SIX Rooftop has launched a new Taste of SIX plant-based seasonal tasting menu packed with vibrant, plant-powered dishes. The restaurant, at the top of the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, introduced an entirely plant-based menu to its diners through a series of masterclasses and tasting evenings in 2019. The response to these was overwhelming, with more than 100 guests attending the later events. As interest continued to grow, the team decided to offer a permanent plant-based menu, which was launched ..read more

Rockliffe Hall has had its first planning application approved for a purpose-built pavilion that will house a flagship restaurant led by the resort’s culinary director James Close – former chef-patron of the two Michelin-starred Raby Hunt. The new restaurant is part of a renovation project which will see Rockliffe become a world-class, gastronomy-focused destination. The project also includes a second planning application to restore the hotel’s Grade II-listed Old Hall. The proposed 584sqm pavilion will offer a sophisticated, modern space ..read more

NE1 Newcastle Restaurant Week will return January 13-19, offering diners the chance to eat at more than 100 of the city’s best restaurants for £15, £20 or £25 per person. Last year’s two NE1 Restaurant Weeks, which took place in January and August, generated more than £2.2million for participating restaurants and delivered boosts to the hospitality sector during traditionally quiet periods. Some of the city’s newest venues were among the first to sign up for the first restaurant week of ..read more

Celebrity chef and Hairy Biker Si King has opened his first grab and go restaurant – PROPA! – in Sheepfolds Stables in Sunderland. The new venture offers a broad menu of British comfort food with a gourmet twist, which positively reflects and promotes the food culture of the region. Only a few minutes’ walk from Sunderland AFC’s Stadium of Light, the restaurant will also deliver on the footballing tradition of having a pie and pint on matchdays. “I’m absolutely thrilled ..read more

Twenty-year-old Benjamin Wood, head waiter at Michelin-starred Hjem in Northumberland, has been named in CODE Hospitality’s 30 Under 30 class of 2024/25. The annual 30 Under 30 list shines a light on the next generation of hospitality talent and showcases what can be achieved in the sector before you turn 30. Now in its ninth year, the list highlights the range of opportunities and career paths available in hospitality – from head chefs to sommeliers and bakers to entrepreneurs. Previous ..read more

Brocksbushes Farm Shop has officially opened its new function room. Following successful events over the festive period, the space is now available to hire for private events. Part of the exciting development of the farm shop set in the stunning Northumberland countryside, the versatile space offers the perfect setting for a wide variety of gatherings – from baby showers and birthday parties to corporate meetings and presentations – and can accommodate up to 60 guests. The Brocksbushes team also offers ..read more

Sunderland’s growing food and drink sector makes the biggest contribution to the city’s retail economy, according to new research. The positive impact that the café, bar and restaurant scene is making – accounting for more than 33% of retail sales – was unveiled at an event where representatives from city businesses were told about the impact regeneration was having on Sunderland. Organised by Sunderland BID, the Sunderland Reimagined – The Impact of Regeneration event was attended by around 50 businesses ..read more

Two independent North East restaurants have taken second and third place in the new Harden’s Top 100 Best UK Restaurants diners’ poll. Pine in East Wallhouses is second in the list – rising from 47th in 2023 – while Hjem in Wall is in third place. Pine’s Cal Byerley said: “Myself, Sian, Ian and Vanessa are thrilled with the news of such a high rating from Harden’s. It’s crazy to think how far our nine-table restaurant in an old barn ..read more

Newcastle-based brewery Donzoko has launched the UK’s first core-range nitro dark lager – combining elements of an Irish nitro stout alongside the traditional lager brewing the team is known for. “I’m super excited to finally release Donnie’s, a project I’ve been working on, dialling in and tweaking, for months now on our beautiful Austrian copper brewing system,” said Donzoko owner/brewer Reece Hugill. “The beer we’ve created is unique, proudly independent and absolutely delicious. It offers the cold, crisp characteristics associated ..read more

Sunderland’s Sheepfolds Stables is set to host its first Craft Beer Festival on December 13-14. The free event, starting at noon each day, will bring together craft beers from the likes of McColl’s, Northern Monk, Tooth & Claw, Vaux, Full Circle, Play Brew Co and Theakstons – as well as other smaller, independent brewers. A variety of stalls and mobile units will be serving beers outside in the courtyard areas – and The Taproom and Back of the Pit bars ..read more