- Play Hard
- 28th Oct 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.
Clove
49 Bridge Street, Berwick-upon-Tweed TD15 1ES
A stunning new independent has opened on Berwick’s Bridge Street. Clove is a distinctive little shop packed with home interiors, accessories and vintage wares, with Moroccan-inspired ceramics, decorative treasures and even a touch of taxidermy adding an eclectic edge. Open Wednesday to Saturday, 11am to 5pm, it’s well worth a browse next time you’re up the coast.
Varo Lounge
Unit 3, Keel Square, Sunderland SR1 3DZ
The Lounge café-bar group has landed in Sunderland with Varo, a laid-back, all-day neighbourhood spot, and it’s open now. Serving food and drinks from morning till night, it’s your new home-from-home, with a menu that caters for all tastes (gluten-free and vegan options included), board games, and even treats for four-legged friends. Walk in, get comfy and stay a while.
Woodland Wellness Studio
South Causey Inn, Beamish Burn Road, Stanley, County Durham DH9 0LS
South Causey Inn has added a brand-new wellness studio to its ever-growing estate. Available for private hire, it’s a versatile, fully heated space with a built-in music system, designed for fitness instructors and wellness professionals to host their own yoga, Pilates, meditation or workshop sessions. Hire starts at £50 an hour, with optional equipment and spa or dining add-ons, a lovely spot to build your own wellbeing offering in the countryside.
Plaza
Palace Buildings, Grand Parade, Tynemouth NE30 4JH
A brand-new bar, kitchen and garden is coming to the Palace Buildings on Grand Parade, overlooking Tynemouth’s beautiful Longsands beach. Taking its name and inspiration from the iconic Tynemouth Plaza, a name woven into the coast’s history, it promises drinks, cocktails and a brand-new style of menu, with laid-back evenings looking out over the North Sea. A familiar name with a fresh new chapter, opening this November.
BADGE
Dalton Park Outlet & Outdoors, Murton, County Durham SR7 9HU
Hartlepool-founded independent retailer BADGE has opened at Dalton Park, bringing its sought-after edit of premium designer menswear (plus a selection of womenswear and kidswear) to the outlet destination. Expect names like Stone Island, C.P. Company, BOSS, Armani, Lacoste, Sandbanks and Moose Knuckles, all at outlet prices, with up to 30% off all year round. A brilliant one for treating yourself, or gifting the style-conscious men in your life this Christmas.
Frostique Wellness
15 Forth Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3NZ
Newcastle’s newest wellness café has opened under the arches on Forth Street. Frostique is a luxury wellness café serving speciality coffee, matcha and its signature Frost Cloud, alongside açaí bowls, protein shakes and feel-good bites – think your new post-run ritual, or a catch-up spot that doesn’t compromise on taste or glow. Open Monday to Saturday.
Cheat Daze
7 Forth Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3NZ
Dessert fans, rejoice: cult brand Cheat Daze has landed in Newcastle. It opened its doors this October and has been serving up its signature Waffle Balls, Matilda Cake, San Sebastián cheesecake and all its indulgent favourites ever since. Open until 2 am daily, it’s the perfect way to satisfy those late night sweet cravings.
Christmas at Grey Street
2-12, Grey Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 6AE
The former Leila Lily’s on Grey Street is being transformed into Christmas at Grey Street, a lavish green-and-gold festive cocktail bar open for the festive period from 12th November. Expect two experiences, a main bar and a Christmas movie room (with free popcorn), plus cocktails inspired by beloved Christmas films, from a Love Actually strawberry martini to a Home Alone ‘Filthy Marg’.
Restaurant Biedronka
South Causey Inn, Beamish Burn Road, Stanley, County Durham DH9 0LS
Fine dining has arrived at South Causey Inn with the opening of Restaurant Biedronka. Chef Marek, who helped earn and maintain a Michelin star at Restaurant Hjem, blends the finest seasonal British produce with the flavours of his Polish heritage, creating thoughtful, contemporary dishes in a warm countryside setting. It’s a destination dinner worth the drive.
ZaNapoli
Monkseaton, Whitley Bay NE25
After winning fans in Low Fell, Neapolitan pizza favourite ZaNapoli is opening its second site in Monkseaton. Expect the same proper Neapolitan pizza alongside panuzzo, small plates, coffee, cannoli and pastries. Open from morning coffee right through to evening pizza. Same pizza, new neighbourhood.
Books From Below
Unit 3, rear of 37 Blandford Square, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4HZ
A new radical bookshop and café has arrived in Newcastle. Books From Below stocks new and second-hand books, zines, pamphlets and printed goods, alongside coffee, teas, pastries and sweet treats. A warm, community-minded spot for a browse and a brew.
Be That Girl
The Crescent, Upper Green Mall, Metrocentre, Gateshead NE11 9YG
The Crescent’s newest arrival is a children’s mini spa from the team behind Gateshead’s popular Blossom Mini Day Spa & Pamper Parties. Aimed at young children through to tweens, it offers mini manis and pedis, DIY facials, hair styling, a gems and glitter bar and custom lip oils in a range of shades and flavours. Spa day packages for up to six are available too, with walk-ins welcome.
(nude)
Yarm, Stockton-on-Tees TS15
A new lifestyle and wellness spot is coming to Yarm this autumn. It’s built around ‘eat, drink, wellness and lifestyle’, open every day. Full details are still under wraps, but it’s one to keep an eye on for the Tees Valley crowd.
Reset Wellness Club
12 Market Place, Bedlington NE22 5TN
Founded by professional footballers Kyle Cameron and Macaulay Gillesphey, Reset Wellness Club is billed as the first of its kind in the North, a calm, contemporary space built around movement, recovery and community rather than just fitness. You can expect contrast therapy, a heat and ice immersion combination, a stunning studio for mat and reformer Pilates, yoga and guided breathwork. Afterwards, relax in the lounge; it’s made for refuelling on coffee and a wide range of healthy snacks.
Greek on the Beach
56–58 South Parade, Whitley Bay NE26 2RQ
A little taste of Greece has arrived on the North East coast. A new Greek restaurant and bar in Whitley Bay, open since Monday 26th October, made for long lunches and shared plates right by the North Sea. Expect generous Greek cooking and bright Mediterranean flavours, from mezze, souvlaki and mixed grills to fresh seafood, plus coastal cocktails at the bar. Everything’s designed to land in the middle of the table and be enjoyed together.
Molly Ferry
CONTENT ASSISTANT
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