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Fat Hippo brings burger brand to Durham creating 40 new jobs

North East restaurant group Fat Hippo is opening a new eatery in Durham city centre tomorrow, creating 40 new jobs as it expands its brand across the region.

The new Saddler Street outlet, based in a 17th century Grade II listed building, follows the rising popularity of the gourmet burger business, which has two Newcastle-based ventures.

Fat Hippo opened its first branch in Jesmond, Newcastle, in 2011. Due to popular demand, it opened a second restaurant in 2013, Fat Hippo Underground, in Shakespeare Street in Newcastle city centre.

Michael Phillips, founder and one of Fat Hippo’s directors, said: “The idea for Fat Hippo was born from my love of burgers. Gourmet burgers have become a bit of a trend at the moment but back when I started out six years ago, there wasn’t really anywhere in Newcastle doing them well.”

The Durham restaurant will offer dining over two floors and can hold up to 85 diners.

Michael continued: “We decided that this was the perfect site to lease as there is a great buzz and atmosphere in the city and the surrounding architecture is stunning.

“The area is also an ideal tourism destination and its high student and family population are two main demographics for us.”

Mr Phillips also paid tribute to North East property firm Bradley Hall for the role it played in the Durham venue’s emergence.

He said: “Bradley Hall played a big part in the move, ensuring that everything ran smoothly and that we could get the ball rolling to open our new venture as soon as possible.”

Peter Bartley, operations director at Bradley Hall, commented: “The North East is going through a very exciting time in terms of development. Durham is one of the key areas, and there couldn’t be a better time to launch a business with the city centre set to undergoing a range of regeneration projects, from cinemas to housing and hotels.”

Peter added: “The location of the new Fat Hippo restaurant is fantastic. Saddler Street benefits from a range of businesses and passing trade from tourists visiting the neighbouring river, castle and cathedral.”

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