Salt Market Social breathes new life into North Shields Fish Quay

An industrial landmark on North Shields Fish Quay has been transformed into Salt Market Social – a new street food and craft beer emporium that will open for the first time next month.

The new pop-up event, bringing together some of the region’s most established street food traders and craft beer producers, will run across three days from August 14 to 16.

The social will take place on the first floor of the form Cosalt Factory on Liddell Street, which overlooks North Shields Fish Quay.

Local jobs are being created as the team is currently recruiting bar and waiting staff ahead of the first social.

Salt Market Social’s décor has been chosen to reflect the industrial heritage of the factory’s past.

North East street artists have added murals and signage to the walls and the social will have a “festival feel” with benches fashioned from scaffold and festoon lighting and bunting covering the ceiling.

The diverse food offering will include tacos from North Shields’ very own Lobo Rojo, Tynemouth’s Pan Asia, stone baked pizzas from Med Head and loaded duck fries from Hatch 76.

Beer comes from North East breweries such as Wylam, Errant, Northern Alchemy and Allendale to name a few.

Despite a delay in opening because of COVID-19, Salt Market Social will have no issue social distancing in 740 square metres of industrial space.

Tables will be placed 2 metres apart and available for a 90-minute slot, with food and drinks ordered via table service.

Simon ‘Barney’ Miller, one of Salt Market Social’s founders, said: “The Fish Quay has really changed over the last couple of years and Salt Market Social will be an amazing and distinct addition to what’s rapidly becoming a really vibrant quarter.

“There’ll be something for everyone – great local street food, drinks from North East breweries and distilleries, and a good music vibe. The launch has been a long time coming for us, but we couldn’t be happier it’s finally here.

Co-founder Jim Mawdsley added “After the last few months we all need something to look forward to, and we’ve worked hard to make the space as exciting and safe as possible.

“People can feel reassured that our social distancing measures and hygiene protocols are right up there with the best.

“We’re lucky that we have a huge space, so haven’t had to compromise on the experience and atmosphere we want people to get from our socials, so it’ll be a lot of fun.”