Member Article

Neapolitan-style pizza venue to create 60 new jobs in Newcastle

Newcastle’s booming restaurant trade is showing no signs of slowing down as leisure operator Crafted Projects has announced the opening of a new city centre pizza and cocktail restaurant, to open on December 8.

The Central Oven and Shaker will have chef Andrea Muru running the Neapolitan-style pizza venue, based opposite Newcastle’s Central Station.

The restaurant will be open early morning through until late at night, operating a deli-style take out as well as the restaurant which has created 60 new jobs.

Pizzas will be served with craft beers, prosecco and carafes of cocktails after the operator invested more than £1m to convert the former Lounge bar into a contemporary restaurant.

Chef Muru moved to the UK in 2014 to pursue his passion, working in Manchester at the award-winning Ply Pizzeria where the team from Crafted Projects first met him.

He said: “I am delighted to be bringing a taste of my homeland to Tyneside. My team cannot wait to warmly welcome guests and give them an authentic culinary experience in a friendly, relaxed environment as well as provide top quality food to takeaway for busy commuters going to and from Central Station.”

Designed by Simon Mcilwraith of Collective Design, Central Oven and Shaker joins Crafted Project’s family of venues which include Pleased to Meet You, Lady Grey’s, Redhouse and the Hop and Cleaver.

The company is also behind ambitious plans to bring exciting new concepts in food and drink to the Grey Street area in the White Hart Yard complex.

Lucy Major, Central Oven and Shaker’s General Manager, said: “I am looking forward to leading a strong team and opening up in such a prominent and iconic location.

“The concept will bring a new casual dining element to the city which is like nothing else seen before. It caters to a range of target markets from students to commuters to office lunch-goers.”

Barry Ladhar, Crafted Projects director, said: “We are delighted to have such a talented chef as Andrea Muru on board to launch Central Oven and Shaker. It fits in perfectly with our plans to grow the business through innovative, sophisticated eateries and bars.

“We will be combining this authentic cooking style with the very best of local produce for both restaurant and takeaway customers.”