Savvy Newcastle cafe operators are pushing through the lockdown, many having learned an alternative way of trading through the harsh lockdown of 2020.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Many will trade from front doors or side windows only.
Like Robert Fonti of Salina Restaurant of Belmont, whose restaurant will be handling takeaway orders from a side window for the first time, so customers don't have to enter the premises.
Like Eric Flores, at Antojitos on Steel Street in Newcastle West, who will be able to take orders from walk-in traffic, phone orders, or through his website, with delivery via menulog.
Or Bec Bowie, at Estabar, whose cafe will offer essential goods as well as all menu items and coffee, from an order station outside of her beachfront restaurant.
Chris Edden of Josie Coffee, who roasts at wholesale level and has two cafes at Gateshead and Mayfield, said, "We don't have much choice, really. We need to try and support the staff and keep the money coming in."
Corey Crooks, who runs The Grain Store restaurant in the Newcastle East, regarded as one of the premier craft beer venues in Australia, was gearing up late on Thursday for a return to takeaway only trading. He started the day preparing for IPA Day, which was Thursday, with 21 new taps of IPA beer ready to go.
"It's gonna hurt," he said. "We'll try our best to transition.
"Our bread and butter is putting bums on seats. We have to try to become that thing we are not [a takeaway business]."
Crooks is partnering with 13CABS for delivery.
Reece Hignell had to think on his feet when it came to his Hamilton bakery, Cakeboi. It will remain open for takeaway only, with click and collect available by ordering online at cakeboitakeaway.square.site. All cakes, coffees, focaccia and coffee beans will be available for purchase.
"Today was really special, with so many of our locals coming to support us," Hignell said on Friday afternoon.
"We have already lost a bit from this lockdown but we are optimistic that we will get through it.
"Adding online orders really did help us. Click and collect numbers were great. Tomorrow we will be adding local home delivery as well.
"We will just do whatever we can to keep our business running and our staff employed."
The Edwards at Newcastle West has a special "Eddies at Home" offer this weekend only: barbecued and smoked meats served with fries, flatbread, radicchio/citrus salad, broccoli/smoked cheese gratin and condiments. It's designed for two and can be ordered online.
"The situation isn't what any of us in the industry wanted, but I am proud of how quick our crews have come together to keep feeding the people," owner Chris Joannou said.
"Newcastle really does come together, we do that well ... I want to say get online and order from your favourite joint but I have faith that the people of Newy are already doing just that."
Open
8 at Trinity Trinity Point, open for takeaway, daily from 4.30pm to 8.30pm.
23Hundred Espresso Bar Newcastle, open for takeaway only, daily from 5.30am to noon.
Akuna Cafe Merewether, open for takeaway.
Antojitos Newcastle, open for takeaway via walk-in, phone or website orders. Also delivery via Menulog.
Article 24 Mediterranean Kitchen New Lambton, order by phone then drive-by pick-up.
Asa-Don Japanese Newcastle, open for takeaway.
Asian Delight Restaurant Merewether, open for takeaway.
The Autumn Rooms Cooks Hill, weekend brunch boxes (order ahead), plus open for takeaway.
Baby Yaga on Darby Cooks Hill, takeaway only, order ahead via Hey you app or by phone.
Babbingtons Bar & Grill Charlestown, open for takeaway (Monday to Saturday, noon to 8pm, Sunday, 5.30pm to 8pm).
Bangkok Nights Hamilton, open for takeaway and delivery.
Bao Brothers Eatery Charlestown, Kotara, open for takeaway and delivery (20 per cent off if you order online with code Baowow01).
Barista Miss New Lambton, open 6.30am to 11am for takeaway.
The Barn Adamstown, open for takeaways, phone ahead.
Basement on Market Street Newcastle, open for takeaway Wednesday to Sunday, pick-up 5pm to 8.30pm.
The Beehive Honeysuckle in Newcastle, open for takeaway, deliveries via UberEats.
Bella Italia Newcastle, open for takeaway and delivery.
