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Quorum serves up new dish as Eat@ arrives on the park

North East-based Quorum Business Park recently welcomed the arrival of independent deli restaurant, Eat@, which became the latest addition to its Duke’s Walk retail scheme.

After relocating from its former premises at Four Lane Ends in Longbenton, trading has been positive since Eat@ opened its doors on Quorum. It took its place next to Greggs, the first unit in the retail scheme which opened in November 2012, where business has been booming for the national retailer.

The new Eat@ accommodates seating for 40 people inside with seating for a further 30 outside, which is expected to prove popular during the warmer months ahead.

It offers coffee shop and bistro restaurant facilities, and handmade deli sandwiches. Open Monday to Friday throughout the day, Eat@ serves from breakfast through to early evening for tenants and employees of the park and also attracts trade from local residents.

Eat@ is run by husband and wife team Billy and Kerstin Botto. Billy said: “We were thrilled to move onto Quorum and with many hungry customers from the 5,000 staff currently working on the park, we’ve certainly enjoyed healthy business since opening last year.

“We recognised that some employees only have short lunch breaks, so there was a need for quick service on both quality takeaway and eat-in meals. Naturally, lunchtime gets the busiest with the majority of customers opting for the freshly-made sandwiches and own-choice filling, although the bistro menu is increasingly popular.”

There are already plans in place for the deli restaurant to extend opening hours in 2014 as it operates a full drinks license up to 11pm every day.

Billy continued: “This year, we hope to start staying open until 11pm on Thursday and Friday evenings. There is already good custom from people coming in for a couple of drinks after work. We will build the food offering around that with steak nights and tapas-themed evenings created by our chef. We feel that opening longer will give employees the opportunity to come in for a quick drink to unwind or a bite to eat before going home.

“We also intend to extend trading hours to a Saturday evening and Sunday afternoons as there are plenty of local residents on our doorstep.”

Quorum development director Fergus Trim said: “The opening of Eat@ was eagerly awaited by both staff on the park and the local community and it has had a successful first few months. It’s a great place for our tenants to take some time out and hold informal meetings, working lunches and staff get-togethers.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Quorum Business Park .