Major Refurbishment For Top Newcastle Restaurant

One of the North East’s best known restaurants – Café 21 – is set for a major refurbishment and rebrand. The Newcastle Quayside restaurant, the flagship within Terry Laybourne’s 21 Hospitality Group, will be closed for business from August 23, reopening with a new look on September 8. More than £100,000 is being invested in a new bar area, furnishings, lighting and general décor in this renowned restaurant that relocated to Trinity Gardens from Queen Street almost eight years ago. Interior design firm Ward Robinson is developing the new, more elegant look and style at the restaurant. Comfort levels are being increased across the restaurant and private dining room with major alterations taking place within the bar area. This is being enlarged to create more of a distinctive, destination bar. Once reopened, the attractive, contemporary bar will offer a wider range of drinks and a more extensive cocktail offer. To coincide with the refurbishment this prominent restaurant is to rebrand to become 21. Chef and owner Terry Laybourne explained: “With the increased investment and comfort levels the Café name and image no longer reflected the enhanced nature of the restaurant. “21 is our flagship and we felt this needed to be reflected not only in the furnishings and ambience but also in our brand and marketing activity. “This significant refurbishment is a reinvestment in the customer experience. We are enhancing features that guests already love about the restaurant.” 21 Hospitality Group comprises Café 21 at Fenwick, Caffe Vivo, The Broad Chare and Bistro 21 in Durham.