Work is under way to transform the former Hexham Courant office at 8 Beaumont Street into a second Fratelli’s restaurant, with the family behind the Ponteland venue saying the new site is expected to open later this year, subject to the construction programme.
The plans will bring a restaurant and bar to the ground floor of the former newspaper office, with a mezzanine level and two two-bedroom apartments on the first and second floors. Permission for the conversion was granted in December 2025.
Restaurant, bar and holiday apartments
The proposal was submitted by Space ID on behalf of David Wilson, a business partner of the Fratelli family. The family business is run by Fabrizio, Carol, Gabi and Cristian Saba, who have described the Hexham project as an “exciting step” in the company’s expansion.
The two apartments above the restaurant are intended to operate as holiday lets through the family’s Coast and Country Stays brand. The development therefore combines a new food and drink business with short-term accommodation at the Beaumont Street property.
The family said the Hexham restaurant would remain a family-run business, as is its Ponteland restaurant. Customers can expect a similar offer, including Italian classics, Sardinian specialities and Fratelli favourites, alongside what the family described as a warm and friendly service.
Opening date has not been confirmed
Building work began in the month before the family’s announcement and involves a full renovation of the premises. The work is expected to take several months, but the business has stressed that construction schedules can change.
As a result, there is currently no confirmed opening date. The family said it plans to announce details later this year when it is able to do so.
The project is being developed with the same designers and architect who have worked with the family for many years. The owners said they are looking forward to revealing the completed restaurant and becoming part of the Hexham community.
The new venue is also intended to attract existing customers from the wider area. The family said many loyal diners already travel to Ponteland from around Hexham and that it hopes to welcome those customers alongside new visitors.
The Hexham restaurant is part of a broader expansion plan: the family said it is actively considering further opportunities to grow its restaurant business across the North East.