Newcastle's twice-yearly food festival, NE1 Newcastle Restaurant Week, returns from August 3-9, 2024, with a record 132 participating venues, making it the largest event in its 15-year history. Organised by the business improvement district company NE1, the event offers diners special menus and deals at £15, £20, or £25 per person.
Record Participation and Newcomers
This August marks the biggest Restaurant Week ever, surpassing previous editions. Among the 132 restaurants are long-time participants like 21 Hospitality Group, Blackfriars, and Dabbawal, as well as newcomers including Asian tapas restaurant Cocochine in Queen Street, Turkish halal grill Kozle in Clayton Street, and 12 Muqam in Stowell Street, which serves traditional Uyghur dishes from northwest China.
Full details and vouchers are available on the NE1 website, allowing customers to download deals and book directly with restaurants.
Economic Impact and Success
Last August's Restaurant Week attracted over 59,000 diners and delivered a £1.1 million boost to participating businesses, according to NE1. The event first launched in 2011 and has inspired similar events in other cities.
Quotes from Participants
Hoa Nguyen, owner of Cocochine, said: "We hope that our involvement will encourage new guests to come and sample what we have to offer, and to bring the people they love to enjoy the event, and that Cocochine becomes one of the places they love returning to."
Jaf Ali, owner of Dabbawal, Khai Khai, and DOOD, added: "For two weeks of the year, Newcastle’s restaurant community comes together to celebrate the city’s outstanding restaurant scene and the wide variety of cuisine on offer. During Restaurant Week, we set aside our competitive differences to showcase the best of what the city has to offer."
Partnership with Tyne and Wear Metro
This year, NE1 is partnering with Tyne and Wear Metro to promote sustainable travel. Rachel Fenwick, head of marketing and events at NE1, said: "Public transport is a natural fit for an event that encourages people into the city centre, and together we will be promoting sustainable travel on the Metro for diners to make the most of their evening."
Sarah McCourt, head of communications and marketing at Nexus, added: "The Metro can provide diners with a convenient, reliable and sustainable way to travel into the city. And, as kids go free on Metro, it’s also an affordable, fun and delicious day out for families too."
