The sounds and spirit of South America are set to spice up Newcastle when Motel Mexicana opens to the public on March 30.
The Mosley Street venue is dedicated to all things Latino – with entertainment, food and drink and, ultimately, accommodation. Its £500,000 first phase will officially open to the public on Saturday March 30, with those who sign up as Motel members able to enjoy a sneak preview on Good Friday (March 29).
The venue, which will open seven days a week, will offer a Mexican-inspired food and drink menu alongside a daily, changing line up of entertainment – including live music and a weekly quiz on Mondays. Tuesdays will be devoted to tacos at discount prices to the backing of an authentic, live mariachi band and the venue’s team of chefs also plan to introduce a signature Brunch El Presidente dish later in April.
The opening is part of a phased development, and the second phase will see the third floor turned into a motel, with one multiple occupancy bedroom. The fourth floor will become a roof terrace, with plans to install a retractable glass roof to create a versatile, all-weather space.
Masterminding the creation of Motel Mexicana are Nigel Holliday and Matt Smyth, who are also behind Tup Tup Palace. The pair, who are also partners in the North East’s biggest scare park, Psycho Path, joined forces with Andrew McGuigan of advertising agency Saatchi & Saatchi to create Motel Mexicana. Matt and Andrew’s wives, who are from Spain and Columbia respectively, are also involved, ensuring that every aspect of Motel Mexicana is authentic.
Nigel – also one of the partners behind Newcastle festive pop-up Moosenwirt – said: “From the outset we wanted to create a fun venue with lots of live music and great food and drinks that would appeal to both a young and older crowd.”
