The owners of Newcastle's popular Hibou Blanc restaurant are set to open a stunning cafe bar on the city's Grey Street.
Work is under way to transform the former Davidson’s jewellers into a new venue called Grey Owl. It will serve coffee and brunch daily and offer an extensive drinks menu featuring cocktails and wine as well as a range of tasty sharing boards and oysters.
Davidson’s, which dated back to 1898, closed its site next to the Theatre Royal three years ago amid tough retail conditions.
The new venue comes from Stevie Pattinson who runs leisure firm Viehard Limited, which owns bar-restaurant Hibou Blanc in the city’s Bigg Market. He hopes the extensive renovation work will be completed in time for Grey Owl to open on Good Friday, April 15 for the Easter Bank Holiday weekend.
READ MORE: Hibou Blanc owners to open second site in Newcastle city centre
"I am really excited about it," Stevie said.
"The beauty of it is going to be watching the world go by. On one side you have the Theatre Royal and the other is Grey Street, the most gorgeous street in Newcastle.
"It's a great place for people watching."
The venue will be open from 8am until 11pm on weekdays with a later opening of 12.30am on weekends.
Stevie continued: "It will have a little bit of something for everybody. From people coming in on their way to work for a coffee and pastry to an evening crowd who want to graze and sit.
"We will offer a simple approach to food but the quality will be high.
"We're also going to have a nice outdoor seating area on Grey Street, which should be a nice place for people to stop and have cocktails or wine as well as beer.
"It is going to be the best bar on Grey Street!"
Around 20 jobs are on offer ahead of opening as the venue looks to take on floor and kitchen staff. Anyone interested in applying should email: info@grey-owl.co.uk
