- Play Hard
- 18th Mar 2026
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22 new North East openings you need on your radar
FRESH FOODIE FINDS
Oat & Olive, Alnwick
Healthy brunch lovers, this one’s for you. Oat & Olive is a wholesome new café, bistro and bar serving up nourishing breakfast bowls, speciality coffee and Mediterranean-inspired plates in the heart of Alnwick. Expect colourful dishes packed with flavour, the perfect stop for a morning coffee, a lingering lunch or a cheeky evening spritz.
Elephant Rock, Roker
Bringing serious beachside vibes to the Sunderland coast, Elephant Rock has quickly become a go-to for relaxed dining by the sea. Think fresh seafood, small plates and cocktails, all with panoramic views across Roker’s shoreline.
Wild Fire City, Sunderland
After the success of its original restaurant, Wild Fire has opened a second Sunderland city-centre spot in the former Sofia site. By day, it’s a bakery and slice café serving small plates, pizza and desserts; by night, it turns into a bar – bringing a little flavour of Rome to Sunderland.
Adam’s Bakehouse, Cullercoats
The team behind Adam’s Bakehouse have brought some of our fave artisan bakes to Cullercoats. Expect freshly baked sourdough, buttery pastries and irresistible sweet treats, perfect to grab something delicious before a walk along the coast.
Morning Cloud Pop-up at Cog & Wheel, Sandyford
A new residency inside the popular Cog & Wheel pub, Morning Cloud is serving up creative brunch dishes with a modern twist. Think stacked pancakes, inventive breakfast plates and great coffee (we can’t stop thinking about the salted honeycomb iced matcha)
Rice Kitchen, Grainger Market
Grainger Market continues to grow its foodie scene with Rice Kitchen, a new spot serving comforting Asian rice dishes packed with flavour. Thinks sushi, matcha and onigiri. Affordable, quick and satisfying, perfect for a lunchtime pit stop in Newcastle city centre.
Thao’s Kitchen, Ouseburn
A new spot in Ouseburn, Thao’s Kitchen, a vibrant Vietnamese street food spot bringing authentic flavours to the neighbourhood. Expect fragrant pho, fresh summer rolls and punchy sauces that transport your taste buds straight to Hanoi.
Midsommar Bakery, Grainger Market
Another exciting addition to Grainger Market, Midsommar Bakery is bringing Nordic-inspired food to Newcastle. Think seasonal ingredients, bold flavours and dishes that celebrate Scandinavian simplicity. North East indie rock trinity The Future Heads, Field Music and Maximo Park members have already popped in, too.
SOPRA at Gingerino’s, Ouseburn
Beloved Italian eatery Gingerino’s has launched SOPRA, a new upstairs dining space offering an elevated experience of their much-loved menu. Expect handmade pasta, rich sauces and a cosy atmosphere perfect for a date night or girls’ night out.
Hadrian’s Hotel, Northumberland
Combining boutique accommodation with stylish dining, Hadrian’s Hotel is quickly becoming a destination in its own right. Whether you’re stopping by for drinks, Sunday lunch or an overnight stay, it’s a welcome new addition to the Northumberland hospitality scene.
NEW BARS TO POP INTO ON YOUR NEXT NIGHT OUT
Say When, Ponteland
After making waves in the North East with Brack Burger and Say When in Gosforth, the team are now expanding to Ponteland. Their stylish self-serve wine bar is set to bring small plates, great music and a lively new nightlife spot to the village.
Mosaic Tap, Newcastle
Pink Lane continues to thrive as Newcastle’s craft beer hub with Mosaic Tap, which has moved to this new venue to keep pouring carefully selected craft beers, organic wine and relaxed after-work drinks in the Toon.
NEW EXPERIENCES TO TRY
Sky High Cinema Club at ABOVE, Newcastle
Movie nights have had an upgrade. Sky High Cinema Club at ABOVE is bringing film screenings to Newcastle’s skyline, with cosy seating and unforgettable city views creating a cinema experience like no other.
Skate Island, Newcastle Racecourse
Roller skating is back and bigger than ever at Skate Island. Located at Newcastle Racecourse, it’s a fun, high-energy activity for all ages looking for something a little different to do.
Moonshiners Institute, Newcastle
Moonshiners Institute is launching the first-ever make-your-own gin and spiced rum experiences in Newcastle. The city-centre micro-distillery will host small groups who can create their own personalised bottle using a mini still, while learning about the distilling process and sampling spirits along the way.
NEW CAFÉS FOR YOUR CAFFEINE FIX
Porcelain Coffee Bar, Durham
Minimalist interiors meet expertly brewed coffee at Porcelain Coffee Bar, a new Durham café perfect for slow mornings, remote working or catching up with friends.
The Whale Coffee Co., Newcastle Great Park
Great Park residents now have their own speciality coffee spot with The Whale Coffee Co. Expect great beans, freshly baked treats and a welcoming community feel.
FOR THE FITNESS FANS
Padel Court Club Newcastle, Benton
One of the world’s fastest-growing sports is landing in Benton, as Padel Court Club Newcastle opens at Quorum Park with covered courts for all-weather play, plus coaching, student discounts and grab-and-go refreshments — perfect for a quick game or after-work rally.
Wellness Lane
If you’re looking to prioritise your wellbeing, Wellness Lane is a brand-new studio bringing together Reformer and Mat Pilates, an infrared sauna and a speciality matcha bar – all designed to support everyday health in a simple, accessible way.
SHOPS TO BROWSE
Oseyo Asian Supermarket, Eldon Square
Eldon Square is welcoming Oseyo, one of the UK’s largest Asian supermarkets. Expect aisles filled with Korean, Japanese and Chinese ingredients, snacks and street food favourites.
The People’s Exchange, Durham
Sustainability meets style at The People’s Exchange, a cool second-hand clothing shop promoting circular fashion and giving pre-loved pieces a new life.
Bibelot Nook, Durham
Full of charm and character, Bibelot Nook is a treasure trove of unique gifts, homeware and carefully curated finds.
Rachael Ellis
Head of Content
After gaining a first in her BA Media and Journalism degree at Northumbria University, Rachael worked at Newcastle’s leading regional newspaper with her stories being picked up in national and global newspapers. She spent two very successful years giving a voice to those communities across the North East who otherwise…
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