Benjamas Thai on Darby Cooks Hill, open for takeaway and delivery daily, 5pm to 9.30pm.
Binnie Beef Warehouse Newcastle West, open for business.
Blooming Garden Hamilton, open for takeaway.
The Boat Shed Bar Burger Bros Belmont 16s, open for takeaway seven days, lunch and dinner, order online.
Bolton St Pantry Newcastle, full menu available for takeaway, order via app.
Boydell's Cellar Door & Restaurant Morpeth, Boydell's at Home takeaway, seven days (order noon to 4pm, pick-up 5pm to 7pm).
The Brew Kahibah, open for takeaway (Monday to Saturday, 6am to 3pm).
Cafe Deore Mount Hutton, open for takeaway food and coffee, 9am to 4pm daily.
Cafe on Mitchell Stockton, open for takeaway.
Cafe Inu Carrington, open for takeaway.
Cakeboi Hamilton, open for takeaway, order via cakeboitakeaway.square.site.
Caleo Warners Bay, open for takeaway 6.15am to 3pm, seven days, full menu, deliveries start August 7, new takeaway window, includes takeaway cocktails.
Canon Food, Bar & Espresso Espresso Warners Bay, open for takeaway.
Cappadocia Hamilton, open for takeaway.
Cassowary Cafe Belmont, open for takeaway.
Chaddies on Regent New Lambton, open for takeaway.
Chiefly East Newcastle, open for takeaway and delivery, order at chieflyeast.com.
Claire's Cupcakes 100% Vegan Charlestown, open for Menulog deliveries only.
Clarendon Hotel Newcastle, open for takeaway alcohol Saturday August 7 only, 11am to 4pm.
Club Charlestown open for takeaway, including family packs.
Clyde Street Cafe Hamilton North, open for takeaway weekdays only, 8.30am to 12.30pm.
Coal & River Co Cooks Hill, open for takeaway and delivery.
Coco Monde Chocolateria Cooks Hill, open for takeaway.
Cocoa Nib Chocolates The Junction, open for takeaway.
Common Circus Belmont and Hamilton, takeaway food and coffee, daily 6am to 2pm.
Convoy Commune Merewether, open for takeaway, order ahead via app.
Covered in Crumbs Mayfield, open for takeaway.
The Criterion Hotel Carrington, open for takeaway Wednesday to Sunday, 5pm to 7pm, order online at booking.nowbookit.com.
The Delany Hotel Cooks Hill, open for takeaway, plus Menulog delivery.
DiRoma Merewether, open for takeaway and delivery (UberEats).
Don Beppinos Merewether, open for takeaway.
Doughheads The Junction, open for takeaway and delivery, also available Dough-it-yourself packs.
Downtown Beirut Islington, open for takeaway.
Duke of Wellington Hotel New Lambton, open for delivery and takeaway.
Dumpling Flavour Newcastle, open for takeaway, plus delivery through UberEats, Menulog, Deliveroo.
Dunkley Dash Espresso Hut Mount Hutton, open for takeaway.
Earp Distilling Co Carrington, order by 3.30pm (Newcastle/Maitland) for free same-day delivery.
East End Hub Newcastle, open for takeaway from 7am on August 7.
East End Ice Creamery Newcastle East, open for takeaways.
The Edwards Bar Newcastle West, Joints BBQ and Bottle Shop pop-up takeaway this weekend only, order at booking.nowbookit.com.
Emilio's Ristorante Warners Bay, open for takeaway lunch and dinner, delivery via Menulog.
Equium Social Mayfield, open for delivery and takeaway, menu items and essentials.
The Essential Ingredient Newcastle, free delivery for orders over $100.
Estabar Newcastle East, takeaway all meals plus essentials, 6.30am to noon.
The Falcon Newcastle East, open for takeaway and Menulog delivery.
The Family Hotel Newcastle West, open for takeaways and deliveries, order via greasersgoodfood.com.au.
Fernleigh Cafe Adamstown, open for takeaway menu items and grocery essentials.
FiFi La Femme Kotara and Charlestown, open for takeaway.
