The Ivy is set to open two glamorous new restaurants in Newcastle city centre next month, with the opening dates for its long-awaited arrival in the North East now confirmed.
The Ivy Newcastle Brasserie will welcome its first customers on Tuesday, December 1, while its sister venue, The Ivy Asia Newcastle, will open just two days later on Thursday, December 3.
Both restaurants will be housed inside the former Lloyds Bank building at 102 Grey Street, bringing two distinctive dining experiences to one of Newcastle's most recognisable streets.
The openings will mark the first time The Ivy Collection has launched its Brasserie and Ivy Asia concepts together in the same city.
The announcement follows confirmation in October that the restaurant group was bringing both brands to Newcastle, with the development expected to create around 200 new jobs.
Reservations have now opened, giving diners the chance to secure a table ahead of the launches.
Where will The Ivy open in Newcastle?
The two restaurants will occupy the impressive former banking hall at 102 Grey Street, in the heart of Grainger Town and just moments from the Theatre Royal.
The historic building dates back to around 1839 and was built as part of Newcastle's transformation under renowned developer Richard Grainger.
Its impressive architecture includes original arched windows and soaring ceilings.
The interiors have been designed by UK designer and artist Adam Ellis, who has been tasked with combining the building's historic character with the distinctive styles of the two restaurant brands.
The project will see the former bank transformed into two separate dining spaces, with a combined capacity of 201 guests.
The Ivy Newcastle Brasserie will accommodate 144 diners, while The Ivy Asia Newcastle will have space for 57.
What to expect
The Ivy Newcastle Brasserie will offer the group's familiar all-day dining experience, serving breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner seven days a week.
Its menu will feature contemporary British dishes, seasonal specials, set menus and some of the restaurant group's best-known signatures.
The interiors will include bespoke wallpapers and illuminated green onyx, creating the more traditional, elegant Brasserie atmosphere.
Meanwhile, The Ivy Asia Newcastle will offer something rather different.
The restaurant will serve Asian-inspired dishes, beautifully presented small plates and handcrafted sushi, alongside a selection of set menus.
Its interiors are expected to be particularly eye-catching, featuring signature glowing agate floors, hand-gilded ceilings and intricate glass detailing.
The two restaurants will be led by general manager Beth Cole and head chef John Guthrie, alongside Brasserie operations manager Rodney Prosper and operations chef Clinton Woodhouse.
How many jobs will The Ivy create?
The arrival of the two restaurants is expected to create 200 new jobs across the region.
The vacancies will range from management positions to roles within the restaurants' service teams.
The company has described the Newcastle launch as a landmark moment for both brands, with the city becoming home to their most northerly dining venues in England.
Kate Cooper, chief operating officer, said: "Newcastle is a city with an incredible sense of character, creativity and pride, so we wanted to mark the opening of reservations with a celebration that felt truly special to the North East.
"We've had our sights set on Newcastle for many years, but it was always important to us to find the perfect home for both brands.
"In 102 Grey Street, we feel we've found somewhere truly special, and we're incredibly excited to finally be bringing The Ivy Brasserie and The Ivy Asia to the city."
The Ivy's previous plans for Newcastle
The arrival of The Ivy in Newcastle has been a long time coming.
The restaurant group had previously explored opening a venue on Grey Street in 2020, when it submitted plans to transform the former Byron burger restaurant at 104-108 Grey Street into a three-floor brasserie.
However, those plans were subsequently shelved, with fashion retailer END Clothing opening a flagship store at the address in December 2021.
The latest development involves a different building, just next door, at 102 Grey Street.
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The former Lloyds Bank building was earmarked for redevelopment in 2026, with plans to transform the historic property into a new home for the two restaurants.
The Ivy's announcement in October confirmed that the building would become home to both its Brasserie and Ivy Asia concepts, bringing the group's plans for Newcastle closer to reality.
Now, with opening dates confirmed and reservations available, the wait is almost over.
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