A partnership between Fenwick and Sage Gateshead will see music and food combine in a new series of events offering the likes of classical afternoon teas or jazzed-up evening feasts.
Customers will be able to enjoy scones and cakes against a backdrop of music played by a string quartet or a three-course meal with a serving of soul thanks to the collaboration between the two North East institutions. The Newcastle store will be hosting the events in its restaurant and music club Arthur's, in a bid to support the artist development programme running at the music hall across the Tyne.
And that means local talents - ranging from up-and-coming singers to Sage 's in-house orchestra Royal Northern Sinfonia - will be given a unique platform and a whole new audience at the store. Fenwick opened Arthur's Restaurant and Music Club in May, as part of celebrations to mark its 140-year anniversary, and since then it has expanded its offering to include drag cabaret nights this August in partnership with Northern Pride.
Read more: See inside Fenwick's new restaurant and music club
Now its new collaboration will see it focus upon a music programme that will run throughout September and Leo Fenwick, head of brand and community at Fenwick, said the company is "incredibly proud" to be partnering with Sage.
"Music is a common thread which brings communities together and working alongside Sage Gateshead we will shine a spotlight on the cultural talent of the North East," he said. Abigail Pogson, managing director at the music venue, is similarly delighted about the boost the collaboration will bring for local artists.
She said: "Fenwick and Sage Gateshead both have a longstanding commitment to supporting opportunities for people from the North East and this new project reflects our commitment to emerging as well as established artists.” The programme will launch with Arthur's Afternoon Teas on September 3, 10 and 17 which will be served against a background of music performances ranging from a Royal Northern Sinfonia string quartet to 'neo-soul' singer Georgia May and hip hop-influenced jazz band Major Ruse.
There will follow Arthur's Evening sessions, with tickets costintg £34 for a three-course meal and entertainment. The first on September 23 will feature Brazilian-born artist Nadedja and then a second set by the pioneering LYRAS who merge vocals and a sonic backdrop to create a mix of soul-pop, jazz and contemporary R&B sounds. On September 24, the first act will see Sunderland singer-songwriter Faye Fantarrow - winner of the 2021 Alan Hull prize- deliver her own soul-infused set. And up-and-coming Newcastle jazz quartet Knats will round off the evening.
Food-wise, guests can expect twice-baked cheese and spinach souffle, followed by a choice of confit duck or wild mushroom risotto, then chocolate tart with pistachio ice cream for dessert. Cooks from the Fenwick chef's academy will introduce each dish at the table.
To Book Arthur’s Afternoon Teas, which cost £25 or £32.50 to include fizz, see here and for the Arthur's Evening events book here. In addition Fenwick will be hosting a £50 Sounds of the Summer event on August 26 and 27 when electric string duo Violetta Duo - who have performed with top acts such as Beyoncé, Ariana Grande and Pink and have featured on albums by Adele and Noel Gallagher - will provide the entertainment at a three-course meal. For the menu, which will include a cocktail on arrival and a wine-pairing with the main course, see here.
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