A look back on venues that have opened in 2024 so far
We are officially halfway through the year, so we thought it fitting to share with you a roundup of all of the restaurants, cafes, and bars that have launched over the past six months across Newcastle and the Hunter Valley.
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Newcastle
Featuring relaxed beachside vibes, local produce, and events with a touch of nostalgia, the Bogey Hole on Darby opened earlier this year and has been the talk of the town with their unique Bogey Hole platters.
Where: 102 Darby St, Cooks Hill
Newcastle’s foodie scene continues to evolve and has been graced by the delightfully delicious addition of Calamari Kitchen & Bar, opening up in the former SUBO restaurant space on Hunter Street.
Where: 551D Hunter St, Newcastle West
Nestled in the heart of Newcastle’s CBD on King Street, in the former Bar Saints, Kitami, and Red Baron venue, sits Castle del Mar – Newcastle’s newest lounge bar.
Where: 31 King Street, Newcastle
Moving up the coast from Noraville, Duff’s Ice Cream officially opened in Wickham on Saturday June 15 and is here to share its unique, nostalgic, and experimental ice cream flavours with the people of Newcastle.
Where: 9 Union St, Wickham
Earlier this year, we saw the closure of Emerson’s restaurant at Adina Vineyard in the Hunter Valley, but in February, Emerson re-emerged opening Emerson’s on the Lake at Toronto Royal Motor Yacht Club.
Where: 6 Arnott Ave, Toronto
Housed within the former Common Circus space in Belmont, Good One is the brainchild of the Gleeson family from Glee Coffee Roasters. The experience, whilst different to what you remember from Common Circus, you can expect the quality of the coffee to remain the same.
Where: 36 Brooks Pde, Belmont
Opening in January, Granddad’s Bar is an exciting addition to Newcastle’s small bar scene, and if you’re looking to expand your craft spirit horizons, it’s the perfect place to start.
Where: 515 Hunter St, Newcastle
The newest opening in Honeysuckle, Hideout on the Harbour has taken over the former Honeysuckle Social space and has transformed it into a hub for casual dining and fun cocktails.
Where: 11 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle
Adamstown’s newest haunt, Local Customs is situated along Glebe Road. Step on in and experience an oasis set back from the main road – a place where owners (and brothers) Shaun and Daniel hope the community can come to chill out and slow down.
Where: 513 Glebe Rd, Adamstown
In 2017, Hamilton’s coffee scene was changed for good with the arrival of Lords Coffee & Associates in the suburb’s iconic Beaumont Street. This year, seven years later, Lords expanded and opened its second space on Station Street in Waratah.
Where: Unit 4/43 Station St, Waratah
Joining the lineup of quality small bars in Newcastle West is mad poet – a listening bar that serves up wine, charcuterie, and boozy desserts while spinning records.
Where: 537 Hunter St, Newcastle
Situated directly across the road from the public school, Melt Gelato is the brainchild of two friends, Bree and Bianca, whose passion for dessert and a strong sense of community have come together to create a gelato sensation.
Where: 89 Regent St, New Lambton
Morning Market Warners Bay
First opened in Whitebridge, followed by Newcastle West – the Warners Bay venue marks the brand’s third venue and comes complete with its go-to coffee and baked goods.
Where: 472 The Esplanade, Warners Bay
The final piece of The Beach Hotel puzzle opened this year – Peregrin, an elevated bar and restaurant atop the newly revamped pub.
Where: 99 Frederick St, Merewether
On the corner of Beaumont Street right across from Hamilton Station, the iconic Rolador coffee spot was revived.
Where: 1 Beaumont St, Hamilton
Snelly’s Deli
Located in the former Lulu & Benson space, this new deli is dishing up loaded, fresh sandwiches plus treats like cookie sandwiches.
Where: 71 Beaumont St, Hamilton
Swordfish Warners Bay
The OG Swordfish in Budgewoi has built a strong reputation for some of the best fish and chips on the Central Coast, and the team has brought the Swordfish flavours to Lake Macquarie!
Where: Cnr Lake St & The Esplanade, Warners Bay
This new addition to our local foodie landscape offers a unique dining experience, combining authentic Thai flavours with a modern twist, all from within the former il Volcano location.
Where: Unit 4/850 Hunter St, Newcastle West
Teahouse Newcastle
This cute little spot recently opened up on Hunter Street, serving a diverse menu of bubble tea favourites, plus smoothies, rice paper rolls, and salads.
Where: 474 Hunter St, Newcastle
VBAI Chinese Restaurant
Brought to you by the same team behind Lee’s Yum Cha and Lee’s Kitchen, VBAI Chinese Restaurant has taken over the old Dumpling Story spot in Hamilton.
Where: 52 Cleary St, Hamilton
Hunter Valley
Estancia Osteria at Briar Ridge
Inspired by Italy’s osterias, Estancia Osteria at Briar Ridge Vineyard is a place to enjoy innovative and creative cuisine with friends and family with a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
Where: 593 Mount View Rd, Mount View
Located next door to Magoony’s Coffee House in Broke village is The Little Wine Company’s cellar door. It’s clean and simple, yet inviting and relaxed.
Where: Cnr Singleton & Nelson Sts, Broke
Mercer Wines
Mercer Wines has opened its first permanent cellar door space in Pokolbin after running a successful pop-up space last year. Expect laidback wine tastings and gorgeous views from this progressive, family-owned Hunter Valley wine label.
Where: 972 Hermitage Rd, Pokolbin
Earlier this year McGuigan Wines unveiled its brand new cellar door in the heart of the Hunter Valley, located right next door to Tempus Two at Pokolbin’s Roche Estate.
Where: Pavilion C, Roche Estate, 2155 Broke Rd, Pokolbin
M&J Becker’s new cellar door is a chic and intimate space, bedecked with its iconic neon sign and signature timber slats.
Where: Shop 9, 2188 Broke Rd, Pokolbin
Just when we thought the boys behind Arthur’s Pantry and Mr O were due for a rest, Noah Leonard and Blake Gontier have done it again with their new cafe, Ronnie’s, opening within the shopping village at Hunter Valley Gardens.
Where: Shop 15/2090 Broke Rd, Pokolbin
Savannah Estate
Hunter Vallery winery Savannah Estate recently opened its second cellar door in the region on Broke Road, right next to Pokolbin Distillery and Blaxland Inn. Time to order a cheese platter, sit back, and wine taste the afternoon away.
Where: 2198 Broke Rd, Pokolbin
Do you think we’ve missed somewhere? Email us!
