Hungry Geordies have given a £1.5m boost to Newcastle businesses by eating out during NE1's Restaurant Week this year.
NE1, the city centre's business improvement district, said the two events held in January and August have been a record-breaking success - with 100,000 diners taking advantage of the popular discount scheme. Held twice a year, the week gives people the chance to try top restaurants for a fraction of the usual price and helps venues reach a wider customer base.
August's Restaurant Week is said to have been the biggest yet, with 113 restaurants taking part. Kafeneon in the city's Bigg Market was among them with owner Daniel Stamatelopoulos delighted to welcome hundreds of new customers through the doors.
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"August was our biggest and most successful Restaurant Week ever, " Daniel said.
"We enjoyed welcoming hundreds of new customers and many of our trusted regulars into the restaurant to enjoy our delicious Greek menu. The timing of the event couldn’t have been better as we prepare to expand the business and its capacity with the addition of our newly renovated first floor.
"We are proud to take part in NE1’s Newcastle Restaurant Week and are ardent supporters of the event and all NE1’s events and activities across the year.”
Ben Whitfield, director of communications at NE1, said the public's support for the event has given the city a "significant economic boost" during what can be difficult trading times in the year for businesses.
“NE1’s Restaurant Week is a fabulous event that continues to grow in popularity and stature and has become a firm fixture in Newcastle’s events calendar," he said.
"Even without the final tallies, we have beaten all previous records for number of diners and income generated. Businesses across the city have seen a huge £1.5m boost over two weeks of the year which is a major achievement and a massive return on investment.
“NE1’s Newcastle Restaurant Week provides a significant economic boost for businesses at crucial times of the year, especially this year as businesses work hard to continue their bounce back from the pandemic. With the public’s enthusiasm for Restaurant Week clear to see we can’t wait for the next event!"
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