A Grade II listed building in Newcastle city centre that was once the home of Virgin Money is set to reopen as an upmarket steak house.
Work is underway to transform 2-6 Market Street into an Argentinian restaurant called Gaucho that claims to serve the "best quality steak in the world."
The new eatery is set to open in March and will be the chain's first restaurant in the North East. The Newcastle restaurant will be able to serve up to 140 people and will also offer two private dining rooms.
Customers can expect "100% carbon-neutral steaks" from Black Angus cattle as well as a modern range of Argentinan dishes on its lunch and evening à la carte menu.
Martin Williams, founder and CEO of Rare Restaurants, which owns Gaucho, said: “We are delighted to be bringing the Gaucho experience to the North East, where the restaurant will serve some of the finest beef in the world, complemented by a broad food and wine offering in a contemporary setting, inspired by modern Argentina and all of its global influences.
"With Newcastle having such a rich historic culture and a diverse food scene, we feel the Gaucho brand and ethos will sit perfectly here.”
Gaucho first opened its doors in London in 1994, with a vision of bringing "the world’s best steak" to London. It now has restaurants across London, Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Liverpool.
The restaurant brand believes it is the first restaurant in the North East to serve "carbon-neutral beef" sourced from cattle that have enjoyed a life roaming and grazing in vast pastures.
Ahead of its opening, Design LSM is transforming the interior of the listed building into a high-end restaurant with decor inspired by the city's shipbuilding and glass-making heritage.
Yasamin Nikoosimaitakm, marketing manager at Design LSM, said: "We intend to introduce subtly 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.”
Gaucho has helped to raise over £1m for charity over the last five years and has pledged a £10k donation to the Sir Graham Wylie Foundation and NUFC Foundation Community Hub NUCASTLE to mark the launch of its new restaurant in the city.
Martin added: "We’re 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."
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