Newcastle recently elevated its vibrant culinary landscape with an unprecedented event: the first-ever pop-up kitchen on Grainger Street, heralding the commencement of NE1 Newcastle Restaurant Week. This innovative initiative brought the dynamic energy and diverse flavors of the city’s thriving dining scene Newcastle directly to the public, offering a spectacular preview of what promises to be a gastronomic highlight.
Dubbed NE1 Newcastle Restaurant Week Live, this live culinary show, a collaborative effort between NE1 and Tyne and Wear Metro, transformed a bustling city street into an interactive food and entertainment hub. Designed to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the much-loved annual event, it served as a unique street food experience, allowing passersby to engage with top chefs and sample exquisite dishes in an open-air setting.
Ahead of the official Newcastle Restaurant Week which ran from Monday, August 4th to the 10th, the Thursday preview event captivated audiences with its array of tantalizing offerings. Featuring 120 participating venues, the upcoming Restaurant Week is set to showcase a diverse mix of long-standing favorites and newer culinary establishments, truly reflecting the city’s eclectic food scene.
The live demonstrations featured five of Newcastle’s finest restaurants: 21, Dakwala, Sachins, Sushi Me Rollin’, and Gaucho. These renowned establishments provided enthralling chef demonstrations, presenting their signature dishes prepared expertly in front of an eager audience, from traditional French desserts with a modern twist to vibrant Indian cuisine and succulent steaks.
Master Chef semi-finalist and North East celebrity chef, Anthony O’Shaughnessy, expertly compered the lively event. His role as host saw him engaging with the chefs, delving into their signature menus and offering attendees insights into what to expect from various venues during the main NE1 Newcastle Restaurant Week. His interactive approach ensured a dynamic and informative atmosphere.
Rachel Fenwick, Head of Marketing and Events at NE1, underscored the organization’s aim to broaden the appeal of the event, stating, “Everyone loves NE1 Newcastle Restaurant Week, and we wanted even more people to get a taste of what makes it so special by bringing it out into the city’s streets.” She emphasized the event’s role in celebrating Newcastle’s vibrant food scene and highlighting discounted dining opportunities available during the week itself, making it one of the premier UK food events.
Terry Laybourne, chef and restaurateur of 21 Hospitality Group and co-creator of the original Newcastle Restaurant Week concept, lauded the new dimension added by the live event. He noted that taking chefs out onto the streets created a fresh, interactive element, engaging the public in an exciting new way and celebrating the city’s rich culinary talent, further solidifying the dining scene Newcastle as a major attraction.
Among the talented individuals showcasing their skills was Megan Armstrong from 21 Hospitality, recently crowned Young Pastry Chef of the Year. Her live demonstration of a chocolate and hazelnut choux bun dessert captivated audiences, with Megan expressing her excitement for Restaurant Week and the opportunity to share knowledge and attract new clientele to the city’s acclaimed establishments through these engaging chef demonstrations.
As the full Restaurant Week commenced, the pop-up kitchen successfully ignited public enthusiasm, encouraging residents and visitors alike to explore the city’s diverse culinary offerings. The interactive prelude effectively set the stage for a week of delicious discoveries and highlighted Newcastle’s growing reputation as a destination for food enthusiasts, promising an unforgettable gastronomic journey for all.
Leave a Reply