We explore both the traditional and global tastes of Newcastle’s Grainger Market
Once a place steeped in food tradition, shaped by its rich history in the heart of Newcastle yet leaning toward the past, today the Grainger Market is a place to explore food ranging from British staples to global gastronomy.
While the best of the traditions of the Grade I-listed covered Victorian market remain and are rightly celebrated – visits to Matthew’s Cheese, Chirton Fisheries and Pumphrey’s are always essential – here you’ll also find the finest flavours of the Mediterranean, Asia and beyond. The likes of SnackWallah, Dumpling and Bun, Cubanos and Acropolis have added so much to the market experience, elevating it beyond anything else you’ll find in the North East.
A celebration of food – from the finest meat, poultry, fish and vegetables to global street food, baking and so much more – a pilgrimage to the Grainger Market is an essential experience for everyone who loves great food.
Follow @GraingerMarketNewcastle on social media for the latest goings-on in the market, and read on for more about the amazing range of retailers you can savour here…
Acropolis Greek Street Food
For authentic Greek food, pay a visit to Acropolis. An integral part of the North East’s street food scene, Acropolis serves up the myriad tastes of Greece in chicken gyros, grilled vegetables and halloumi, fried halloumi bites, and much more. Founded by brothers Filip and Viktor and their friend Yusuf, Acropolis has won thousands of fans with its pop-ups, residencies and permanent sites – which will be added to when the team launches their latest location in the Metrocentre later this year. www.acropolisstreetfood.co.uk
Chirton Fisheries
The freshest produce is a cornerstone of the Grainger Market, and you’ll always find the best of the day’s catch at Chirton Fisheries. The freshest, best-quality seafood and fish is sourced and beautifully displayed by the expert team each morning, with everything from crab and prawns to the best of the day’s catch. Every member of the team is always happy to chat while they prepare your choices and are a font of knowledge on how to prepare and cook your catch. www.facebook.com/ChirtonFish
Cubanos
Savour a taste of Cuba on the go at Cubanos. Having made their name at food festivals and markets including Newcastle’s Quayside Market, the Cubanos crew uses the best local ingredients in recipes inspired by traditional Cuban dishes which are packed with Latin flair. The menu features a diverse selection, including Cubanos (pressed sandwiches) and medianoche (shredded beef sandwiches), Cuban-style burritos, and Cuban rice bowls with shredded beef, citrus chicken or black bean sofrito. www.facebook.com/Cubanosnewcastle
Dumpling and Bun
The brilliant Dumpling and Bun is widely acclaimed for its exquisite Chinese steamed dumplings and buns. They’re all made fresh in front of you and filled with anything from chilli beef and sweet carrot to tofu and vegetables, which means you get to take in the whole experience when you visit. The team also serves up superb crispy bottom dumplings, noodles and soups along with traditional Chinese teas. www.facebook.com/dumplingandbun
Firebrick Brewery
Based along the Tyne in Blaydon, Firebrick is a truly independent brewery producing a wide range of styles. The brewery supplies North East pubs, restaurants and shops with a large variety of craft beers and lagers, but won’t supply large supermarkets, preferring to supply businesses that specialise in buying local instead. The whole Firebrick team also enjoys running the shop in the Grainger Market, welcoming locals and visitors to sit, relax and enjoy the craic while trying their brews on tap, and suggesting cans and bottles to take away. Follow Firebrick on social media @firebrickbrew www.firebrickbrewery.com
Matthew’s Cheese
A cornerstone of the market’s food scene for more than 50 years, Matthew’s Cheese is the place to buy the right goat, cow or ewe cheese for a cheese board or recipe. UK cheeses are sourced from England, Scotland, Wales and Northumberland, while you’ll also find varieties from across Europe and further afield. www.matthewscheese.com
Pumphrey’s
Pumphrey’s Coffee Centre & Brewing Emporium is a regional institution and truly a coffee connoisseur’s dream. The knowledgeable staff are expert in everything you could ever wish to know about blends and brewing techniques, and Pumphrey’s has been renowned for serving great coffee since 1750. Drop by and savour one of more than 50 coffees or 55 teas from around the world, or enjoy a Coffee of the Month subscription to taste a new single-origin coffee every month. Delicious coffee, beautifully presented, with friendly and efficient service – what more could you ask for? www.pumphreys-coffee.co.uk
SnackWallah
Bringing the food of the streets and markets of the Indian subcontinent to the grand setting of Newcastle’s Victorian covered market, SnackWallah serves a diverse menu of vegan Indian street food. The rotating curry of the day takes in a number of regions, while the bhaji wrap, samosa chaat and pakora plate make fantastic alternatives to your standard lunch on the run, especially when paired with a delicious chai, fresh fruit lassi or a nimbu pani. www.snackwallahuk.onepage.website
