New operators are set to take over at the cafes in Exhibition Park and Paddy Freeman’s Park following a comprehensive procurement process after a lot of interest was shown by potential operators.
Bandstand!, a new venture from Deep North, the Ouseburn-based artisan doughnut and speciality coffee business, will be opening on Monday 27 July at the site in Exhibition Park, initially from the café building’s hatch while they complete renovation work on the building.
Ciccarelli Italian Gelato has secured the contract to take over the café building in Paddy Freeman’s Park and is set to open on Friday 24 July following a successful soft launch.
Founded in 1966, the family-run business began with a single ice cream van, inspired by Italian gelato-making. Today, it serves Italian gelato from its parlour in Blyth, mobile vans, and partner venues across the region.
Cllr Colin Ferguson, leader of Newcastle City Council, said: “I am delighted that these two cafes are opening their doors this week.
“When we were elected, I made it clear that we would look to accelerate the identification of new operations and am pleased we can now welcome Deep North and Ciccarelli into these popular buildings.
“The operators behind Deep North are one of the many success stories coming out of Ouseburn while Ciccarelli are an award-winning business with 60 years’ of expertise.
“I know it was a shock to users when the previous administration took the decision to close the then council operated cafes, and we knew it was important to re-open the buildings as soon as possible.
“Since the elections, we have stated that we will continue to invest in and improve our parks for residents and visitors to enjoy, and this is just one part of that key message with more to come in the year ahead.
“We hope park users will enjoy these new look cafes.”
The Gregorio family, who operate Ciccarelli’s, said: “We are looking forward to opening the café at Paddy Freeman’s Park with the aim of restoring these much needed facilities for the local community.
“Paddy Freeman’s Park is at the heart of a busy residential area and is enjoyed by a wide range of visitors, from families using the play area, to the local boating club, as well as staff, patients and visitors from the nearby Freeman Hospital.
“We are pleased to be able to bring the café back into use and provide a welcoming place for everyone to enjoy.”
He added: “The café will offer a range of hot and cold drinks, locally made Ciccarelli Italian gelato, light snacks and refreshments. As it develops, we will also be looking to work with local supplies wherever possible, sourcing products such as handmade cakes and other locally produced goods to showcase the fantastic businesses we have in the region.
“We are also looking forward to working closely with the Friends of Paddy Freeman’s Park and other local groups to create a welcoming community space.”
Ciccarelli’s are planning to carry out an extensive refurbishment of the building during the quieter winter months to create a better space for the community.
Phil King, director of Deep North, said: “We are delighted to bring Bandstand! To Exhibition Park. It is a new brand and concept from the same team who have been operating our Deep North sites successfully for the last four years.
“Once we are fully up and running we will be offering speciality coffee and ceremonial grade matcha, wood fired pizzas, a full brunch menu, small plates, doughnuts, ice cream and soft serve, natural wines, cocktails and craft beers.
“We will be open daytimes but also opening on evenings soon, bringing some live music and DJs to the space.
“We want to bring something different to the park – serving those people who regularly frequent the park but also to attract new people to the area. Our approach to food and drink will be ensuring it is of the best quality – making things in-house and from scratch and working with high quality local suppliers.
“All being well, we will open our takeaway hatch on Monday 27 July with a reduced menu offering. We are currently refurbishing the interior of the café to give it an updated look and feel, which we are really excited about and are aiming to have that open in a few weeks’ time. We will be giving updates via our Instagram account ‘@thisisbandstand’.”