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World cuisine celebrated at new Newcastle eatery

A brand new city centre restaurant and late license bar has opened its doors to allow punters to experience seasonal food and drink from around the world in a unique setting.

Located on Collingwood Street, Two Fifths can cater for up to 50 diners as well as having a spacious bar area for those just wanting a drink. Formally Saints Hairdressers, the renovated Victorian building now boasts a main dining area, an elevated intimate dining room which sits six plus a poker themed private dining area downstairs which can comfortably hold 10 The décor is as eclectic as the menu with mismatched chairs and tables, reclaimed fixtures, 1950’s hanging surgeons light and a dentists chair.

The new venture sees the creation of seven jobs including managers, bar staff, chefs, hosts and apprentices.

The name Two Fifths dates back to the early commonwealth era when at one point the British Empire consisted of two fifths of the world meaning the cuisine was heavily influenced by countries such as Nigeria, India, and Cyprus.

General manager John Snell explains: “I guess it’s quite topical at the moment with all the immigration talk in the media but the way I see it, we wouldn’t be the country we are today if it wasn’t for the ties we made with other countries hundreds of years ago, and the food we eat most certainly wouldn’t be.

“I wanted to provide a relaxed environment where people can walk in off the street, come and have a cocktail and some great food, perhaps food they wouldn’t usually try. For instance, we have a South African dish named Gesmoorde Vis consisting of salt cod and potatoes with a tomato sauce and apricot jam.

“Other concoctions we have include Nafaqo which hails from Somali and is a lovely combination of potatoes with egg, a shitake mushroom and vegetable stir fry and stuffed red peppers influenced by Egypt.

“Not all our food wildly exotic, we have great British dishes such as peppered rib eye steak sourced from Darlington served with roasties.

“Our head chef Vasilis Koutsioubis has the perfect background to be able to design such a diverse menu, being born in Greece but of South African and Egyptian decent, he can not only create authentic dishes but can fuse cuisines and turn them into great tasting wonders.”

Another speciality of Two Fifths is its potent cocktails. Draft beer is not available at the bar; instead people can expect bottled beers, superior spirits, wines and liqueurs to compliment their food.

Snell commented: “Our cocktail list has been created by our bar manager and exceptional mixologist, Tim Ward, Clyde Maid is already proving a hit, it’s a gin and honey extravaganza served with a large slice of cucumber as a nod to good health.”

The restaurant also has approved plans for an outdoor seating area to be able to cater for more of the regions diners. It is also staging several events, working with local businesses and initiatives to utilise the space fully.

It is open for lunch and dinner, and private hire. On weekends, late night sharing platters are also available. Saturday’s sees it open until 1am.

To find out more please visit: www.twofifths.co.uk | Facebook: / /twofifths |

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Jodie Balmer .