A JESMOND building, which has lain vacant for two years, is to be given a new lease of life – as a restaurant for games lovers.
The site, which was formerly Louis restaurant, at Osborne Road, is to be transformed by its owners, the Malhotra Group plc, into The Den.
And, along with an American diner-style menu of sliders, shakes and sharing platters, customers will be able to enjoy a range of bar games, including giant Jenga and Connect 4, pool and table football.
There will also be a boutique, three-lane, 10-pin bowling alley for those keen to work up – or work off – an appetite.
The ground floor open plan restaurant will serve 95 covers with an additional 48 covers outside, where a pop-up café will provide a variety of milkshakes and hot and cold drinks.
“The Den promises to be a great addition to the area, bringing something new and restoring this lovely site to full use,” said Malhotra Group plc’s director of operations, Atul Malhotra.
“Over the past months we have listened to our customers at adjacent Osborne’s and the New Northumbria Hotel and we very much feel there is a market for this sort of active dining experience.
“As an existing Jesmond business we are committed to the highest standards of quality across all areas of our operation and The Den will be no exception.
“Diners can expect a super-stylish environment with great food and entertainment; it will be the perfect venue for a day or night out with friends or family.”
The Den will also accept the Malhotra Group’s Maloyalty card, which launches on 1 June and will enable customers to exchange points for food and drink at any of the Group’s participating leisure venues.
Subject to licensing approval, work will begin at the site, which also incorporates neighbouring 73a Osborne Road, in June, with completion scheduled for the end of September.
The development is expected to create around 40 full and part time jobs and is part of a wider £10m investment by the Group’s leisure division.