After months of anticipation, Freight Island has officially opened its doors in Newcastle. The £16m rooftop venue, located in Eldon Square, is the largest of its kind in the UK, marking a significant milestone for Tyneside and the North East.
Plans for Freight Island were first announced in early 2025, with the venue occupying the top floor of the former Debenhams building. The concept, already successful in Manchester, represents a major investment in the shopping centre and the city.
The venue welcomed its first VIP guests on Wednesday evening, ahead of the public opening on Friday. Spanning 60,000 square feet, Freight Island offers a unique experience with 12 different food kitchens, including local favourites like I Scream for Pizza, Meat:Stack, Miso, and FAB Bakery, alongside other Northern independents serving Asian fusion, Greek live-fire cooking, pies, and desserts.
Four bars are spread across the venue, and during the World Cup, matches will be shown on 10 large HD screens, including those under the £1m retractable roof in The Plant Room.
ChronicleLive captured photos of the venue just before it opened to the public at 4pm on Friday. The gallery showcases the vast space, the retractable roof, the food offerings, and the entertainment setup.
