The announcement of the NE1 Newcastle Restaurant Week is one of the few things guaranteed to bring cheer to January - for those who have not made dieting a new year resolution that is - and extra good news this year is that 2023's first event is expected to be a record-breaker with 116 venues already signed up.
The opportunity to enjoy cut-price meals at a huge range of city restaurants comes twice a year and regulars are usually quick off the mark to make a booking, or several, as soon as the dates are revealed. NE1 Ltd, the business development district company which organises Restaurant Week, launched the event in 2011 with the idea of helping to boost the restaurant industry at traditional quiet times of the year.
Those one-quiet spells, in January and August, have now become two of the busiest weeks for the particpating restaurants, now numbering more than 100 compared to just 13 which took part at the debut event. And this year, NE1 is adding even more to the menu.
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It announced this Wednesday that the first Restaurant Week of 2023 will run from January 16-22 and among the newcomers will be Newcastle United Football Club making its debut at St James’ Park with a special menu in a pitch-view room. Other additions include Chart House on the Quayside; Pepo on Pilgrim Street and Thali Tray in its new home at Bealim House, Gallowgate.
Despite the cost of living crisis and the expense of the Christmas season, the week is set to prove as popular as ever with people keen to have something to look forward to as they return to work from their festive break and sink into the usual January blues.
When Restaurant Week was cancelled for two years due to the pandemic, its fans were delighted to see it back in 2021 and the venues involved were just as keen to have an opportunity to reclaim lost ground. This year, restaurants - similarly struggling because of the cost of living crisis - will be eager to welcome customers and build the momentum following the festive season.
For foodies, the week offers a chance to sample a range of cuisine at cheaper prices, with offers usually aimed at a pick of courses for £10, £15 or £20 a head. For many it can be an opportunity to try a restaurant they could not normally afford or take a chance to visit somewhere new.
With the Newcastle restaurant scene changing so regularly, each Restaurant Week tends to see new eatieres taking part, with last January's newcomers including Gino D’Acampo, The Hard Rock Cafe, Khai Khai, Café Andaluz and Twenty Twenty. In August the likes of Hugo Brasserie, The Grey Owl, Victors and more followed suit.
For other restaurants, it's become a traditional part of their calendar, such as for Blackfriars which has been involved in the event every year since its inception. Another regular, chef and restaurateur Terry Laybourne of 21 Hospitality Group, said: “January is the perfect time to forget the hangover festive blues and celebrate the great food and wines offered by the best of Newcastle’s restaurants.
“Today’s Newcastle Restaurant Week bears little resemblance to the original event which began when we were among only 13 restaurant operators. It has expanded beyond all recognition to reflect the quality and diversity of venues and cooking on offer around the city.
“At a time when money might be tight it’s the perfect time to sample some great deals at some of the city’s best and most buzzy restaurants.”
Rachel Barlow, marketing and events manager at NE1 Ltd, said the team is delighted at the "exciting newcomers" joining the anchor restaurants which have helped shape the event over the past 12 years and added: "We urge people to book their favourites early and use this as the perfect opportunity to try somewhere new." See here to book.
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