A closed Italian bistro in Jesmond is set to be replaced by a “fantastic” new restaurant – after operators moved to dismiss neighbours’ fears that it could be turned into a nightclub.
Sale Pepe closed down earlier this year, unable to survive the devastating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. But the St George's Terrace site is due to be transformed into Lovage – and the new restaurant comes with an award-winning pedigree.
City councillors were told on Thursday that Lovage would be a sister company to the team which runs the Blackbird in Ponteland, recently named as the best pub in the North East, and the acclaimed Northumberland Arms in Felton. Bosses also addressed fears from a handful of residents that the building could be turned into a rowdy club-style venue that would cause nuisance to neighbouring families.
