A derelict Newcastle restaurant site that was shut down amid a bitter dispute with city officials could be brought back to life as a pizzeria.
The pan-Asian Geisha Bar and Restaurant in Jesmond closed suddenly in April 2023 and relocated to Benton, with its owners alleging at the time that they had been “victimised, persecuted and bullied” by Newcastle City Council.
The pan-Asian Geisha Bar and Restaurant in Jesmond closed suddenly in April 2023 and relocated to Benton, with its owners alleging at the time that they had been “victimised, persecuted and bullied” by Newcastle City Council.
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00:00A former Newcastle restaurant site left vacant after a bitter dispute with city officials could soon be brought back to life with a fresh new twist on Italian dining.
00:09The old Geisha bar and restaurant in Jesmond here, which stood down in April 2023, may soon be home to a new pizzeria.
00:17The Pan-Asian venue had opened on Sandiford Road in 2020, but closed and made a high-profile clash with Newcastle City Council.
00:24Its owners claimed they had been victimised, persecuted and bullied by the council over a series of planning disputes, including the construction of an unauthorised front porch and a mural on the building.
00:36The council denied any wrongdoing, saying many of the allegations were unsubstantiated.
00:42Since the closure, the site has remained empty, but now it could be getting a second chance.
00:47The Poggy Pizza Experience, known for its Neapolitan-style pizzas at its Westgate location, has submitted a planning application to transform the disused space into a second restaurant.
00:59Owner Pierre Carlo de Roux, a Sardinian restauranteur who lived in Newcastle since the early 1990s, hopes to open the new venue before the end of the year.
01:08He says the restaurant will offer authentic pizza and pasta dishes, plus freshly made Italian desserts and pastries.
01:14Plans for the new restaurant include a redesigned shopfront and the addition of an outdoor seating area.
01:21The proposal promises a more inviting look with high-quality design that aims to benefit both the business and the wider Jesmyn community.
01:29The investment is also expected to create local jobs and boost economic activity in the area, particularly during warmer months when the outdoor space can be used.
01:38If planning permission is granted, work could begin within a few months, with an opening date targeted for December.