Banging idea for a restaurant
ENTREPRENEUR WANTS TO CREATE PORKY PARADISE
A BUTCHER seems to be on a sausage roll as he plans to open a specialist restaurant in light of his banger shop’s success.
The Geordie Banger Company is looking to establish a new eatery in Newcastle’s Grainger Market.
Since opening in 2013, the artisan sausage maker has proved a hit.
Now the firm is planning to expand by opening a ‘sausage tapas’ restaurant next to its shop.
Sausage cassoulet, gourmet sausage rolls and extra-large scotch eggs are among the items owner David McDonald plans to sell should his plans be passed.
“It is going to be quite an impressive display,” the 27-year-old said.
“I think the shop’s become popular because it is the quality and consistency of what we make.
“We only use good shoulder pork, and our recipes go back three generations and I think there was a gap in the market for people making a good sausage.”
His North Shields-made sausages – made from ingredients ranging from Guinness to Newcastle Brown Ale – have been flying off the shelves.
And now he has asked Newcastle City Council for permission to develop three more units for the restaurant.
“There will be a seating order, but people will also be able to take them back to the office,” David added.
“Realistically, I would like to see it open by June and if this works hopefully we can expand to other sites.”
Initially launched with five flavours, the business now sells around 30 different types of sausages.
It carved a reputation around food markets before opening up inside the 180-year-old market last year.
In a statement submitted with the plans, the firm adds: “In more recent years the Grainger Market has seen a change in retailers with more artisan cafes and eateries opening.
“Geordie Bangers has already proven that they are popular at markets in the North East and beyond and hope to be a welcome addition and establish themselves properly within one of Newcastle’s most historic buildings.”