Arc Inspirations to create 70 jobs in Newcastle with £1.5m restaurant on Blackett Street

A seven-figure refurb of the former Jamie’s Italian premises in Newcastle is bringing a new restaurant brand and jobs to the city centre.

Banyan Bar & Kitchen will create 70 full- and part-time jobs when it opens on Blackett Street at the end of next month.

Leisure operator Arc Inspirations, the company behind the Banyan concept, is investing £1.5m in a full refurbishment of the 5,000 sq ft bar and eatery.

The venue will be the group’s ninth Banyan site in the North, following openings in Leeds, Manchester, York and elsewhere.

Banyan Bar & Kitchen will serve a menu of brunch, lunch and dinner options, along with a drinks list featuring 30 cocktails and a selection of local beers and gins.

Martin Wolstencroft, Arc Inspirations’ chief exec, said: “We’re really excited to launch our first site in the heart of Newcastle.

“It’s a dynamic city with a diverse food and drink offering and we feel Banyan Bar & Kitchen brings a sophisticated and lively atmosphere to complement Newcastle’s existing scene.”

He continued: “Banyan Newcastle will be the 19th venue in our portfolio.

“We’re building on our experience and expertise to bring a setting which meets the needs of locals throughout the day – from a pre-shopping brunch, to business lunches through to afterwork and late night weekend drinks.”

Banyan Bar & Kitchen will open on March 30.

Arc Inspirations is exploring further sites in Newcastle for its other two core brands, Manahatta and The Box.