A taste of Hawaii is coming to Newcastle this spring when a former coffee chain is transformed into a healthy-eating cafe.
Island Poke is taking over a prime site on Grainger Street that was briefly home to Gloria Jean's Coffee to offer Geordies nutritious meals inspired by the tropical islands. Gloria Jean's only opened in February last year but closed just months later in June after landlords took back possession of the premises.
Now, the new eatery Island Poke is set to open its first branch outside of London at the site. A popular dish in Hawaii, 'poke' is diced raw fish layered on top of rice with vegetables and sauces.
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The chain will serve salmon, tuna, chicken and plant-based poké bowls with sushi rice or green leaves base. Diners can also choose from a range of bao buns including spicy tuna, Korean barbecue chicken and Miso aubergine.
Set to open in May, Island Poke has promised that all of its dishes will be under £10, with customers able to sit in or takeaway.
Founder James Gould-Porter first got a taste for poké after spending his childhood summers between California and Hawaii. He launched the first Island Poke cafe on Soho’s Kingly Street in 2016 and they now have 15 restaurants across London.
The Grainger Street cafe is one of the chain's several new branches with sites in Edinburgh and Bristol planned for later this year.
James said: “Opening our first Island outside of London is a real milestone for us as a brand and I’m beyond excited about the opportunity, we are embedding ourselves in the local community and collaborating with local suppliers.
"I cannot wait to bring our fresh Pacific flavours to Newcastle.”
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