Restaurants across the city centre are being invited to book up now with NE1 for a chance to share in the success of its next money-spinning event.
The NE1 Newcastle Restaurant Week in January proved the biggest success in the event's 12-year history with more venues than ever taking part. And their range of special menus and cut-price deals were enjoyed by more diners than ever, with the result that the first of Restaurant Week's twice-yearly outings generated a whopping boost for business of more than £1m.
And, with plans already in place for its return in August, now could be a good time for first-timers to get on board. Restaurants who have not signed up before to the event can register their interest with NE1 to make sure that they don't miss out on an opportunity to boost their coffers.
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The business improvement district company revealed that January's week of restaurant deals altogether generated £1,008,955 in revenue, compared with £885,694 in the previous event, last August. That adds up a total of £2.5m being made for city centre restaurants since NE1 Newcastle Restaurant Week made its post-Covid return in January 2022.
First established in 2011, having been inspired by a similar idea in New York, the week has proved hugely important to the local dining scene, especially so during its recovery from the recent effects of the pandemic lockdown. The January 16-22 event involved 119 restaurants spanning the city and offering a pick of £10, £15 or £20 deals on a diverse range of cuisine so that the 58,146 diners who attended - compared to 53,128 last August - were spoiled for choice.
And the hope is that this August's Restaurant Week will be even bigger, with yet more restaurants and more diners keen to make the most of its seven-day run.
Ben Whitfield, director of communications at NE1 Ltd, said: “We are delighted that January has smashed all previous records, and that we have surpassed the £1m mark. This is a huge milestone for the event and a reflection of its popularity across the region.
"Even when times are tight, people want to enjoy experiences and Restaurant Week delivers each time. Roll on August when people will again be able to enjoy what is now a key date in Newcastle’s event calendar.”
He said that Newcastle’s hospitality sector is now one of the most vibrant in the UK, with more independent restaurants per person than in any other city outside of London. He recalled: "Back in 2011, we looked internationally for inspiration on how to support the industry at traditionally quiet times of the year and Newcastle Restaurant Week was born."
Those two weeks have now become the most profitable, with many restaurant staff also benefitting from extra hours, and the knock-on effect is that local bars, taxis and other transport companies enjoy a boost too. Over the years other cities across the UK have also been inspired to launch similar events, following Newcastle's lead.
Ben added: "The event shines the spotlight on the industry and creates a real buzz in the city for two weeks of the year and there is a genuine hunger for the event as can be seen from the statistics." Andy Hook from Hooked On Group, owner of Blackfriars and Dobson & Parnell, is one of those who has been involved with Restaurant Week from the very start, when there were just 13 venues involved.
‘We joined in 2011 so to be part of this journey and see it generate more than £1m in revenue for the restaurants of this great city is a testament to the stunning progress of the event," he said. "It’s always a great time for us to give a little back, and get bums on seats, so I’m delighted it’s working so well for both restaurateurs and the dining public. We can’t wait to see how far it can go."
Another city restaurant, Missy Milieu, took part in Restaurant Week for the first time in January, being relatively new, and its director Matthew Settle said of the experience: "We were fully booked which helped us establish ourselves quickly on the scene, during what are extremely difficult trading times." He called it an "absolute pleasure" and an "amazing opportunity" to be involved, adding: "We’re already looking forward to taking part in August’s event and welcoming back the new customers we attracted.”
The August edition will fit into NE1's packed programme of Summer in the City events which will see the return of other firm favourites including the Screen on the Green free film programme in Old Eldon Square which last year entertained more than 30,000 people over a six-week run of movies and sport, including Wimbledon, plus the addition of outdoor children's attraction Play Rebellion. For upcoming news about the next Restaurant Week keep an eye out on NE1's site here.
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