How we’ve changed - a peek inside The Alchemist
OPENING OF THE NEW ALCHEMIST SHOWS HOW MUCH WE’VE CHANGED
TIME was a Tyneside bar was all about foaming pints, fag ash and beer towels...
After all, just look at the picture above taken in Newcastle’s now-closed Printers Pie in 1977.
Fast forward 40 years to today and it seems increasingly that there’s been a cultural change and time is now being called on the region’s old drinking dens.
For clearly there’s been plenty of magic at work behind the scenes at the city’s newest bar - The Alchemist in the run-up to its grand opening to the public tonight.
With hoardings finally down, the latest addition to Grey’s Quarter in intu Eldon Square is now ready to be revealed.
And it could not be more different to the watering holes we frequented in the not-too-distant past. Ahead of a special guest launch last night, we were offered a first look inside the bar-restaurant. And the sneak peak shows the newcomer to the city centre’s £25m dining quarter has conjured up a theatrical and magical atmosphere to fit its name. Dark, mysterious and luxurious, it will be all-out to attract customers from breakfast time until late – and that means 2am over the weekend. Eye-catching cocktails will have a starring role on its menu and they will range from colourful creations to favourites with a twist. The Alchemist is owned by the group behind the nearby Botanist in Monument Mall and there are already branches in London, Leeds, Manchester and Birmingham where thye have neen
serving up a range of dishes including the likes of chorizo and butterbean stew, house burgers and blackened salmon, for some little time.
Each has the Alchemist’s trademark look and the design of the Newcastle branch echoes those warm ambers and golds.
First customers are proving keen to sample its delights with the restaurant inundated with requests to book tables.
It launches the the public today and opening hours will be from 8am, when it will be serving breakfast.
The menu then moves on to lunches and evening meals during the course of the day.
It will remain open until midnight from Monday to Wednesday; until 1am on Thursday then until 2am on Fridays and Saturdays.
Sunday’s closing time will be 11pm.