Freight Island to launch second site in Newcastle

The city of Newcastle is set to welcome a huge new hospitality and entertainment destination this autumn.

When it opens in Eldon Square, Freight Island will stand as the largest F&B and entertainment venue in a UK city centre, spanning 60,000 sq ft. The Newcastle launch will be the second from the Dan Morris-led group, following its debut in Manchester in 2020.

The venue will host a selection of bars, eateries and food traders, including a service-led restaurant, street food stalls and a food hall with communal seating under a retractable roof.

Freight Island Newcastle will also host the UK's first wine tanks as part of a sustainability-focused single-producer-led wine programme and a specialist aperitivo cocktail bar.

Kids' raves and Michelin stars

A top-floor unit formerly occupied by Debenhams will be reclaimed to provide additional rooftop space. The owners say their vision is to create an indoor-outdoor venue where visitors can enjoy a range of food, drink, music and immersive entertainment in the heart of the city. 

"This venue has been designed with scale, prominence and long-term investment in mind and we’re delighted to have worked with Pradera Lateral, XPE Group plc and Newcastle City Council to bring it to Newcastle," says Morris. "We hope to replicate the huge success of Freight Island in Manchester, where it has already contributed over £30m to the local economy.

"Freight Island Newcastle will take inspiration from some of the world’s leading social and entertainment spaces, and the venue will bring a mix of cultural and immersive experiences to the city, including everything from kids' raves and Michelin-star level dining to live performances and some late-night parties."

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