Food fans rejoice as market is finally back
THE much-loved outdoor food market next to By The River Brew Co. on Gateshead quayside is to reopen as a new concept over Easter weekend.
HWKRMRKT, which temporarily closed in October to allow for scaffolding to be installed for the Tyne Bridge revamp, will become HWKRLAND when it relaunches on Good Friday, with new additions including a big LED screen and New Yorkinspired micro-pub.
And bringing the site back to life will be the team behind seasonal Newcastle pop-ups Central Park, PaddyFest and Moosenwirt.
The shipping container site, tucked under the bridge, was initially run by By The River Brew Co. and Michelin-Guide restaurant Trakol and it proved a hit with its al-fresco mix of food and drink pop-ups.
Now Mike Hesketh and Nigel Holliday – familiar names on Newcastle’s entertainment scene – of EVNT Inspirations are taking over as organisers and promise to reclaim its status as a premium hub for street food and drinks, including craft beers and cocktails, while boosting entertainment as a “huge part” of what will be on offer.
Mike said: “This venue has been a pioneer for street food traders for the past five years and a much-loved venue for all who visited. Getting the green light to reopen and bring this amazing venue back to life is a huge honour and we can’t wait to welcome our guests to explore and enjoy the new concept we are bringing.
“We’ve added a fresh New Yorkinspired micro pub, bottle shop and beer garden, stocking 40 independent beers and an incredible selection of stouts.
“There will be new and exciting food traders as well as some original favourites; a fresh cocktail concept and a huge LED screen that will showcase major events and live entertainment all year round.”
The new Gateshead venture, which will open on March 29 from 5pm, will be out to attract people of all ages and will be both family and dog-friendly.
Nigel said the whole site will be fully covered and heated and added: “HWKRLAND will have some awesome and unique spaces, perfect for all types of functions and group sizes to hire.”
By The River Brew Co. has also shared its excitement, saying it is a partner with Evnt Inspirations on the venture, and is “thrilled” about the reopening, now that the stage of Tyne Bridge work on the site is complete.
It added that the popular ‘sunshine terrace’ offering great views of the Tyne will be back too.