The development of Terry Laybourne’s new European wine bar is well underway on Newcastle’s historic Quayside.
The renowned chef and restaurateur recently closed his popular Italian restaurant Caffe Vivo, to create a new concept that is inspired by European traditions and taps into the current craft revolution in winemaking.
The space within Live Theatre buildings has been completely gutted for a major refit that will see the introduction of softer furnishings, intimate booths, high bench tables, along with an enlarged bar area and bar stools.
Long-time manager Matthew Clarkson will front the new project with his existing team while also looking for new full and part-time recruits. “We’re on the lookout for people with a passion for great wine, great food and great service,” he said.
St Vincent will offer an ambitious, very personal wine list. There will be some classic names and favourites along with an extensive range of wines from small, independent winemakers, mainly from France and Italy. Matthew explained: “We’ll also be tempting the more adventurous with natural, biodynamic and skin contact (orange) wines.”
There will be a range of cocktail classics, along with craft beers, ciders and beer on draught.
Served alongside the wine will be a menu of ‘small plates’. Terry has designed the food to respond to the wine. It’s wine bar food. Dishes are simple, produce driven, delicious and nutritious. Many will be familiar, almost ‘retro’. As with the wines, the ingredients are carefully sourced, seasonally harvested with the chefs letting the ingredients speak for themselves.
Terry said: “St Vincent is a wine bar, inspired by the places I love to spend time in across Europe. This is the Broad Chare five years on, that’s gone European. It’s also a place where you can order as many dishes as you like, combining with a great selection of classic and new-style wines. A place to hang out and enjoy great food and great drinks with friends … and strangers.”
St Vincent will be open six days a week (closed Mondays) offering breakfast, lunch, weekend brunch and dinner when it opens September 28.
