Photography: Chad Konik

A new era of drinks and dining has arrived on the Islington end of Beaumont Street with the opening of Closed.

Opening over the final weekend of June 2024, Closed is already making waves with its bold and innovative approach. With a tagline of Raw, Rotten, and Loud, Closed promises a drinking and dining experience unlike anything else in Newcastle.

Poised to become a new go-to spot on the Beaumont Street strip, Closed is brought to you by local Lindsay Parker and is stage one of a $8 million investment into the area, with a vision for ‘Islington Village’ projected to include boutique artisan bakers, shops, and shop-top apartments.

The venue, spanning two floors, features a casual downstairs bar and an exclusive upper-floor cocktail area with large open-air terraces.

The interiors have been designed by Northern Rivers-based architect and designer, Patternshop, and showcase a romantic punk vibe, with plush velvets and industrial elements creating a captivating contrast.

A striking wall mural by local artist, Jordan Lucky, welcomes guests, while the décor blends edgy rawness with polished elegance – reflecting Newcastle’s rich history and vibrant modernity.

The Closed drinks menu is the brainchild of Food and Beverage director, Doug Laming, known for his successful Sydney-based ventures The Big Easy and The Rabbit Hole Bar.

“Growing up in Islington and starting my hospitality journey nearby, I was thrilled to be approached to work on this project. The scope of the development inspired me to create something truly distinctive, setting the standard for the four venues that will define Islington Village,” Doug said.

The innovative cocktail menu is set to impress even the most discerning of drinkers. The offerings include one of NSW’s strongest legal drinks, The Cure, known for its sweet and tangy flavour profile.

Other standout cocktails include Jazz Hands which delivers a rich and sweet citrus burst, and Always Down To Clown, a cucumber dirty Martini made with all Australian ingredients.

Each cocktail incorporates techniques like pickling, fermenting, and smoking – ensuring a unique drink experience.

Wine enthusiasts will also find plenty to love as Closed serves wines sourced from small and boutique suppliers. These wines, previously unseen in the Newcastle market, add another layer of sophistication to Closed’s offerings.

The culinary offerings at Closed are just as impressive as the interiors and the drinks. Spearheaded by Head Chef, Alannah Miceli, formerly of Subo, the menu is driven by a zero-waste philosophy and focuses on local produce.

“In the Hunter Region we have access to beautiful local produce that needs to be championed. Our concept of raw, rotten, and loud allows us to really consider the ingredients and to explore how to maximise them.

“Raw using the local, fresh, and foraged ingredients we have. Rotten draws heavily on the use of pickling, fermenting, and curing in the menu. And loud is for the colours, flavours, and experience we want to leave our guests with,” Alannah said.

Highlights from the menu include Market Fish with Earp gin infusion, zesty yuzu, and a touched of pickled chilli served with native succulents and the Jamon Rolled Pork with fermented apple sauerkraut, caramelised rhubarb, and black garlic jus.

The menu’s focus on obscure and lesser-known cuts of meat, along with a borderline pescatarian approach, ensures that there’s something for everyone, all while adhering to the venue’s zero-waste ethos.

As Closed opens its doors, it not only offers a new destination for drinks and dining but also signals the start of an exciting transformation for Beaumont Street and the wider Islington area.