One of Newcastle's oldest buildings is embracing a whole new lifestyle as it joins the city centre's cafe culture scene.
Alderman Fenwick’s House, in Pilgrim Street, is now open for coffees and luxury ice creams while it undergoes a major transformation which will expand its role in the city. The building, which dates from 1670 and once hosted Charles Dickens, has teamed up with Caffe Ginevra to open a new outlet selling Italian treats.
The partnership with the local coffee specialist means that passers-by can now indulge in its trademark Sicilian-style coffee, home-made ices and freshly-made cannoli served from the new cafe in the property, which in the past has been open to the public only during the likes of Heritage Open Days.
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Alderman Fenwick’s House - which takes its name from a former Mayor of Newcastle - is in the midst of a multi-million-pound regeneration since being bought in 2020 by business space supplier Central Space, which itself has moved into the building while the company's directors Marc and Anthony Dixon focus upon its continued upgrading to provide high-specification offices for other tenants while maintaining its historic character.
The new cafe marks the start of a new lease of life for the building which was originally a merchant's house and which also has been a coaching inn and The Queen's Head - which it was when Dickens once stayed. Later it became the home of Newcastle Liberal Club.
The house underwent an extensive restoration in 1997 and its prime site - in the heart of Pilgrim’s Quarter and directly opposite the new Bank House development - is ideally placed for its new role as a provider of a boutique office and events space. It is currently occupied by 18 businesses.
Marc Dixon said of the new venture: “This is a good partnership with Caffe Ginevra: they are a growing company that are well suited to the fabric of the building. We very much look forward to a beneficial relationship as we look to invest further and adapt the building to meet current needs.”
The cafe marks the first city centre outlet for Caffe Ginevra, which has venues in Denton and Prudhoe, and its managing director Anthony Finn said the company is "delighted" about the opening. He added: “It’s a great location and we look forward to the café going from strength-to-strength as the redevelopment of the area gathers momentum in the coming months and more and more people start to discover and enjoy our offerings."
The new café is open from 8am until 4pm from Monday to Friday and from 8am to 3pm on Saturdays.
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