Why Tapas Is the Ultimate Restaurant Week Experience
As Newcastle Restaurant Week returns from 3-9 August, Café Andaluz is inviting diners to embrace one of Spain’s most sociable dining traditions and make a meal out of slowing down, catching up and spending time together.
In a city where lunch breaks are often rushed and evenings can disappear in the blink of an eye, tapas offer something refreshingly different. Built around sharing, conversation and variety, it turns dining into more of an occasion, whether that’s a long-overdue catch-up with friends, a relaxed family meal or a date night that feels a little more special.
That sense of connection is at the heart of Café Andaluz's 'Escape to Spain' campaign, which celebrates the simple pleasure of gathering around the table and enjoying food at a slower pace. Rather than choosing just one dish, guests can fill the table with a mix of flavours, creating a more relaxed, social and memorable experience.
Beyond giving diners the chance to enjoy exceptional value, Newcastle Restaurant Week also plays an important role in supporting the city's hospitality sector. Taking place during what can traditionally be a quieter period for restaurants, the event encourages people to dine out, discover new venues and revisit local favourites, bringing valuable footfall into the city centre and helping independent businesses and hospitality operators thrive.
The impact is significant. During last year's Newcastle Restaurant Week, Cafe Andaluz welcomed 4,444 guests over the week, a 70% increase compared with an average August week. Alongside welcoming more guests, Café Andaluz saw revenue increase by 55% compared with a typical August week, underlining the importance of initiatives like Restaurant Week in supporting local restaurants. The figures reflect the event's positive impact on city-centre hospitality businesses.
Susan Hogg, Brand Manager at Café Andaluz, said: "Restaurant Week is a brilliant opportunity for people to try somewhere new or rediscover a favourite in a different way. Tapas is perfect for that because it naturally brings people together, you're sharing dishes, trying different flavours and spending more time enjoying the moment.
"It's also an incredibly important event for the hospitality industry. Restaurant Week encourages people to get out, support local restaurants and experience everything the city has to offer. For us, it's a fantastic opportunity to welcome new guests through our doors, while giving returning customers another reason to enjoy Café Andaluz.
"That's what we love about Spanish dining. It's not rushed, it's not formal, and it's all about conversation, laughter and making time for the people you're with. We want guests to feel that sense of warmth and connection when they visit Café Andaluz during Restaurant Week."
Throughout the week, guests can enjoy a specially curated menu of authentic Spanish dishes inspired by Andalucía, with a Breakfast Menu for 2 from £20 including two breakfast dishes, two hot drinks and two juices, a Lunch Menu from £15pp featuring three tapas dishes, and a Dinner Menu from £20pp with three tapas dishes and a dessert.
Served in the relaxed, welcoming surroundings that have made Café Andaluz a favourite for everything from casual lunches to celebratory dinners, it’s the perfect way to experience the flavours of Spain in the heart of Newcastle.
With summer in full swing, Newcastle Restaurant Week offers the perfect excuse to gather friends, plan a midweek treat or make time for a meal that feels like a mini escape. For those looking to try something new, tapas bring a little taste of Spain to the heart of the city, and a reminder that the best meals are often the ones shared.
Restaurant Week runs from 3-9 August, with tables available to book online.
Further information and bookings can be made at www.cafeandaluz.com/newcastle/restaurant-week
