- Play Hard
- 19th Aug 2026
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15 new openings you’ll want to know about in the North East
Your local explore list just got longer…
Introducing the newest North East hotspots to have on your radar.
Bandstand!
Exhibition Park, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4PZ
From the team behind Deep North Doughnuts, Bandstand! is bringing its knack for good food and relaxed hospitality to an outdoor spot in Exhibition Park. Built around food, drink and recreation, the new spot has plenty to keep you coming back, with a menu spanning breakfast sarnies, granola bowls, wood-fired pizza, gelato, and, of course, Deep North’s signature doughnuts.
Malabar
Dykelands Road, Sunderland SR6 8DD
South Indian flavours have landed in Sunderland with Malabar, a new restaurant taking over the former Prego Bar & Eatery site. Expect a menu inspired by the region’s rich culinary traditions, with fragrant curries, dosas, biryanis and plenty of spice. It’s a welcome addition to the city’s food offering, and a solid pick for your next curry night.
Til Death Tattoo
205 High Street West, Sunderland SR1 1UA
Sunniside has a new door worth knowing about, and there’s more behind it than you’d expect. Til Death Tattoo is split across two floors that couldn’t feel more different. Upstairs is all ink and piercings, home to a talented roster of artists specialising in everything from fine line and florals to traditional and realism.
Downstairs swaps the tattoo chairs for a pool table, darts and a slush machine, a hangout space even if you’re not looking to get inked.
Vaux Social
2 Monk Street, Monkwearmouth, Sunderland SR6 0DB
Vaux Social has returned with a brand-new venue, celebrating the city’s brewing heritage while giving the much-loved Vaux name a fresh new chapter. Set inside the former Vaux Brewery site on Monk Street, the new social space brings together local history, beer, food and a relaxed setting designed for spending a few hours with friends.
Think Vaux beers, a food offering and plenty of nods to Sunderland’s brewing past, making this a solid pick for locals and visitors alike.
HiiGRIND
Metrocentre, Gateshead NE11 9YG
HiiGRIND is redefining what a modern coffee shop can be, and it’s landed at the Metrocentre. Rooted in wellness and premium ingredients, the menu brings together nourishing favourites – from açaí to Greek yoghurt bowls and smoothies to protein shakes, avocado smash toast and locally sourced baked goods. The perfect place to refuel after a day of shopping.
Pikup Padel
17B Follingsby Lane, Gateshead NE10 8YA
Padel continues to have its moment, and Pikup Padel is the latest name bringing the increasingly popular sport to the North East. With 11 courts, professional coaching and a pro shop on site, it’s designed to make padel accessible whether you’re a seasoned player or have never picked up a racket. Add this one to your weekend plans if you fancy trying something new.
Sakura Spa at Gisborough Hall
Gisborough Hall, Whitby Lane, Guisborough TS14 6PT
If your idea of a good new opening involves saunas and switching off, Sakura Spa deserves a spot on your radar. Tucked into the woodland grounds of Gisborough Hall, the new spa features six treatment rooms, a thermal garden with a vitality pool, Finnish and herbal saunas, a salt steam room and garden relaxation spaces.
There’s also a dedicated dining space and treatments including the signature Sakura Head Spa. Spa days are available too, designed for everything from a full-day escape to just a few hours of R&R.
Scoops
26 Bondgate Within, Alnwick NE66 1TD
There’s always room for another ice cream spot, and Scoops is bringing a new destination for sweet-toothed visitors in Alnwick. Plenty of scoops, sundaes and dessert-style treats, make this one to bookmark for your next Northumberland day trip. Because, frankly, an Alnwick wander is always better with an ice cream in hand.
Lento by Ruhe
Durham City Centre (exact location to be confirmed)
From the team behind Sunderland favourite Ruhe comes Lento, a new opening bringing the brand’s focus on good food and a relaxed atmosphere into a fresh setting. Shaping up to be Durham city centre’s new go-to coffee spot, expect a menu made for slow mornings, leisurely lunches and catching up over coffee. Expected to open this August, keep an eye on their socials to be the first to know when the opening date drops.
North East Body Scan
Hoults Yard, Walker Road, Byker, Newcastle upon Tyne NE6 2HL
Newcastle’s first private DEXA scan clinic is opening at Hoults Yard, within walking distance of Pioneer Performance. Using a low-dose X-ray scan, North East Body Scan measures exactly how much of you is fat mass, lean muscle and bone density, broken down region by region, so you can see precisely where fat is stored and where muscle is or isn’t being built.
Whether you’re trying to build muscle, protect bone density, or just get a baseline for your health, it’s a level of insight usually reserved for athletes, right here in the North East.
Seawolf Coffee
21 Station Road, Whitley Bay NE26 2QY
Coffee lovers have another name to add to their ever-growing North East hit list with Seawolf Coffee. Bringing a fresh independent feel to Whitley Bay, think 70s-inspired decor, cool branding and a dog-loving owner who’s made sure four-legged visitors feel just as welcome as the two-legged ones.
Château Nouveau
Arch 9, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1SE
Newcastle’s about to welcome Château Nouveau, a new Wine & Spirit Library bringing a little European-inspired glamour to the city. You’ll be served exceptional wines, fine spirits, tastings, flights and food pairings, all accompanied by good conversation and classical music.
Shaping up to be a genuine destination rather than just another bar, it’s opening soon, with a private guest list open now for anyone wanting to be among the first through the door.
GOODS.
Metrovick House, Northumberland Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8JF
A next-gen wellness destination is landing in Newcastle city centre this late summer, bringing together an all-day kitchen, juice bar, speciality coffee, organic grocer and a proper bakery all under one roof. Open daily from 8am to 8pm, it’s stocking a fabulous line-up of North East independents, including Charlotte’s Butchery, Northern Rye, Ouseburn Coffee Company and Deep North. Private hire, event catering and Deliveroo are all coming soon too.
Sæla Sauna – New Location
Arch 2, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1SE
Sæla Sauna has found a new home in Newcastle, bringing its Scandinavian-style sauna and cold plunge experience to the city centre very soon. The wood-fired sauna seats 10 and comes complete with a private changing area, while the cold plunges offer the perfect excuse to embrace the hot-and-cold wellness trend. It’s a cosy little escape from city life, and one that’s very easy to get slightly obsessed with.
HERD.
Sheepfolds Stables, Easington Street, Monkwearmouth, Sunderland SR5 1BA
The wait is over, table bookings for HERD. are officially open, after an amazing few weeks serving takeaway and racking up fab feedback. Expect smash burgers, loaded fries, indulgent sides and signature shakes, all made fresh and packed with flavour. It’s another strong addition to the ever-evolving Sheepfolds Stables.
Molly Ferry
CONTENT ASSISTANT
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