Newcastle gears up for eco-friendly NE1 Restaurant Week

Newcastle city centre restaurants are preparing for the 18th edition of NE1’s Restaurant Week later this month, which will feature an eco-friendly focus.

The event, which sees food enthusiasts able to dine out for deals at £10 or £15, will run from January 20 to 26, and will feature over 100 eateries across the city.

Many of the original founding members, like Blackfriars, Dobson & Parnell, and Sachins will be offering special menus, and they will be joined by newcomers for 2020, including Horticulture, My Delhi, and Hibou Blanc.

Not only will this Restaurant Week be the biggest ever, but it is also set to be the greenest, with cut-price transport to and from Newcastle on offer for diners.

NE1 has teamed up with bus operator Arriva North East to provide low-cost, low-carbon footprint travel, with the aim of reducing the event’s environmental impact.

It is hoped that diners will be encouraged to leave their cars at home and travel via bus, which will also make it possible for them to enjoy their evening further at other venues.

Ben Whitfield, head of marketing and events at NE1 Ltd said: “We have an exciting line up of restaurants long-established and new, all preparing to celebrate this January’s NE1 Newcastle Restaurant Week.

“We are also delighted to be able to add a new dimension to the event this year with our transportation partner, Arriva North East.

“Having Arriva on board will hopefully encourage people out of their cars, onto the bus to cut the carbon footprint of the event and allow people to make the most of their Restaurant Week experience savouring all that Newcastle has to offer.”

An Arriva North East spokesperson said: “NE1 Newcastle Restaurant Week is a key milestone in Newcastle’s event calendar and we are excited to be official transportation partners for the first time this January.

“Buses play a vital role in reducing the environmental impact of successful events like NE1 Restaurant Week, which see tens of thousands of people travelling into Newcastle city centre.

“We’re hoping our £2 return journey offer will encourage more visitors to leave their car at home and enjoy their evening without having to worry about driving.”