Restaurateurs across South Tyneside have branded the borough’s first food festival a resounding success.
Twenty eight eateries from South Shields, Jarrow, Hebburn and Boldon took part in the inaugural South Tyneside Restaurant Week, which ran from October 3.
Each offered a discounted two or three course menu, with many developing dishes specifically for the event.
Richard Ord, from family-run fish and chip restaurant Colmans, said: “We sold 195 of our South Tyneside Restaurant Week specials, which is excellent.
“More importantly though, the event brought some great positive publicity and really helped raise the profile of the borough.”
A number of participating restaurants, which covered everything from Italian to Indian cuisine, are now making changes as a direct result of feedback received during South Tyneside Restaurant Week.
That includes Ristorante Bravi in South Shields, which has now introduced a ‘menu of the day’ and the Black Horse, Boldon, which has continued to offer some £10 set menus.
And many have praised the initiative for encouraging people to eat out.
Paige Bent, Manager at No.4 Café Bistro, East Boldon, said: “It was a fantastic week for us at No.4 with the majority of customers ordering from our Restaurant Week menu.
“Many of them said that they had specifically come out for a meal because it was South Tyneside Restaurant Week and I really think it should be a regular thing.”
South Tyneside Restaurant Week 2015, run by South Tyneside Council, was designed to boost tourism in the borough and raise awareness of the wide range of restaurants on offer.
Councillor Alan Kerr, Deputy Leader of South Tyneside Council, with responsibility for Culture and Leisure, said: “From the feedback we have received, South Tyneside Restaurant Week was a huge hit with restaurateurs and diners alike.
“Many participants reported an increase in new custom, as well as a positive response from their regular visitors. The event also helped to raise the profile of eating out in South Tyneside and we are already thinking about what we can do next year.
“We would like to thank all those who took part and supported our first Restaurant Week, which is just one of a number of exciting events that have taken place this year.
“Our popular South Tyneside Festival was the best yet and we have a wonderful programme of festive entertainment and activities coming soon with the return of Christmas Wonderland.”