SINCE GPT pulled out of its proposed $600million Hunter Street Mall development, spirits – once full of hope – have been decidedly low among businesses in the city centre.
Without the anticipated increase in foot traffic in the area, some Newcastle shopkeepers are wondering how they will survive.
Chelsea D’Aoust, one of the people behind Sprocket Roasters and the Great Northern Hotel, told GT everyone was ‘‘doing it tough’’ at the moment.
But, she said, the men and women behind the local businesses were also tenacious, and wouldn’t give up without a fight.
‘‘We’ve noticed that the general sentiment in the East End among locals and the business crowd is, understandably, really low at the moment,’’ she said.
‘‘I don’t think anyone is angry at GPT per se, it’s more a general apathy for the whole situation.’’
D’Aoust would like see everyone banding together to support Newcastle businesses in order to keep the heart of the city beating.
‘‘I’d like to see people supporting all of the businesses in town – we also have some great little shops down here, and lots of artisan and homeware shops that people don’t know about.
‘‘We need to get that foot traffic back down here.
‘‘Renew Newcastle are doing great things too.’’
East End Enoteca’s Leisa Latham agreed that spirits had dwindled since GPT’s announcement.
‘‘I think people were quite hopeful that change was on the horizon,’’ she said.
‘‘But now they feel a bit deflated and unsure. You can certainly tell people are feeling a little bit flat.’’
Despite the recent setbacks, the Newcastle city centre has plenty to offer.
As well as enjoying a drink and a pleasant meal at one of Newcastle’s institutions – like The Grand Hotel, The Great Northern Hotel, The Bogie Hole Cafe, The Brewery, Jonah’s On The Beach, and Customs House – there are plenty of dining spots in town that are well worth boasting about.
While there are too many top-notch eateries in town to possibly mention them all, GT has compiled a list of some highlights to encourage foodies to come back to the city centre to support local businesses.
1. Sandbar Cafe
On a warm evening, as the sun is setting, grab a seat at the bench or a table outside to take in the fabulous view of Newcastle Beach while sipping on some delicious wine and slicing into some of the succulent seafood on the menu.
2. Estabar and 3. Liquid Gold
The view alone is worth the visit to either of these beach-side cafes – particularly if you have time on your hands to really enjoy the setting and the relaxed atmosphere of the casual eateries.
The interesting menus and cheerful staff are the icing on the cake.
4. Sticky Rice
This Thai restaurant at the top of town has many loyal customers for good reason.
Whether you’re eating in or just dropping by to pick up some takeaway, the menu is full of fresh favourites and flavours that will leave you smiling.
5. Scotties
While many people still think of Scotties as the place to go for a burger and hot chips after a day at the beach, these days Scotties is all that but so much more.
You can still get some satisfying post-swim fast food from the side window, but inside, you will find something a little more fancy.
6. The View Factory
As The Castle character Dennis Denuto famously said: ‘‘It’s just ... the vibe ... of the thing.’’
The View Factory just has a fantastic vibe with its relaxed atmosphere, tempting menu and delicious wines and beers all bound together with some fabulous live music.
7. Sprocket Roasters
With its mismatched furniture, vases of fresh flowers, cool tunes, yummy food and some of the best coffee to be had in Newcastle, Sprocket is a wonderfully relaxed spot to chill out and catch up with a small group of friends, or on some reading and quiet time.
8. Paymasters Cafe
Whether it’s for breakfast, lunch or dinner, Paymasters is always a winner if you’re looking to impress out-of-towners.
With its lovely ambience, impressive menu and proximity to Foreshore Park and Newcastle Harbour, this is a great spot to show off a little bit of Newcastle at the same time.
9. East End Enoteca
Tucked away on Pacific Street is this gorgeous little eatery and wine bar.
It boasts a really interesting, extensive wine list – as well as delicious food designed to be shared and savoured with friends.
10. Rosina’s
Nothing tastes quite as good as nostalgia, and everyone seems to have a fond Rosina’s story to share – whether it be snacking on a slice of pizza before the bus arrived in the early days, or enjoying a leisurely Italian meal with family.
11. The Last Drop
Good things come in small packages.
Sunny staff greet you at this gorgeous little cafe, which has some delicious lunch options, as well as lots of yummy little treats to choose from.
But perhaps its star attraction is its fantastic coffee.
The smoothies, juices and Green Tree Frog teas are also sure to hit your sweet spot.
12. Atlas Cafe
Taking inspiration from its name, Atlas Cafe offers some fantastic flavours and textures from around the world on its menu.
Diners can pop in for a delicious but quick lunch, or take their time and sample some of the cafe’s long plates over a couple of glasses of nice wine.
13. Cafe 16
Owner Adel Naim is a one-man band at this Newcastle cafe, and as everything is meticulously prepared from scratch, it’s best to go when you have a little time on your hands.
But one of the great things about Cafe 16 is the sense of community there and the cheerful banter between the regulars.
14. Bocados Spanish Kitchen
This little spot is an absolute gem.
The menu and wine list is brimming with Spanish flavours and tradition, and on a busy night, when laughter and happy chatter fill the room – one feels as though they could actually be sitting in a popular eatery in Spain.
15. Restaurant II
This restaurant’s reputation precedes it, so much so an introduction is barely needed.
But if you’re looking for fine dining with French flair in Newcastle city – you should really book a table at Restaurant II.
Particularly now that it has just introduced a new menu for spring.
16. Bali Corner
Sit down for lunch and be transported to Bali: the smells, flavours and decor of this Newcastle eatery have a distinct Indonesian atmosphere.
And if you want to take a little bit of Bali home, you can buy some of owner Desak Yoni’s Bali In A Jar sauces to recreate the meals in your kitchen.
17. G & G Gelato
With spring sprung, and summer just around the corner, the demand for some quality gelato is ever-increasing. Unless you’re walking by often, it’s easy to miss this little gelateria. But it is well worth seeking out. G & G Gelato has been closed for winter, but it is set to reopen early next month.
18. Longworth House
If you haven’t been to Longworth House yet, you’re doing yourself a major disservice.
This is a really tasteful establishment where you can sit and enjoy some beautiful wines, beers or cocktails, and nibble on a great selection of tapas in a cosy setting. With Victorian-esque furnishings, a fireplace, and private little nooks and crannies, this is a superb spot which hints at the future possibilities for Newcastle dining.
19. One Penny Black
Here is another example of someone doing a lot with a little.
This tiny little cafe has a big heart – and tremendous coffee.
Nestled in a corner of Hunter Street Mall, One Penny Black offers an array of little chocolates, cakes and treats, and a very basic, but tasty little lunch menu.
20. Bodega Espresso Bar
This King Street cafe has had a rough time of it lately, as there have been council works outside which have made it seem more of a construction site than a place to enjoy a nice coffee and a biscuit.
But, as well as a good cuppa, Bodega has some great things to offer. Show your support.
21. Bacchus
One of the jewels in Newcastle’s food crown, the innovative Bacchus is a must-try restaurant that will impress with its sometimes surprising but always sublime combination of ingredients.
If you just want to get an idea of what Bacchus is all about, pop in to try a glass of wine or two from its extensive wine list, and sample something from the more casual small plates menu.
Have we missed your favourite Newcastle dining spot? Tell us about it at gt@theherald.com.au.
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