‘Opening my restaurant is special... but it’s hard to beat scoring against Sunderland’

FORMER Toon ace Nobby Solano has officially launched Newcastle’s first Peruvian restaurant.

The eatery, which opened earlier this month, is thought to be the first Peruvian venue outside of London.

North East owners Chris Levee, Alfonso Yanez and Linda Deacon have transformed the former Escobars restaurant at Amen Corner in a £100,000 refurbishment scheme to create Solano’s.

And on Tuesday Peruvian legend Nobby was back in the North East to visit the venue and officially open it.

Friends and family joined the midfielder at the event.

And Nobby compared the opening to his best moments in a black and white jersey.

He said: “The opening of Solano’s in Newcastle is a very special moment for me.

“Scoring against Sunderland for Newcastle will always be hard to beat though.

“It has always been my dream to open a venue in the city and together with some good friends we have made it happen.

“We are the first Peruvian restaurant in Newcastle and I hope the Geordie people come down and sample some of my home country favourites.

“Meeting fans tonight was great and having commonwealth champion fighter Anthony Nelson and boxing promoter Steve Wraith here along with close friends and family has made it very special.”

The restaurant opened on June 20 and employs 16 members of staff.

Owner Chris said: “Former NUFC player Nolberto Solano has encouraged us to use the name Solano’s as there are strong connections with Newcastle and himself, which everyone in Newcastle can relate to.

“Nobby loves the idea of his native food being served here in Newcastle and he’s desperate for us to open the doors. No doubt he’ll be a regular.”

The restaurant will serve a range of Peruvian delicacies.

Linda, of Linda Deacon Estates, added: “We are delighted to be opening Solano’s in Newcastle, to offer the people of the North East a unique dining experience with a South American ambience.

“The culture of the city has changed dramatically over the last ten years so we believe a touch of Peruvian cuisine will excite diners.”

Bookings can be made by calling 0191 232 4663 or by logging onto www.solanospc.co.uk

Nobby Solano was joined by friends including commonwealth champion fighter Anthony Nelson at his restaurant

Nobby Solano scores the winning goal from the penalty spot during the FA Barclaycard Premiership match between Sunderland and Newcastle United on April 26, 2003 at the Stadium of Light