North East Chef to Open New Business in the Grainger Market
An experienced North East chef is preparing to open a new food venue in the Grainger Market, following a successful career in kitchens in the UK and beyond.
LJ’s Mexican Street Food, a traditional Mexican-style food spot is set to open in Alley 3 of the Grainger Market this month, marking another exciting addition to the historic Grade I listed building’s growing offer.
After building an impressive career in kitchens across the world working for well-known names such as Gary Rhodes and Richard Branson, Dean Eccles is launching the new business together with his children, Lottie and Jacob.
Speaking of the new venture, Dean said: “I can remember visiting markets with my mum when I was growing up – it was a good day if we got a strawberry milkshake. I moved to the North East more than two decades ago and quickly fell in love with the Grainger Market.
"There’s nowhere quite like it. It has such a unique atmosphere and a real sense of community. Since getting the keys to the unit, I’ve already had some great conversations with fellow traders and customers passing by. It feels like exactly the right place to start this new chapter."
Named after Dean’s children, Lottie and Jacob, LJ’s Mexican Street Food will serve a range of traditional tacos and quesadillas made using fresh ingredients sourced from neighbouring Grainger Market traders where possible.
The menu will evolve throughout the year, with fillings changing regularly to reflect seasonality and availability. One constant however will be Dean’ signature sauce – a blend of fresh flavours including green chilli and tahini.
Dean’s love of Mexican flavours began more than 25 years ago during the 1998 World Cup in France.
"The first match I attended was Korea vs Mexico. When we arrived, there was a car park full of Mexican chefs cooking from pop-up stalls. They were making and sharing tacos and quesadillas, and it was the first time I’d experienced authentic Mexican flavours.
"I was completely hooked. Since then, I’ve been cooking Mexican food at home and through various pop-up events. I genuinely love it, and there’s nothing better than seeing customers enjoy those flavours in the same way I did all those years ago."
LJ’s Mexican Street Food is expected to open in Grainger Market in June.
Jane Rose, Commercial Property Officer at Newcastle City Council, said: “It’s fantastic to welcome LJ’s Mexican Street Food to the Grainger Market. Having another family-run business join us strengthens the values that have been at the heart of the market since 1835 - a love of great food, passionate traders and bringing people together.
“The market continues to attract a diverse mix of independent businesses, creating an exciting place for visitors to wander and wonder. It’s brilliant to see so many passionate people choosing the market as their home and adding to the market community.”
