Diners flock to banqueting restaurant following £3 million investment

A £3 million investment programme into a 500-seater restaurant in the heart of Newcastle has come to fruition with the official opening of Za Za Bazaar.

The restaurant, which sees authentic global food cooked live to order, covers over 17,000 sq ft, has created 75 local jobs and boasts 31 highly skilled chefs from around the world and UK.

Should the site prove a success, plans are to open a further five Za Za Bazaar restaurants across the country.

The dining concept, which combines a fixed price offer with freshly prepared food in a buzzing oriental ‘night market’ environment, has already proved a hit, with diners clamouring to get in on the first two ‘soft launch’ nights.

Nitin Bhatnagar, director of Kitchen Operations at Za Za Bazaar, Newcastle, said: “Newcastle with its thriving social scene and nightlife has always been a key destination for us and we’re thrilled to now be up and running here, as well as to have received such a warm welcome. The Gate is a very supportive landlord, which has helped enormously during the development and launch stages.

“Adventure and live cooking are at the heart of the Za Za Bazaar concept, and the restaurant sets cuisine from India, China, Japan, the Far East, South America and Europe against vivid backdrops, reflecting the cultures from which it originates. Graffiti artists from around the world have created a vivid array of authentic murals throughout the restaurant. It’s great to see the reaction it gets and even better when people say how much they love the food.”

Amanda Betteridge, centre manager of The Gate, added: “Za Za Bazaar is a one off – there really is nothing else of its kind or quality, which is why we were extremely keen to secure its presence at The Gate.

“Our aim has always been to solidify our position as Newcastle’s premier leisure destination and to make it as attractive as possible to young and growing families. There’s no doubting that Za Za’s arrival reinforces that message and we believe the restaurant will be a huge success.”

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