Gaucho Newcastle announces opening date for first North East restaurant
Gaucho brings seven figure investment and sustainable promise to Newcastle
Gaucho Newcastle has announced it will open its first restaurant in the North East on Saturday 11th March 2023. The upmarket, Argentine steak restaurant will be located on the corner of Market Street and Pilgrim Street, offering carbon-neutral beef in its restaurants, along with a glamorous cocktail bar and private dining room which can be hired out for intimate occasions. Tables and private dining rooms are now available to reserve.
Gaucho Newcastle will become the first restaurant in the city to serve carbon-neutral beef to the region, which forms part of the group’s integrated approach to running socially and environmentally responsible restaurants. The brand’s sustainable drinks programme promotes biodynamic and organic wines, and all restaurants, including Newcastle, operate a zero food-to-landfill policy as well as running on 100% renewable energy.
By 2040, all Gaucho restaurants aim to be net zero with all their carbon emissions.
The arrival of Gaucho Newcastle, which occupies the former Virgin Money building, follows seven figure investment, as well as well as the creation of 80 new jobs in the city. Investment includes refurbishment of the stunning Grade II listed building to bring forward their vision of highlighting the beauty of the incredible architecture, which dates to the mid-1800s was listed as part of The National Heritage in 1965.
Each restaurant that makes up the Gaucho collection celebrates its own personality, allowing for individuality in design to complement its location and surrounding neighbourhood. For Gaucho Newcastle, DesignLSM were appointed to take inspiration from Newcastle’s heritage as the birthplace to railways, ship building, electric lighting, and turbine power.
Setting the narrative to centre around metal and glass, design features include decorative coloured glass, pioneered throughout Europe by the famed Newcastle Beilby family, and delicately framing windows with translucent voiles and glowing pendants to draw attention to the beauty of the building and the vibrant Gaucho ambience that comes alive within. Suspended jewel-like pendent lights will appear throughout the venue to add an elegant touch to the rich moody tones of the space. All this is a nod to Newcastle’s heritage for once being known as the largest glass production centre in the world.
Yasamin Nikoosimaitak: Marketing Manager at DesignLSMsaid “We intend to introduce subtle crafted items that pay homage to the city’s historic roots and the craftsmanship of Newcastle’s past and future whilst bringing in Gaucho’s vibrancy, elegance and passion.”
Investment in communities
Over the last five years, Gaucho has proudly supported and raised over £1m for charitable causes in collaboration with charity partners through CSR activities and projects. Gaucho Newcastle is determined to contribute to the city through investment, employment and creating opportunities within the wider community, starting with a £10k donation to the Sir Graham Wylie Foundation and NUFC Foundation Community Hub NUCASTLE, as well as hosting two launch events, one which will be hosted by Alan Shearer and Lee Westwood, in aid of these charities in March 2023.
Commenting on supporting the two foundations, Martin Williams says: “As a business that cares and is hugely committed to supporting communities, both the Sir Graham Wylie Foundation and NUFC Foundation Community Hub NUCASTLE align with our CSR impact vision and values, part of which is our belief that everyone should have chances in life to develop and grow. We are delighted to be working with these charities that strive to create opportunities for people who would otherwise lack them through education, sport, personal development, and wellbeing programmes.”
Gaucho CSR statement: https://gauchorestaurants.com/csr/
Sir Graham Wylie Foundation: https://sirgrahamwyliefoundation.org.uk
NUFC Foundation Community Hub NUCASTLE: https://www.nufoundation.org.uk
Homecoming for local restaurateur: Gaucho CEO Martin Williams
Martin Williams was listed as a Sunday Times Top 100 entrepreneur and this month won Best CEO in hospitality and leisure. Leading 23 restaurants across the UK, Williams is the son (and one of five) to school teachers from Houghton le Spring and Durham. Born and raised in Marske-by-Sea, Redcar, Williams lived in this seaside village until he went to London to study at the age of 18.
Williams who is an avid runner, used to sprint around the North East as a teen whilst running for New Marske Harriers and has remained a regular visitor to family in Teesside.
Williams describes his parents’ football affiliations as a ‘mixed marriage’ where his father Brian, a school teacher and local council leader, supported Sunderland, whereas his mother Joan, also a teacher (and mother of five) supports Newcastle.
“With 2 brothers supporting NUFC and 2 supporting SAFC it made for some serious sibling rivalry!” Recalls Williams.”
Address: 2 – 6 Market Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 6JF
Website: www.gauchorestaurants.com
Contact: newcastle@gauchorestaurants.com | 0191 260 3600
Social media: @gauchonewcastle | @gauchogroup