Chronicle Live

By Simon Duke 3 OCT 2019

Since closing its doors Fat Buddha has been transformed into striking new bar and restaurant The Purple Peacock

There was shock earlier this year when long-standing Newcastle restaurant Fat Buddha closed its doors but the city centre haunt has had a lavish transformation and is now ready to open with a new look and new name.

And its replacement is hoping to hit a real ‘purple ‘patch with customers when it opens later this month. 55 Degrees North haunt Fat Buddha established itself as a firm favourite on Newcastle’s dining scene but the Asian restaurant was scaled down with the opening of the Nirvana bar in 2017 and then apres-ski-style venue Antler last year.

Fat Buddha finally closed its doors for good at the start of August after it and Antler were saved by new owners High Street Group after calling in administrators.

Saying goodbye on its Facebook page, Fat Buddha posted “Goodbye from the Fat Buddha! Fat Buddha has closed its doors, and will be reopening with a whole new look and fresh brand at the beginning of October, so keep your eyes peeled for more exciting news!”

Well that “fresh brand” is The Purple Peacock which is ready to raise its feathers to impress when it opens on Friday, October 18.

If you’ve liked The Purple Peacock’s Facebook page you will have seen the teasers that owners have been drip-feeding over the past few weeks.

In its own words, the new venue “promises a unique experience like nowhere else in the city and “an array of signature and classic cocktails, as well as a new concept of contemporary dining with Asian influences.”

One of the most exciting reveals from The Purple Peacock so far is its ‘Drunch’ deal, which will be be served early evening and offer diners a selection of small plates & bottomless Laurent-Perrier Rose champagne.

Oh and did we mention its signature drink Purple Fizz?!