to Saturdays, they’re joining forces with SOKU Kitchen for an insane food offering, too.
The Uncommon
112 Little Bedford Street, North Shields, NE29 6NW
North Shields just found its new go-to. Inside the beautifully revamped Harbour House, The Uncommon blends bold design, cool vibes and great food and drink offerings – think spicy margaritas, natural wine, craft beers and plates that match the mood. Fashion-forward interiors (cream plaster, green leather booths, brutalist texture and archival nods) set the scene for late-night drinks, conversations, and a great atmosphere. Music lovers, creatives and night-owls, this one’s for you.
Lubber Kitchen
83 Blandford Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3PZ
European home cooking gets a creative remix at Lubber Kitchen. Open Thursday through Saturday for brunchy mornings to sultry dinners, you’ll find seasonal set menus, house infusions, natural wines and soothing, ever-evolving flavours in a relaxed, dog-friendly spot. It doubles as Slack’s Studio, home to Slack’s Radio, adding an inspiring cultural twist to the culinary offering. It’s seriously good value for money too, with lunch deals from £5.50 and and evening dining experience for £28 per person.
District Bottle Shop
66 Park View, Whitley Bay, NE26 2TH
Whitley Bay just gained a sleek new shelter for wine and learning. District Bottle Shop offers a carefully curated collection of wines and tasting experiences in a relaxed, boutique setting. Whether you’re a casual sipper or wine-curious explorer, it’s the kind of inviting spot where you can unwind and discover your next favourite bottle.
Fuel’D Health Kitchen & Coffee House
9a Albion Road, North Shields, NE30 2RJ
North Shields just got a seriously energised new hangout. Fuel’D is a health kitchen and coffee house serving up “food that gives a f*ck”: honest, madefromscratch breakfasts, lunch bowls, wraps, topnotch coffee and protein shakes in a bold, nononsense setting. Expect queues out the door, an upbeat coastal vibe (just steps from the Fish Quay) and a spot that’s already become a locals’ favourite.
The Green Room
Theatre Royal, Grey Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1
Newcastle’s Theatre Royal has opened its brand-new bar to the public this weekend. The Green Room will now be open daily from 11.00am to 11.00pm, serving expertly curated wines, spirits, beers, and soft drinks, all available without booking. It’s designed for both theatre-goers and anyone looking for a stylish city-centre pit stop.
Market Pavilion
Market Place, Blyth, Northumberland, NE24
Blyth has a vibrant new cornerstone: Market Pavilion is officially complete as of July 2025, reclaiming the historic site of the town’s former cinema and music hall. This striking new cultural hub houses a plush threescreen Jam Jar Cinema, café, lounge bar and a flexible event studio for everything from comedy to live music and exhibitions. Launched with a festivalstyle weekend, it’s already becoming the creative heart of the town.
Veeno Durham
The Riverwalk, Durham, DH1
A slice of Sicily is landing in Durham on 17th September. Veeno, the Italian wine bar and kitchen known for Sicilian wines flown straight from the family vineyard, is opening at The Riverwalk. Expect aperitivo-style small plates, pizzas, pastas, cocktails and sharing boards of meats and cheeses in a warm, social setting. Visit in September and grab a complimentary glass of wine to celebrate.
The Birdcage
25 Fenkle Street, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 1HW
Alnwick’s nightlife has just gotten louder—and a lot cooler. The Birdcage flapped open on 9 August following a £100k revamp of the old post office, and now pulses with live music, bottomless brunches, all-day eats, and weekend events. Think laid-back indie vibes, local talent, and a warm new heart for the town’s evening scene.
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