Jungli spices up Newcastle dining scene

A new all-day restaurant is preparing to spice up Newcastle’s hospitality scene with a combination of Indian-inspired food, cocktails, music and entertainment.

Jungli will transform the former Castro’s bar at 3-5 Hood Street, close to the city’s newly developed Pilgrim Street district.

The concept has been created by the award-winning team behind Jesmond restaurant Chakh Dhoom, working alongside entrepreneurs from the brand, marketing, technology and finance sectors.

Designed to operate from day into night, Jungli will combine café culture and casual dining with a bar, live entertainment and social gaming.

Its modern Indian-inspired menu will feature small plates, sharing dishes and chef’s specials alongside established favourites given a new twist.

A ground-floor bar will offer high seating for coffee, food and drinks before leading into the main restaurant.

Chef’s tables overlooking an open kitchen will provide a more intimate dining experience with a specially selected menu.

Live music and DJs will form part of the entertainment offering, with playlists spanning everything from Indian deep house to New Order.

Outdoor seating is planned on Hood Street and at the High Friar Lane entrance opposite Tyneside Cinema, while a downstairs area will cater for corporate, private and social events.

Co-founder and director Yousaf Khalid said: “We’re excited to see our vision for Jungli launching in Hood Street alongside other upcoming exciting concepts.

“Newcastle has some great Indian restaurants serving up the classic dishes we all know and love but we’re pushing the boundaries by innovating and challenging the norm for the category.”

The team also plans to take Jungli beyond hospitality by introducing a retail element.

Its own merchandise will be sold alongside clothing, art, books and accessories from selected brands, creating a broader lifestyle experience within the venue.

Co-founder and operations director Ash Dabral added: “Anyone who has already been to Chakh Dhoom in Jesmond will expect the food to be amazing. 

“But Jungli will be much more than a restaurant.

“We’re creating a new brand experience and taking this mindset with Indian-inspired flavours mixing up cuisines. 

“Enjoyed all day from small plates and light bites from brunch to evening dinner menu.”

Jungli is currently recruiting for around 30 jobs including assistant restaurant managers, bar managers, bartenders and servers. People can express their interest by emailing ash@savay.co.uk.

For more information and to be among the first to know when bookings are live, head to www.wearejungli.co.uk.

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