The Flossery Wallsend open for delivery and postage.
Foghorn Brewery Newcastle, open for takeaway and Menulog home delivery.
Forkys Islington, open for takeaway.
Franky & Co open for takeaway.
Fredeli Warners Bay, open for takeaway and delivery (includes platters).
Full Throttle BBQ Beresfield, open for takeaway.
Gamble & Brown Cafe Kotara, open for takeaway.
The George Espresso Georgetown, open for takeaway (weekend 7am to noon, weekdays 6am to noon).
The Grain Store Newcastle East, open for takeaway. Closed Monday and Tuesday.
The Grain Thai Hamilton, open for takeaway and delivery.
Grand Junction Hotel Maitland, open for takeaway 5pm to 8pm.
The Grateful Thai Charlestown, open for takeaway and delivery.
The Great Northern Hotel Newcastle, open for takeaway alcohol and food.
Greg and Audreys Toronto, open for takeaway.
Ground Control Chippery Warners Bay, open for takeaway.
Ground Floor Cafe Newcastle, open for takeaway.
Ground Up Espresso Carrington, open for takeaway, 6am to noon daily.
Happy Wombat Newcastle West, open for takeaway (breakfast every day, dinner daily except Sunday).
Harry's Schnitzel Joint The Junction, open for takeaway and delivery, 10am to 4pm.
Holmesville Hotel Holmesville, takeaway food and alcohol, phone ahead, tap beer priced per litre.
Hoppo's Milk Bar Mayfield, open for takeaway and delivery, use online ordering system or order at shop (lunch 11am to 2pm, dinner 5pm to 9pm).
Hotel Delany Cooks Hill, open for takeaway food and drinks (lunch 11.30am to 3pm, dinner, 5pm to 8pm).
The Humble Thai Newcastle, open for takeaway and delivery.
Hungry Wolfs Pizza & Pasta Jewells and Adamstown, open for takeaway plus free home delivery.
Hunter Valley Pasta Co Selected items, flat fee of $5 per delivery; $30 order minimum.
The Icon Thai Honeysuckle, open for takeaway noon to 3pm, 5pm to 8.30pm.
Il Cacciatore Restaurant Pokolbin, open for takeaway, 5pm to 7.30pm.
In Forno Hamilton, open for takeaway and delivery, daily from 4pm.
Ink Food Newcastle East, order by phone for pick-up.
The Italian Cottage Cessnock, open for takeaway and delivery.
Josie Coffee cafes Gateshead and Mayfield, open for takeaway.
Ka-fey Cafe Newcastle, full menu available as takeaway, 6.30am to 3pm.
The Kent Hotel Hamilton, open for takeaway from the window.
The Kiosk Newcastle Beach, open 6am to 2pm daily for takeaway, keep cups not accepted.
Knockin Gnocchi home delivery from Saturday.
The Koutetsu Newcastle, open for takeaway and home delivery.
Lee's Yum-Cha Charlestown, open for takeaway and delivery daily, 11am to 2pm, 4.30pm to 8pm.
The Letter Q Kotara, open for takeaway, order via website or app.
Lexie's on the Beach Stockton, open for takeaway from 7am daily.
The Little Boy Kahibah, open daily for takeaway (11am to 9pm, closed Tuesdays) and delivery (UberEats, Menulog, DoorDash).
Locks Paddock Newcastle East, open for takeaway Tuesday to Saturday, 5pm to 8pm. Bottles of wine $40.
Lords Coffee Newcastle, open for takeaway.
Lulu's Cafe Poke Newcastle, open for takeway and delivery (Bopple, Deliveroo).
Maddz on York Teralba, Maddz Lockdown Treat Box ($24.50, order by phone, in store or by Instagram, pick-up Saturday or Sunday). Also, takeaway menu available.
Masa Madre Sourdough Pizza Wickham, open for takeaway.
Mama P Charlestown, open daily for takeaway until noon.
Marks Point Post Office & Cafe open for takeaway.
