Reserve is closing after six award-winning years | Food Bites

The decision to close was a difficult one for Haddock and co-owner Tim Bohlsen, however both men have other full-time jobs and Haddock said it had "become difficult to give Reserve the attention it needs". He works a five-day week at Pepper Tree Wines at Pokolbin as business development manager and admits he is looking forward to getting his weekends back.

"We feel the time is right, now, to leave while it's still a bright light in Newcastle's drinking and dining scene," Haddock explained.

"The current incarnation has never been stronger but the East End has gone deathly quiet and the numbers don't stack up. But this isn't a doom and gloom story. We are just one of many venues are doing it tough and six years is a big achievement - and we have lots to celebrate. We were the first venue in the region to get a three-glass rating by Gourmet Traveller Wine for our wine list and we were named Savour Australia's Best Small Bar in Australia in 2014, which was no mean feat."

With the end just a few weeks' away, Haddock and Bohlsen are extending an open invitation to "everyone that has enjoyed Reserve in the past" to drop by and join them for one last drink. Chef Jeremy Salmon will be cooking up a storm, too.

"Our last day trading will be Saturday, August 10, and we will be opening some great wines in the next few weeks including the very special nine-litre Lake Folly Bottle that has sat on the bar since the beginning," Haddock said. "We do hope you can join us to raise a glass and help celebrate the end of an era."

Inner-city businesses may be doing it tough but the same cannot be said for Newcastle's biggest shopping centres. The Corner at Charlestown Square is the latest redevelopment in the centre and will transform the North Piazza into a bustling food and beverage precinct.

A mixture of local and national operators take residence on the corner of Pearson and Ridley streets, with six to be unveiled in the coming weeks. Rumour has it two popular eateries are branching out to the 'burbs from their respective Newcastle city bases - but our lips are sealed.

The stand-alone precinct will also include an outdoor performance space, art installations and allow for a regular rotation of food trucks. The Corner will also host the music technology platform crowdDJ which allows visitors to play songs from a pre-selected playlist through a mobile app.

"The Corner will celebrate the Hunter's emerging and on-trend food heroes," Charlestown Square centre manager Mardi Ashkine said. "This new day-night precinct will be energised with events and live music by local artists at its public performance space."

The project is expected to cost more than $10 million, The GPT Group says, and will open later this year.

Remember United Speed Cafe's Brazilian cheese bread? They closed but Culture Club on King is keeping the dream alive with their own version. Baked in a pie warmer, they reckon it's "the perfect mix of crunchy and gooey".

Islas Canaries Cafe Tapas Bar at Belmont has introduced a new winter menu. The food is always good (think fish ceviche, marinated with lime, coriander, onion, ginger, sweet potato and passionfruit; and Spanish Serrano ham with melon and chilled garlic and almond soup) and the vibe relaxed and friendly.

Cafe Pippi has opened on the corner of Stewart and Hunter streets in Newcastle West and is serving fresh food for people on the go. Also, Claire's Cupcakes 100% Vegan opens at 34 Charlestown Aracde on Saturday and The Smelly Cheesecake has opened on Charlestown Square's ground floor.

As one door opens another closes. Mo's Burger & Bowl Food Co. at Maitland has closed "due to lack of business" and Pork Ewe Deli is closing its Darby Street store. Delicious Fine Foods Newcastle on Hunter Street has ceased trading after 19 years, and ROULÉ by Maillot Jaune at Kotara's last day of trade is Saturday, June 20. Also, Hunter Valley Cookies is looking for a new owner after 20 years because "Fred has a yearning to go fishing and I want to play a bit of golf", Sheryl Machain said on social media. Best wishes to all for the future.

Homegrown MasterChef Australia contestants Reece Hignell and Stephanie de Sousa will take over the Flavour Stage at this year's Maitland Aroma Coffee & Chocolate Festival (August 10 and 11).

"Reece and I have been friends for a while now, so it is going to be fun working together," de Sousa said. As for her recent pop-up dinner at Table 1 Espresso, Warners Bay, she described it as "a hoot".

"Everyone was so lovely and the plates came back to the kitchen clean which made me very happy. My highlight was sitting in the restaurant with a glass of wine doing a Q and A with the diners."

As for Hignell, he says "this spring/summer is going to be big for me between the cooking classes, baking and hopefully the final release of my business! Fingers crossed".

Waratah's 153-year-old Town Hall Hotel is open for business following a major renovation. The entire building was gutted and the hotel's facade updated, and Luke Smith and Jamie Thomas are in charge of the new and improved food offering.

The countdown is on to the annual Love Sea Food festival at Port Stephens in August. A highlight of the month-long event are the many cooking and masterclasses hosted by chefs that showcase their pick of the freshest local catch.