Antler is open for business

An ambitious scheme at the gateway to Newcastle has opened its doors this week, following a £1m investment.

Antler, at the former Fat Buddha site at the city’s 55 Degrees North, is the first restaurant/bar on Tyneside to offer an authentic slice of Alpine life, from the unique food offering to the specialist drinks.

The venue – which has an external garden which will be open year-round – has drawn its inspiration from some of the world’s top ski lodges, with stripped wood, fires and quirky additions including life-size reindeers and seating in ski gondolas.

Antler is also planning an unusual and varied entertainment programme, which will include live music and a variety of acts.

Gary Hutchinson, owner of Chrysalis Leisure which has developed the site, revealed that the venue was already attracting widespread interest.

“We’ve only been open a few days but the amount of people who been popped in or who have been in touch about private bookings have far exceeded our expectations,” he said. “I think the combination of our central location, the fact that we can also cater for private events for ten up to 800 people and that this is something very new for the city is obviously proving very appealing.”

A menu including a range of Alpine favourites has been created, while the heated Alpine garden also has an outdoor, wood-fired pizza oven.

Fat Buddha fans will still be catered for, as the upper level of the restaurant will continue to serve oriental cuisine under the name, New Buddha.

“We’re very excited about finally being able to show people what Antler has to offer,” said Gary.

For more information visit www.antlernewcastle.co.uk or call 0191 261 1066 or email [email protected]. Bookings for the Fat Buddha can be made at www.fatbuddhancl.com or via [email protected]. Telephone bookings can also be made via the same number as Antler.