Matchbox Espresso Lambton, open for takeaway coffee and Elder St Pantry food menu (daily, 6am to noon).
Mateys at the Esplanade Warners Bay, open for takeaway only.
Mayfield West Kebabs & Charcoal Chicken order via app and pick up at window.
MEET Newcastle, open for delivery (5pm to 8.30pm, 5km radius) and takeaway.
Mizumi Toronto, open for takeaways, lunch and dinner (10 per cent off all dinner takeaways).
Mockingbird Hamilton, full menu is available as takeaway.
Moor Newcastle East, open for takeaway, 7am to 1pm.
Murray's Brewing Co Salt Ash, open for takeaway food and alcohol, plus delivery.
Mr Sister Newcastle and Speers Point, open for takeaway only.
Nagisa Japanese Honeysuckle, open for takeaway and delivery.
Napoli Centrale Newcastle, open for takeaway.
Neighbours on Market Newcastle, open for takeaway.
Newcastle City Farmers Market, Broadmeadow, 7am-1pm on Sunday. Masks required.
Newcastle Flower Markets Sandgate, various food boxes delivered, order via online shop.
New Slang Newcastle, open for takeaway, 7am-noon, Monday to Friday, coffee and food.
Newy Burger Co Newcastle, open for takeaway and delivery only. Free take-home soup packs. Free hand sanitiser from Earp Distilling Co for orders over $60.
Newy Fried Chicken Islington, open for takeaway and free delivery.
Nor East Bistro Wickham, takeaway meals from noon to 3pm daily. Order via website.
Oishii Pokolbin, open for delivery (Friday to Sunday) and takeaway (seven days).
One Penny Black Newcastle, open for takeaway and delivery.
Orana Hotel Blacksmiths, open for takeaway daily from 5pm to 8pm, pick-up at bottleshop.
Onyx Cafe Mayfield, open for takeaway.
The Oriental Hotel Carrington, takeaway pizza and drinks, 4.30pm to 9pm.
Our Taste of Greece New Lambton, open for takeaway and delivery (from Tuesday, August 12).
Paymasters Restaurant Newcastle, open for takeaway from August 11.
Pegs Cafe Whitebridge, takeaway (plus take-home dinner packs).
Pekarna Bake Newcastle, open for takeaway (Monday to Friday 6am to 2pm, Saturday, 6.30am to noon).
Pelican RSL Pelican, open for takeaway, The Diner and Jeff Laws Chinese Restaurant, from 5pm Wednesday to Sunday, pick up your order from reception, delivery to Blacksmiths and Pelican.
Piazza de Mercato Newcastle, open for takeaway.
Popolo Gelato on King Street, Newcastle. Open for takeaway.
Poppy's Verandah Cafe Gateshead, open for takeaway 9am to 1.30pm.
Pork Ewe Deli Mayfield, open for takeaway and delivery.
Praise Joe Urban Pantry Tighes Hill, open for takeaway, app now live.
The Press Book Cafe takeaway only 8am to 2pm daily (no keep cups) (selling coffee, food and books).
The Prince of Merewether open for takeaways, order via website (pick-up in bottleshop driveaway), deliveries via Menulog, UberEats.
Rascal Newcastle, open daily for takeaway and delivery, and Charlestown, Wednesday to Sunday 11am to 3pm and 5pm to 8.30pm.
Regal Inn Tenambit, bottle shop open, bistro serving takeaway.
Restaurant Mason Newcastle, open for takeaway "Mason at Home" (two courses $60 per person, three courses $70 per person).
Ribs & Pizza on Glebe Adamstown, open for takeaway and delivery, Wednesday to Sunday from 4pm.
Roasted at Redhead open for takeaway only, free local deliveries 5pm to 8pm, Friday and Saturday.
Royal Crown Hotel Dudley, takeaway from 5pm, order via website, includes a Japanese Platter for two or four people.
Royal Federal Hotel Branxton, open for takeaway alcohol, The Feddy Kitchen open for takeaways Tuesday to Saturday, 4.30pm to 7.30pm.
