Roof cafe plan lodged as Fenwick re-opens
FENWICK has revealed plans to open a new rooftop cafe at its flagship Newcastle store.
The Northumberland Street department store could turn its fourth-floor roof terrace into a new eatery boasting views across the city centre.
The area is not usually open to customers, though a section of the rooftop has played home to Santa’s cabin during the store’s special “Santa on the Rooftop” events at Christmas in recent years.
But it could soon become a more permanent attraction as an outdoor cafe-restaurant.
According to plans lodged with Newcastle City Council, Fenwick is looking to install a new bar and street food vendor on the terrace, equipped with a charcoal grill.
The terrace, on the section of the building facing on to Northumberland Street, would also have a canopy with a retractable awning if the scheme was approved.
Fenwick bosses say that they are looking at multiple options for using parts of the store’s rooftop and that there are no firm plans in place yet.
A spokesperson said: “We are always exploring different ways to use our space to create new experiences for the local community.” The
city centre store welcomed shoppers back yesterday for the first time since January, as lockdown restrictions eased to allow non-essential retailers to re-open.
New additions since customers were last allowed inside include Sole Trader trainer concessions, a handbag personalisation pop-up, and a nail bar.
A pop-up food market features North East favourites such as Dabbawal and Dot Bagel, and a new Hop & Dram bottle shop is opening to showcase beers and spirits from local breweries and distilleries.
Fenwick will be operating with extended opening hours and customers who spend £50 can park for free until May 31.
Store director Kieran McBride said: “Our absolute priority remains the safety of colleagues, customers and our communities, and we urge everyone to continue to follow the guidelines and shop safely.
“We’ve been working hard to make the store look it’s best for re-opening and will do so with a host of new experiences, new brand launches and services, and pop-ups from local businesses, producers and artisans hosted in our Food Hall.”