Newcastle's Baltic gallery restaurant closes

The owner of one of North-east England's most exclusive restaurants is closing to move to a new venue.

Eugene McCoy opened McCoy's Rooftop Restaurant on the top of the £45m Baltic art gallery six years ago.

Located on the banks of the Tyne, the building has stunning views across the river.

But now Eugene has revealed he will close in June to move to Newcastle city centre.

The 57-year-old made his name with his Tontine brasserie which he opened near Northallerton, in North Yorkshire, 32 years ago.

Eugene said: "It was cutting edge and Newcastle or Gateshead had done anything like it before.

"Our profitability was very good. November last year was one of the best months we have had. But after January this year it has started to tail off due, like a lot of restaurants, to the current food prices.

Eugene McCoy said he planned to open in Mosley Street, Newcastle.

"It will be called McCoy's Brasserie, with similar food and prices to Tontine, which is aimed at the middle market."

A spokesman for the Baltic said they planned to find another restaurateur for the site.

By Nigel Green

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