What's New in NewcastleGateshead
There is always something new to do, whether you want to eat, drink, shop or expand your mind. Here are a few of NewcastleGateshead’s latest developments.Playhouse Whitley Bay
Marine Avenue, Whitley Bay
0844 277 2771 www.playhousewhitleybay.co.uk
The Playhouse has been a feature of Whitley Bay since the early 1920s. It closed in August 2007 for an £8million refurbishment to modernise the magnificent building. The 640-seat Playhouse has now re-opened with a sterling line up of performances including professional West End productions, children's shows and top-class drama. Visit the website for upcoming shows and book your tickets before they sell out!
Nearest Metro: Whitley Bay
Cluny 2
34 Lime Street, Ouseburn, Newcastle
0191 230 4474 / 4475 www.headofsteam.co.uk
This new 160-capacity, theatre-style venue has risen from the ashes of the former Round Theatre and is now operated by The Head Of Steam and The Cluny. The Cluny 2's programme will be eclectic to say the least, with live music, theatre runs, regular comedy nights, and one-off events. The venue also features a continental-style café bar, open every weekday from 5pm and all day on Saturdays and Sundays.
Nearest Metro: Byker/Manors
Quaylink Bus: Q1 Gateshead
Gateshead Old Town Hall
West Street, Gateshead
0191 433 6965 www.gateshead.gov.uk
A beautiful and historic building, Gateshead Old Town Hall has opened its doors as a new and exciting venue for a wide range of events. The Main Hall now serves as a multi-purpose venue for cultural events; from theatre performances, comedy nights and music concerts to jazz festivals, dance workshops and children's shows. Plus Café Concept has a licensed bar and serves coffee and light snacks.
Nearest Metro: Gateshead Quaylink Bus: Q1 Gateshead
Kielder Bike Centre
Kielder Castle, Kielder Forest, Northumberland
01434 250 532 www.purplemountain.co.uk
A new state-of-the-art bike centre has recently opened in the heart of Kielder Water & Forest Park. The centre, built by the Kielder Partnership, will be operated by Purple Mountain - one of the north's leading off-road cycling businesses. Besides offering a huge range of bikes for hire, including top-end Yeti and Lapierre models, the centre will also stage an exciting array of events, from night rides to family sessions.
NE1 Street Rangers
Across Newcastle City Centre
www.ne1fornewcastle.co.uk
12 new Street Rangers are walking the streets of Newcastle to help visitors get more out of the city. In their distinctive blue uniforms with NE1 branding, the Rangers are there to give advice on what's on and when. If you want to know the best places to grab a bite to eat, where to shop, places to socialise, get directions if you're lost and even information about Newcastle's world-class cultural destinations, just ask a Ranger.
Haymarket Metro
Northumberland Street, Newcastle
0191 424 7841 www.southtyneside.info
Haymarket Metro station has been completely rebuilt in a £20 million project that opens a stunning new gateway to Newcastle attractions such as the Great North Museum: Hancock and Northern Stage. Look out for Canon, a new artwork by Lothar Goetz, creating dynamic flashes of colour that run through the graceful and bright curved platform spaces and stretch up into the concourse where a kaleidoscopic mosaic reflects a vibrant city and the six million passengers who pass through Haymarket every year.
Nearest Metro: Haymarket Quaylink Bus: Q2 Haymarket
Firenze
Osbourne Road, Jesmond, Newcastle
0191 281 2136 www.firenzenewcastle.co.uk
Jim Smith and Gavin Ayres, both of Newcastle, are two friends who met whilst working in a Newcastle eatery over 15 years ago. They have recently fulfilled their lifetime dream of opening their own restaurant. Firenze is a hidden gem, serving upmarket Italian cuisine and located in a secluded courtyard in the fashionable suburb of Jesmond.
Nearest Metro: Jesmond
Asiana
West Wear Street, Sunderland
0191 510 0099
Asiana Fusion Restaurant is situated on the ground floor of the prestigious Echo 24 apartments in Sunderland. Boasting an amazing panoramic view of the River Wear, Asiana serves the best selection of Pan Asian cuisine, featuring dishes with culinary influences from China, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and even Japan, Vietnam and beyond.
Nearest Metro: Sunderland/St.Peters
