Bay a top place? That is cool
COASTAL TOWN’S REGENERATION EARNS PRAISE
WHITLEY Bay has been named one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the country.
The North Tyneside town was listed among the coolest in the UK by Conde Nast Traveller, which highlighted a variety of businesses which have set up shop in the area over recent years as well as the coast’s regeneration.
The travel piece starts by saying: “Across the Midlands and northern England, post-industrial cities have been busy fostering an indie attitude.
“With a view to more social times ahead, we earmark our next trip list with these coolest neighbourhoods in the UK.”
It talks about the micropubs which have popped up in Whitley Bay as well as shops and restaurants like the Pure Knead Artisan Bakery, Papa Ganoush and Namaste Taste of India.
The Spanish City Dome and its restoration also earn a mention.
Whitley Bay was singled out as “cool” alongside neighbourhoods such as Ancoats in Manchester, Aigburth in Liverpool, Mabgate in Leeds, Stirchley in Birmingham and Sharrow Vale in Sheffield.
The citation in Conde Nast Traveller reads: “A decade ago not even a reckless gambler would have wagered on Whitley Bay becoming Tyneside’s hippest hangout.
“Spanish City, the Taj Mahal-like seafront pleasure dome celebrated by Dire Straits, was derelict, the streets a stag-party purgatory.
“A hint things were changing came when chef Gary Dall took over a down-at-heel sixties shop and turned it into a sensational restaurant, The Roxburgh. Asked why he had done it, Dall said: ‘Because there was nowhere playing The Velvet Underground and serving bone marrow.’
“Yet over the past few years the scene here has eclipsed those in Newcastle’s more feted Ouseburn and Heaton.
“The epicentre of the renaissance is just around the corner from the Roxburgh in Park View and its rows of pretty Edwardian artisans’ houses.
“Here you will find a cool crew checking out the latest wheels at Whitley Bay Skate Club, Carhartt-clad customers considering whether they need to buy a mandolin at Hound Dog Music, tweedie craft-ale aficionadas sampling the latest cloudy brews at Nord Bottle Shop and brunched-up Geordie pals spilling out of Kith & Kin.
“There is a great bakery, Pure Knead, the permanent set-up of veteran street-food hero Papa Ganoush and genuine home-cooking at Sangeeta Chopra’s little shop/cafe Namaste Taste of India.
“Given Tynesiders’ commitment to beer and talking, it was no surprise locals embraced the micropub trend with chat-oriented examples including The Dog and Rabbit, the Storm Cellar and The Split Chimp.
“In August there is an imaginatively staged film festival (watching Jaws in a marquee on the beach was a highlight) and Spanish City has finally been restored to its glimmering white splendour.
“At night you can drink French 45s in the upper floor Champagne bar and gaze at the ships’ lights twinkling on the North Sea.”
People in the town are pleased with such national recognition and say the coast’s regeneration has given Whitley Bay a boost.
Paula Watson, owner of the Pure Knead bakery on Park View, said: “Whitley Bay is just a top place to be and it is exciting to be classed as one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the country.
“We have great businesses here but it is not just about the businesses there is a real sense of community.
“Our customers are our friends and people know each other. Whitley Bay has the whole package.”
Coun John O’shea, who represents the town on North Tyneside Council, added: “The regeneration of Spanish City has been so successful and has already won a number of awards.
“To get this national publicity amazing and adds to it all.
“The environment here is wonderful, the schools are first class and Park View is a great shopping place.
“To be classed as one of the coolest neighbourhoods is just tremendous for Whitley Bay.”
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