Roy's Kitchen Mayfield, full menu as takeaway, usual hours.
Sabor Dessert Bar Pokolbin, open Thursday to Monday, 10am to 4.30pm, for takeaway.
Salina Restaurant Belmont, open for takeaway, usual business hours. New takeaway window installed.
Sanctum on Darby Cooks hill, open for takeaway daily, 7am to 5pm, plus Menulog for delivery.
Schilly Thai Fusion Charlestown and Jesmond, open for takeaway and delivery (UberEats and Menulog).
Scotties Newcastle East, open for takeaway, noon to 8pm, order online.
Seed Trading Swansea Open for takeaway, pick-up from car out front.
Seven Seas Hotel Carrington, open for takeaway pizza and alcohol.
Sherwood Coffee Bars Newcastle West, New Lambton, Kotara. Open for takeaway. Encouraging use of Sherwood Coffee app to order.
The Ship Inn Newcastle, takeaway from 5pm.
Side Pocket Espresso Mayfield, open for takeaway.
Son of a Gun Diner Hamilton, open for takeaway.
Soul Cafe Newcastle, open for Soul Street Service, takeaway meals (lunch Monday to Thursday, 11am to 12.30pm; Sunday August 8, noon to 1pm).
Star Anise Valentine (open for takeaway), Belmont (open for takeaway from Wednesday, August 11).
Sticky Rice Thai Wickham, open for takeaway and delivery.
Suspension Espresso Islington, open for takeaways Monday to Friday from 5.30am, weekends from 6am.
Take Me Away Akuna The Junction, open daily for takeaway (7am to 4pm). Phone ahead.
Talulah Bar The Junction, open for takeaway (menu items plus essentials).
Toronthai Toronto, open for takeaway and delivery.
Vincents at the Coliseum Mayfield, open daily for takeaway, 8am to noon, plus take-home "heat and eat" meals 4pm to 6pm.
Restaurant Tee & Maria Honeysuckle, open for takeaway, plus delivery via Menulog and Doordash.
Vego's Vegetarian Fast Food Islington, open for delivery, noon to 2pm, 5pm to 7pm.
Warners at the Bay, open for takeaway and delivery (alcohol).
The White Cottage 163 Whitebridge, open for takeaway and local delivery (delivery fee $5, minimum spend $50).
WIA Store Cooks Hill, open for takeaway, plus Bopple and Deliveroo.
Winnies at the Grand Junction Maitland, open for takeaway.
XS Espresso Jesmond and Kotara, open for takeaway and delivery.
Xtraction Expresso Newcastle. Open for takeaway food and coffee.
Young St Hotel Carrington, open for takeaway five nights a week (no dinner on Monday and Tuesday).
Zaaki Espresso Mayfield, open for takeaway.
Closed
(Closed from August 5 to August 12)
Bar Beach Bowlo
Belmont 16s
The Blind Monk
Blueys Smokehouse
Bocados
Cirque Cafe & Restaurant
Club Macquarie Argenton
The Colliery Inn Wallsend
Cornerhouse Cafe
Crystalbrook at Kingsley
Culture Club on King
Dukes Restaurant & Bar
Edmonds & Co
Emerson's
Estratto
The Flotilla
The Gates Hotel
Hamilton Station Hotel
Iron Gate Estate
Jams Karaoke
Kiosk Cessnock
Lass O'Gowrie Hotel
Merewether Surfhouse
Momo Wholefood
Muse Kitchen
Muse Restaurant
Nags Head Hotel
Oh My Papa
Signal Box Newcastle
Simply D'Vine Cafe
Swansea Workers Club
Valentine Bowling Club
The Village Newcastle
Warners at the Bay
Yellow Billy Restaurant
Jim Kellar
Jim Kellar writes about culture, art, food, drinks and music. He's been a journalist at the Newcastle Herald since 1997. jkellar@newcastleherald.com.au
Jim Kellar writes about culture, art, food, drinks and music. He's been a journalist at the Newcastle Herald since 1997. jkellar@newcastleherald.com.au
