It sounds like a pork-lover’s heaven. A restaurant where every dish is stuffed full of meaty sausages.
Now that very concept could become a reality inside the Grainger Market.
Since opening in 2013, artisan sausage maker Geordie Bangers Co has proved a hit.
Now the firm is planning to expand by opening a ‘sausage tapas’ restaurant next to the shop.
Sausage cassoulet, gourmet sausage rolls and extra-large scotch eggs are among the items owner David McDonald plans to sell should his plans be passed.
“It is going to be quite an impressive display,” claims the 27-year-old, who has sausage in his blood.
“I think the shop’s become popular because it is the quality and consistency of what we make.
“We only use good shoulder pork, and our recipes go back three generations and I think there was a gap in the market for people making a good sausage.”
His gut instinct was right, with his North Shields-made sausages – made from ingredients ranging from Guinness to Newcastle Brown Ale – flying off the shelves.
He’s asked Newcastle City Council for planning permission to develop another three units – including a former butchers and green grocers – for the restaurant.
“There will be a seating order, but people will also be able to take them back to the office,” adds David.
“Realistically, I would like to see it open by June and if this works hopefully we can expand to other sites.”
Initially launched with five flavours, Geordie Bangers now sells around 30 different types of sausages.
It initially carved a reputation around food markets before opening up inside the 180-year-old market last year.
And in a statement submitted as part of the plans, the firm adds: “In more recent years the Grainger Market has seen a change in retailers with more artisan cafes and eateries opening.
“Geordie Bangers, has already proven that they are popular at markets in the North East and beyond and hope to be a welcome addition and establish themselves properly within one of Newcastle’s most historic buildings.”
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