Fancy popping up in Gateshead? Get the lowdown on what you can find in and around Sook Metrocentre in Gateshead, courtesy of Sook's Head of Store Operations Emma Peareth.
You want to pop-up in a Sook, but which one should you choose? And when you’ve made your decision, what else can you expect from the location? Read on for the first of our Insider’s Guides designed to give you a flavour of the area - as told by Sook’s resident experts...
Meet the Neighbours
We are located in the Upper Red Mall of the Metrocentre. We have Flannels, Castore, Zara, H&M (including H&M Home!!) and Virgin Holidays as our closest neighbours. We are also just a stone's throw away from Apple, Hugo Boss and Next Home & Beauty (and it goes without saying, Greggs!).
Best place for a morning coffee?
There are multiple options for your morning dose of caffeine. Depending on what you prefer, and whether you're wanting to grab one on the go, there is Starbucks, Costa, Greggs & Cafe Nero all within the vicinity of the Red Mall. However if you fancy a cheeky little sit down head to Bakers & Baristas located in the Lower Green Mall. Their Latte’s are top notch... and their cake selection isn't bad either (or so I hear!).
Favourite lunch spot?
The centre has so many options in terms of lunch; the food hall alone has over 15 restaurants to choose from. My favourite is Zucchini Pasta Bar, located in the Upper Yellow Mall. Their garlic bread is a must!!
Tastiest place to grab a snack?
Beckleberry’s! No question!! Locally sourced, homemade ice creams or pastries, located in the Upper Blue Mall. Delicious.
Coolest place to pick up a last-minute gift?
With the Metrocentre being one of the biggest indoor shopping destinations in the UK there is an abundance of shops to choose from for last-minute gifts, however there are two that stick out for me which really offer different types of gifts. David Summerfield, situated in the Lower Red Mall is a local, North-East-based jeweller who offers a wide range of options, or if you want something completely out there, head to The Back Page in the Upper Blue Mall. This store specialises in football memorabilia and also sells lots of souvenir type gifts specific to the North East.
Boujiest option for after-work drinks?
There are very limited options for drinks in the centre itself; this is more than likely down to it being an out-of-town shopping centre and most people driving to get there. Although all the restaurants do offer a drinks service (and rumour has it H Beauty are opening a champagne bar also!), the only real option is a Wetherspoon's. So if you fancy a nice after-work cocktail, head across into Newcastle City Centre (bus or trains run every 10 minutes direct to the City in less than 15 mins) where there are so many bars to choose from. The Alchemist is a favourite of mine, which is situated in The Greys Quarter, Eldon Square.
And finally, local landmarks to look out for?
The Angel of the North The Tyne Bridge Hadrian’s Wall The Gateshead Millennium Bridge Grey’s Monument The Fog on the Tyne… It's not a landmark BUT it is real; if you’re lucky enough to visit here at the right time you will see the famous fog that Gazza sang so fondly about.