- Play Hard
- 27th May 2026
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- 0 minute
The new foodie, fitness and feel-good openings in the North East
From a new roof terrace and luxury spas to pasta clubs and padel courts – the North East is thriving right now.
Here are the new spots worth getting excited about…
FOODIES, YOUR NEW FAVE SPOTS TO TRY
Tendr Pasta Club, Newcastle and beyond
Did somebody say spicy vodka pasta? Tendr’s first pasta club is landed at Cosmic Social in Low Fell and honestly, we couldn’t be more ready. Think short rib lasagne, ricotta gnocchi and tiramisu.
Black Rabbit, Chester-le-Street
From the team behind favourites like Hibou Blanc and The Drunken Duck comes something fresh. Walnut panelling, leather banquette seating, dry-aged fillet with peppercorn sauce – plus private dining and outdoor seating for when the sun shows up.
Arches, East Boldon
After just opening last weekend, expect brunch, lunch, dinner and of course an Aperol Spritz in hand, all inside a gorgeous village brasserie built around great food and striking archways.
Fred’s Fish Quay, North Shields
Taking over the old Ship’s Cat spot on the Fish Quay, Fred’s brings serious coastal energy — cold drinks, comforting classics with a fresh spin, and boats drifting past the window. Sun’s out, Fred’s is calling.
Ai Fiori, Newcastle
From the team behind Fuochi pizzeria, this stunning Sandyford restaurant is giving full Mediterranean fantasy. Think flowers, greenery, a bridge between two floors and a triangular window flooding the place with light. Pizza, pasta, steaks and 15 wines. You won’t need a passport.
Breadwin at STACK, Newcastle
Newcastle’s new must-visit sandwich shop just landed on Pilgrim Street STACK and the hype is very real. Massive, fully-loaded sandwiches on homemade bread, plus a collab with Deep North for cereal milk lattes and doughnuts.
Flat Iron, Newcastle
The long-awaited Flat Iron has finally opened on Grey Street inside a gorgeous Grade II listed building – and it was absolutely worth the wait. The signature flat iron steak is £15, the beef dripping chips are non-negotiable, and walk-ins are welcome.
Last Tapas, Newbiggin-by-the-Sea
Tapas, drinks, sea views and a feature wall made from old wine crates – from the team behind the much-loved Needles Eye café on the prom is set to open soon. When the views are that good, who even needs to go abroad?
NEW CUTE CAFÉS FOR A CAFFEINE FIX
Kalimera, Newcastle
The beloved Greek café and bakery that won over Gosforth has now opened a second spot on Nelson Street – and we’re thrilled. Traditional pies, baklava, tiramisu and proper coffee, all from a family-run business celebrating its first year. Kalimera means good morning. This is a very good morning.
Eldon Café, Newcastle
Paris has come to Old Eldon Square and Newcastle is absolutely here for it. Queues out the door in week one, a terrace with a brilliant view and a menu running from eggs Benedict to chimichurri steak. Oui, please.
Charlie’s Coffee & Kitchen, Dinnington
A proper little village gem is coming very soon to Dinnington – locally roasted coffee, freshly baked goodies and friendly faces in a space clearly made with a lot of love. Opening date coming soon, keep an eye out.
BARS & PUBS FOR SUMMER SIPS
Roof Thirty Nine, Fenwick Newcastle
Fenwick’s rooftop terrace is back and better than ever, this time in collaboration with Fentimans and Fuego. Mediterranean small plates, cocktails and that polished rooftop feel – without the train fare to London.
Flock, Whitley Bay
From the team behind House and Assemble comes a new neighbourhood bar doing speciality coffee, natural wine, and small plates with real care. Creative workshops too – this one’s got community feels written all over it.
Brunswick Champagne Bar, Fenwick Newcastle
Fenwick is really going for it this season – tucked inside the Food Hall on the First Floor, the Brunswick Champagne Bar is your new mid-shop treat. Veuve Clicquot, champagne cocktails and gourmet loaded crisps. Shopping just got a serious upgrade.
The Canny Owl, Wooler
A £1.2m pub has just opened in rural Northumberland and it’s already a local favourite. The perfect excuse for a road trip up the A1 – great pub, beautiful setting, right next to an idyllic holiday park.
The Hawk, Ponteland
A relaxed Northumberland pub doing quality drinks, seasonal dishes and locally sourced produce – plus a digital dart board if you’re feeling competitive. The kind of place you pop in for one and stay for three.
FEEL-GOOD SPAS AND FITNESS WELLNESS WONDERS
Vallum Padel, Hexham
Set inside a beautifully converted barn near Hadrian’s Wall, Vallum Padel is the sleek, glass-walled indoor padel venue the North East didn’t know it needed. Two premium courts, post-match coffee on site, and lakeside walks on the doorstep. Your new obsession awaits.
Zen Garden, Seaham Hall
A £1 million transformation of Serenity Spa’s outdoor space has arrived – infinity edge pools, cold plunge, fire pits, and a Golden Hour Twilight Series kicking off this summer. Champagne on the terrace at 5pm? Don’t mind if we do.
Lumina Physio, North Shields
A specialist women’s health clinic in North Tyneside blending pelvic physio and Pilates – no one-size-fits-all here, just proper, personalised care from experienced healthcare professionals. A space built for real bodies and real progress.
Refine, Gosforth
A specialist facial clinic doing facial lymphatic drainage, muscle sculpting and EMS treatments – all focused on natural, visible results. No filler, no fluff, just skilled therapists and skin that thanks you for it.
ARV Studios, Sunderland
One of the North East’s biggest Pilates studios is going even bigger – a brand new 7,500 sqft luxury boutique fitness space is opening at Sunniside Social, with reformer Pilates, ice baths, boxing, treadmill sprints and a protein café.
Shore Break Café, Monkseaton
The team behind Shore Yoga – famous for their free yoga classes on King Edward’s Bay – are opening their very own café space in Monkseaton. Coffee, cake and chill, right around the corner from the studio. Opening very soon.
Workout Central, Newcastle
This isn’t just another gym, it’s a full wellbeing destination with reformer Pilates, spin, functional training, sauna, steam, cold room and a café designed around training days. Calm, considered and so impressive.
Woodland Spa, South Causey, County Durham
Tucked into the Beamish Valley, this private spa retreat offers TEMPLESPA treatments, luxury wellness suites with steam room, sauna, plunge pool and a private balcony with valley views – plus butler service. A proper countryside escape.
Roam, Whitehouse Farm
The much-loved Cullercoats reformer Pilates studio is expanding to Whitehouse Farm and opening on 1st June. Three classes for £40 to celebrate the launch – seasonal events, warm vibes and movement that actually feels good.
NEW SHOPS GOOD FOR THE SOUL
The Sinful Spine, Heaton
Newcastle’s most anticipated independent bookshop is landing in Heaton – stocking romance, dark romance, fantasy and romantasy alongside limited editions, speciality coffee and cocktails. Author signings, book clubs and workshops, too. This is our kind of shop.
STAYCATION SPOTLIGHT — READY FOR THE NEW SEASON
The Sanctuary Knocker, Durham
A new luxury aparthotel right in the heart of Durham with four spectacular suites, each inspired by owner William Holme’s travels around the world. Perfect for a special occasion, girls’ trip or city break with serious style.
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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