A thriving Newcastle bar and restaurant has urged councillors to let it open a new sister venue, after a rival sought to derail the plans.
Horticulture, which has become a hugely popular addition to the city centre’s food and drink scene since opening in 2019, is bidding to expand from its Market Lane home after taking over the former Don Vito’s site next door. The closed-down Italian is set to be transformed into Pepo, a trendy drinks lounge and eatery offering high-end cocktails and sumptuous sharing platters.
But, after the move sparked objections from neighbouring bar Alvinos, Horticulture bosses defended their plans in front of city decision-makers this week. At a hearing of Newcastle City Council’s licensing sub-committee on Tuesday to determine whether to grant a licence for Horticulture’s expansion, councillors were told that Pepo would have the same “modern, clean design” but would be its own brand boasting a separate food and drink menu.
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