A unique leisure site worth over £750k is coming to the North East

Plans have been unveiled for a major development at one of the North East’s flagship leisure sites, thanks to a new partnership between two hospitality leaders.

PAGH Ventures has been set up by Gary Hutchinson, founder of Chrysalis Leisure Group and Piers Adam, chairman of the internationally renowned Mahiki Group, which has sites across the globe.

And now, the new company has revealed its plans to invest more than £750k to transform the Fat Buddha site at Newcastle’s 55 Degrees North, with a concept aiming to eventually be rolled out nationwide.

Earlier this week (February 13), Newcastle City Council approved of the licensing application, which will allow the operation to serve until 3am on Thursdays to Saturdays.

And that means the plans for the city centre site - which aim to create around 60 jobs - will begin immediately, with the opening scheduled for May.

The Asian style restaurant will remain but will undergo a rebrand and move to the upper floor of the site, although it will still remain open while construction is underway.

The ground floor is to be transformed into Antler – an alpine ski lodge-inspired bar and restaurant.

Gary Hutchinson.

Among the plans are the provision of an exclusive brand of Tank Beer and Alpine - themed home cooked food, along with the creation of an in-house bakery.

At the same time Antler will feature a regular programme of live entertainment in a rustic and authentic setting, which will also feature a heated, outdoor alpine garden which will be open year round.

The plan to form the new company came after a chance meeting between Mr Hutchinson – who set up Chrysalis Leisure Group six months ago - and Mr Adams.

The Mahiki Group opened its first site in Mayfair in 2007.

Its Polynesian theme caught the imagination of London bar goers and it has regularly been voted the Best Bar in London.

This led to further locations in Kensington and Manchester, followed by openings in Dubai, Marbella and Sardinia.

Gary said: “Mahiki is without a doubt one of the most exciting hospitality brands in the world and it is their style and ethos which people will see at Antler.

“We will be offering their well-known drinks brands such as Mahiki Rum and Copper Dog Whisky as well as the signature Mahiki cocktails which will be something entirely new to the North East.”

Mr Hutchinson added: “Antler will be something entirely new for the North East and is the first of many plans for PAGH Ventures.

“And we are hopeful of opening our next site before the end of 2018.”