Eaterie operator to quit the Baltic
May 15 2008 by Paul James, The Journal
GATESHEAD’s Baltic arts centre was dealt a blow yesterday with the announcement that the operators of its prestigious rooftop restaurant will move across the River Tyne.
The McCoys eaterie has been in place since the venue opened six years ago, but chef-proprietor Marcus Bennett yesterday revealed he will move to a new home in Mosley Street in Newcastle this summer.
The Egon Ronay-starred McCoys had one year left on its contract but Mr Bennett said he decided to move after the former Eagle Star building came on the market.
While admitting that at times he struggled to attract diners across the water, Mr Bennett said he would be leaving Gateshead Quays with fond memories of his time there.
He said the new McCoys would offer cheaper meals than at the Baltic and would be more in keeping with the company’s traditional roots at its Tontine restaurant in North Yorkshire.
Last night Baltic bosses, who are yet to replace its third director Peter Doroshenko, who left in November, said they were reviewing their options, but were committed to keeping a restaurant in the space.
Mr Bennett said: “The Baltic have agreed to release us early. We found this place on Mosley Street, which is something I looked at a few years back. We’re looking at more white cloths, dark wood, more like the Tontine. We’re going to have eating at the bar, and the menu’s going to be a lot cheaper than what we have here, but keeping the same top standards. It’s in a prime position in the centre of Newcastle.”
If everything proceeds smoothly with the planning, licensing and refurbishment, staff are hoping to move across the water at the end of June. Mr Bennett said it had at times been “very difficult” operating his venue at the Baltic – “especially bringing people across the river”.
He added: “People always say they struggle to find a table – they phone up on a Saturday night. Last night we had 42, there was a table here for you. It’s up and down like any other business.
“I would look back fondly. We gave plenty of people exactly what they wanted and people say it’s one of the best places in town to eat.
“We’re changing what we do. We’re going back to what we used to do – what we always did at the Tontine, where we felt comfortable. Restaurants normally have a five-year life, where you need to revisit them, look at them, regenerate.”
A Baltic spokeswoman said McCoys had helped its rooftop to become recognised for its “artistic and creative” menus.
She said: “We wish McCoys every success in their exciting new venture.
“The rooftop floor at Baltic is a wonderful space and we are currently reviewing the options that this opportunity now presents us. However, we are committed to ensuring that visitors to Baltic and Gateshead continue to have the chance to enjoy great food, while savouring one of the finest views in the region.”
