Newcastle has come a long way since its coal mining and ship building days, and more recent reputation as a hen and stag do destination.
With its renowned university and an increasing number of premium bars and restaurants, this friendly city is a growing and exciting hospitality hub.
Born and bred Newcastle lad Alex MacPherson is head sommelier at Jesmond Dene House, a boutique hotel and restaurant just outside the city centre. He believes that Newcastle is opening up, with a growing and well-off student population. 鈥淭here鈥檚 a lot of money coming in, which has led to more good-quality restaurants opening,鈥� he says.
Pleased To Meet You is a Crafted Projects site in the heart of Newcastle, with a focus on wine, gin and craft beer. Manager Tom Proud explains that Newcastle鈥檚 fine dining and drinking sector has improved dramatically over the last five years. 鈥淲e鈥檝e gone from having very few good bars, to now having a huge choice for food and drinks,鈥� he says.
Owner of Crafted Projects Barry Ladhar believes that there鈥檚 now something for everyone in the city. 鈥淒rinking out and eating out eating out habits in Newcastle are changing: people tend to go out more and they鈥檙e spending more money,鈥� he says.
Spanish bar and restaurant chain, Tapas Revolution, opened its latest site in Newcastle鈥檚 Eldon Square shopping centre. Managing director of the group, Mac Plumpton, explains, 鈥淭his is our sixth site 鈥� it took a while to find the right place, but we are excited to be in Newcastle. This is our biggest square footage yet and is also our first site with a dedicated bar.鈥�
While many consumers tend to stick to old favourite drinks, Tom explains that some are more open to suggestions. 鈥淚t鈥檚 great if you can upsell on a wine and the customer loves it 鈥� it鈥檚 about the story and the drink, creating a memorable occasion.鈥�
Premium wine seems to be slowly growing in popularity. Alex says, 鈥淎t Jesmond Dene House, the Spy Valley Sauvignon Blanc sells itself. But we also like to offer customers something a bit different 鈥� the Bodega Garzon Tannat from Uruguay is a winner, especially with our venison dish, while the new Chateau Changyu Moser XV from China is proving very popular by the glass.
鈥淪herry has also become more fashionable, especially during our afternoon tea. Visitors are more willing to try new things and take advice from us, and we offer a lot of interesting wines by the glass and carafe,鈥� he says.
House of Tides has become a Newcastle institution in just three short years. The first in the city to receive a Michelin star, Kenny Atkinson really wanted to put his city on the map. Restaurant manager Laura Stephenson has been involved since the beginning and explains that while they had to play it safe at the start, they now have more freedom to do something interesting, to exceed expectations.
Sommelier Adam Renwick believes that having places like this has made an impact on the city鈥檚 development, with more restaurants now putting an emphasis on fine food and drinks.
Laura explains that they offer a good range by the glass 鈥� 鈥渆ven the entry-level wine is great. We don鈥檛 have Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio by the glass and it comes down to the staff to be able to suggest an alternative. Training is so important. The more training and knowledge you have, the easier it is to sell.鈥�
Although evolving, Newcastle doesn鈥檛 have a very strong wine culture yet and for Alex it is important to educate guests on things like wine serving temperature. 鈥淚 hear at least once a day: 鈥榯his Chardonnay is too warm鈥�, or 鈥榯hat red is too cold鈥�. But customers鈥� knowledge is improving and we can help by having trained staff to spread the message further.鈥�
With more and more restaurant and bar openings across this expanding city, competition is getting tougher. Tom says, 鈥満诹贤� was there when we started 鈥� the team helped us pick wines for the different sites and provided training for everyone. They鈥檙e great at sorting out any problems; it鈥檚 the small things that make a massive difference.鈥�
With a rich history and culture, and beautiful landmarks and coastline, Newcastle is an all-round destination. 鈥淚t鈥檚 an exciting city that is growing rapidly. The people are the friendliest you are going to meet in the UK,鈥� Alex says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 got great bars, great people 鈥� what鈥檚 not to love?鈥�
For Barry, it鈥檚 about offering something for everyone 鈥� 鈥淣ewcastle has a great, compact city centre that offers many different things. You can get any night out that you are looking for. It鈥檚 an exciting place to be!鈥