A delicatessen which has been operating in Newcastle‘s Grainger Market for nearly 70 years has moved to a new unit as part of £9m renovation plans.
When Hunter’s Deli opened in the historic Georgian market, it quickly became the go to place to purchase homemade bread and pastries, locally sourced meat and other treats.
Newcastle City Council announced plans to create a large events space in the centre’s arcade as part of of their redevelopment project. The decided that the stalls run by Hunter’s Deli and Pumphreys would be demolished and relocated.
This week, Hunter’s Deli moved from unit 48 in the arcade to unit D/E in the Grainger Arcade, just a few meters away.
Julie Higgs, who has owned the business for the last 29 years, has introduced a new dark green logo, which works well alongside the Grainger Market’s new identity.
The 55-year-old, who lives in Low Fell, Gateshead, said: “I absolutely love the new unit. I honestly couldn’t be happier with how the process has gone and the support we have received.
“Space has always been a premium at our pre-existing store – given that we serve so many customers here in the Grainger Market. So, to have additional floor space and the space to install fridges across a 10-meter-long storefront means we can take an exciting new step forward as Hunter’s Deli and continue to serve even more visitors.
“The development is really exciting. The past few years have been really challenging for small business owners and for the Grainger Market to be prioritised is massively appreciated.
“I do owe a huge thank you to the council for the support in finding me a perfect new unit for the business, and to the market inspectors for helping with the daily activity of moving.”
Julie was a teenager when she joined the Hunter’s Deli team in the Grainger Market as a Saturday girl.
The friendly community and customers, the exciting pace of working in a bustling market and being a part of a historical city centre icon made her want to stay. She soon became the manager of the shop and then the owner.
She said: “We have customers who have shopped at Hunter’s Deli since I started working here – they get the bus to us every Monday to pick up five slices of ham and a serving of pease pudding to make their lunches for the week.
“We also have young customers who pop in to see us on their lunch break for a quick and hearty bite to eat – usually walking away with a freshly baked pitta bread bursting with kebab meat and lashings of chilli sauce.
“It’s lovely to see customers come back, and share their stories, what they’ve been up to and what is going on in their lives. For some, having a chat with or myself is a highlight of their week.
“I think what customers most enjoy is the fact that everything is made from scratch on site – nothing is prepacked. Everything we sell is homemade and hearty.”
The Grainger Market has been awarded Levelling Up Fund cash by the government.
This year has already seen big changes at the historic Georgian market. Over-running renovations to its barrelled glass roof have now finished and daylight has been restored to a huge section of the building.
Michelle Percy, Director of Investment and Growth at Newcastle City Council, said: “I am so pleased that Hunter’s Deli is going from strength to strength, and Julie is so positive about the future of the market and working with the council to help make the vision a reality.
“Close cooperation with traders and planning together has been at the heart of everything we have done over the last few years. Their support and input into our plans have been invaluable and means we are now at the stage where these plans can start to properly take shape.
“I very much look forward to visiting the new location for Hunter’s Deli and again enjoying their delicious food. And I am also looking forward to continuing to work with all the traders as we enter a new era for the Grainger Market.”
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View news Source: https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink-news/homemade-hearty-beloved-deli-moves-29012789