Fratelli, the popular Italian restaurant from Ponteland, is expanding into Hexham after confirming that work has begun on a second Northumberland location.
The new restaurant will open in the former Hexham Courant newspaper building, a prominent property in the town. The announcement has prompted excitement among local residents and former newspaper staff, who are looking forward to seeing the historic offices transformed.
Fratelli expansion reaches Hexham
The family-owned restaurant confirmed the news on Thursday, sharing behind-the-scenes photographs of its new premises. The business said Ponteland would remain Fratelli’s home while it grows its presence with a second location in Hexham.
Fratelli said work was still taking place behind closed doors before the restaurant is ready to welcome customers. It has promised further updates as the project progresses, but has not announced an opening date in the available information.
“Ponteland will always be the home of Fratelli, and as an award-winning, family-owned restaurant, we’re so proud to now be growing the Fratelli family with a second location in the heart of beautiful Hexham.”
The restaurant added that the new site represented the beginning of its next chapter and that it was looking forward to bringing its established offer to another North East setting.
“There’s still plenty happening behind closed doors before we’re ready to open, but we can’t wait to bring everything you know and love from Fratelli to another beautiful North East setting. More behind the scenes updates coming soon… our next chapter is officially underway.”
Former Courant offices to become restaurant
The Hexham venue will occupy the old offices of the Hexham Courant, the local newspaper. The building has a prominent position in the town and its proposed new use has attracted reactions from people who previously worked there.
One former member of staff said they had worked in the Courant’s front office and would be interested to see what Fratelli did with the building, while also welcoming the prospect of being able to eat there.
“I worked in the front office of the Courant, will be amazing to see what you do with it, and of course have some amazing food while we are at it!”
Another local resident said they had eaten regularly at Fratelli in Ponteland and praised the consistency of its food, adding that having the restaurant closer to home would be welcome.
“Can’t wait for Fratelli to open in Hexham. I’ve eaten at Fratelli Ponteland regularly over the years where the food is consistently excellent. So having Fratelli close to home will be fantastic!”
Fratelli has operated in Ponteland for years and was described as an established part of the area’s food and drink scene. The Hexham opening will give the restaurant a second base while its original location remains open.