- Play Hard
- 28th Oct 2026
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Metrocentre’s independent shops we’re loving this autumn
- Advertisement Feature
Metrocentre’s independent shops are giving us a brand-new reason to head to Gateshead this autumn.
It’s been great to see new local faces popping up across the mall, from a crystal-filled, witchy hideaway to a trading card store, sitting right alongside the big names you already know.
A GAZILLION REASONS TO VISIT
With around 270 shops, restaurants, and leisure attractions, there are plenty of reasons to visit Metrocentre, and this year it’s celebrating its 40th birthday. Here’s where to spend your time (and your pennies) as the nights draw in, half-term kicks off, and Christmas lists start to grow.
THE CRESCENT IS METROCENTRE’S 40TH BIRTHDAY GIFT TO INDIES
Launched this summer, as part of Metrocentre’s 40th anniversary year, The Crescent is a hub for independents in Upper Green Mall, where The Forum used to be. Think Victorian-inspired shopfronts, hand-painted signage, and tree-like columns, with a calmer, market-town pace that’s made for browsing. It’s home to five new arrivals.
BE THAT GIRL
The Crescent, Upper Green Mall
The Crescent’s newest arrival is a children’s mini spa from the team behind Gateshead’s popular Blossom Mini Day Spa. For young children and tweens, Be That Girl 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, and walk-ins are welcome too.
CAFÉ FILTO
The Crescent, Upper Green Mall
Right at the heart of The Crescent, Café Filto works just as well for a solo laptop session as a catch-up with friends. Students get 10% off with a valid student ID.
AQUA TCG
The Crescent, Upper Green Mall
Gateshead-born Aqua TCG opened its first-ever store here in July, after building a loyal following at regional card shows. Expect Pokémon alongside One Piece Card Game, Disney Lorcana, and Riftbound, plus graded collectables, sealed products, and accessories.
WEBSTER & CARR
The Crescent, Upper Green Mall
This award-winning barbershop, co-founded by barber Darren Carr and curl-obsessed Kirsty Park, chose The Crescent for its second location after an 18-month search. Alongside cuts, shaves, and styling, there’s a shelf of niche fragrance houses to help you find a new signature scent.
THATYPE BOUTIQUE
The Crescent, Upper Green Mall
Thatype has moved here from Newcastle city centre, bringing everyday pieces in 925 sterling silver and 18k gold plate that won’t break the bank. Every order comes in complimentary gift packaging, so it’s a handy early stop for Christmas presents.
THE VILLAGE IS WHERE INDIES FEEL AT HOME
Just along in Upper Blue Mall, The Village has long been a favourite with independents, and its newest residents are well worth a wander.
LIFE’S A WITCH
The Village, Upper Blue Mall
Spooky season’s here, and this family-run shop, opened by Scott and his mum Annette, is the place to lean into it. Crystals, herbs, spell kits, and altar tools line the shelves, and you can even book a psychic reading while you’re there.
DEMANDED STREETWEAR
The Village, Upper Blue Mall
When that North East wind starts to bite, this homegrown store has you covered, with limited edition trainers, clothing, and coats. Canada Goose gilets and jackets are stealing the show right now.
BONI ITALIAN COFFEE & BAKERY
The Village, Upper Blue Mall
Boni brings a slice of Italy to the mall, with delicate pastries, authentic Italian pizza, and a morning cappuccino to get you going.
PETIT DELICE
The Village, Upper Blue Mall
Fancy France instead? Petit Delice serves up continental snacks and delicacies you won’t find anywhere else in the centre.
SPRINKLE STUDIO
The Village, Upper Blue Mall
Decorate your own bento cake with buttercream, fondant, and sprinkles, no experience needed. Bringing the crew? Use GROUP5 for 5% off bookings for groups of four or five.
40 YEARS ON, MEET METROCENTRE’S LONGEST RESIDENTS
While new faces keep arriving, some independents have been part of the furniture for decades. At this year’s 40th Anniversary Retailer Awards, Metrocentre honoured the retailers who’ve traded across its four decades, and these three local favourites were among them.
COLLECTABLES
Lower Blue Mall
Collectables is your go-to for home fragrance and gorgeous gift ideas, while sister store Cello in Upper Blue Mall adds unique gifts and candles. It’s the perfect place to stock up on cosy scents for those darker evenings.
PARIS DRESS HOUSE
Upper Red Mall
This family-run, award-winning boutique specialises in prom, bridal, and glamorous eveningwear, with one-to-one consultations to help you find the one. Party season outfit? Consider it handled.
SWEETS GALORE
Lower Blue Mall and Yellow Mall
Family-owned Sweets Galore has been trading at Metrocentre since it opened, with more than 160 pick-and-mix sweets, traditional favourites, and a huge range of American candy. Halloween treats, sorted.
MORE LOCAL GEMS ACROSS THE CENTRE
ROWEN HOMES
Upper Platinum Mall
This North East homeware brand is all about neutral, glam furniture, hotel-style headboards, and plump cushions, with personal shoppers and interior workshops on hand. Until Monday 2nd November, there’s 10% off lighting in-store.
AURA BEAUTY
Upper Blue Mall
Brows need a tidy before the festive photos start? This tan and beauty bar specialises in eyebrow threading, with experienced therapists who tailor every treatment to you.
BROWS & NAILS
Upper Red Mall
The menu here covers brow shaping, tinting, and lamination, lash lifts and extensions, plus acrylics and custom nail designs. Rich autumn shades, anyone?
DOC BLACK INK
Upper Yellow Mall
Metrocentre’s first and only tattoo studio has been here since 2011, offering tattoos, piercings, semi-permanent makeup, and laser tattoo removal in a wheelchair-accessible space, with free quotes on new designs.
HIIGRIND
Inside Flannels
Opened this summer, HiiGRIND puts wellness first, pairing speciality coffee with açaí bowls, Greek yoghurt bowls, protein shakes, avocado smash, and locally sourced bakes.
STREET TASTE CO
Lower Yellow Mall
Street Taste Co mixes things up with 100% fresh juices, handmade ice cream, and Indian street food and desserts.
ACROPOLIS
Upper Blue Mall
Acropolis serves authentic Greek flavours for the whole family. From Monday 26th October to Sunday 1st November, children aged eight and under eat for £1 with a paying adult, tucking into three homemade chicken nuggets and a small portion of fries.
THE ESCAPOLOGIST
Lower Yellow Mall
Rainy half-term afternoon? These immersive escape rooms whisk you from mad hatters and bank heists to outer space. Afterwards, sip a theatrical cocktail in the Victorian-style bar or try interactive darts that send action replays to your phone. First and last bookings of the day are at off-peak rates, even in the school holidays.
TREETOP GOLF
The Qube, Yellow Mall
Take on two indoor 18-hole mini golf courses, the temple-strewn Ancient Explorer and the vine-tangled Tropical Trail, then sink the bonus 19th hole for a chance to win a free game. Quieter sessions run from 9am to 10am on the second Saturday of every month.
THE BACK PAGE
The Village, Upper Blue Mall
A must for sports fans, The Back Page specialises in football and sport memorabilia and souvenirs, alongside a big range of North East gifts and books. A great shout for a Geordie present with a bit of local pride.
Here’s to the next 40 years.
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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