A steakhouse claiming to be the first in Newcastle offering carbon-neutral beef is set to open next month.

Premium steakhouse chain Gaucho has announced it will open its first North East restaurant in Newcastle on March 11.

The venue has taken over the former Virgin Money building on the corner of Market Street and Pilgrim Street, and has been given a full refurbishment as part of a seven-figure investment.

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The major investment by the firm also brings 80 new jobs to the city.

A glamorous cocktail bar and private dining room are also attached to the restaurant with tables available to book now from opening date.

The firm says all of the beef in its restaurants is carbon-neutral, and all of its restaurants will be net-zero by 2040.

The restaurant will run on 100% renewable energy, and also have a zero food-to-landfill policy.

The premium chain first opened its doors in London in 1994, claiming to bring the ‘world’s best steak’ to the capital. It now has sites in Edinburgh, Leeds, Birmingham and Manchester, among others.

Martin Williams, CEO and Founder of Gaucho owner Rare Restaurants said: “We are delighted to be bringing the Gaucho experience to the North East, where the restaurant will serve some of the finest beef in the world, complemented by a broad food and wine offering in a contemporary setting, inspired by Modern Argentina and all of its global influences.

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“With Newcastle having such a rich historic culture and a diverse food scene, we feel the Gaucho brand and ethos will sit perfectly here.”

The company has also pledged to donate £10,000 to the Sir Graham Wylie Foundation and NUFC Foundation Community Hub NUCASTLE, and host an opening party in aid of the charities in March, to mark their arrival in the city.

Mr Williams added: “As a business that cares and is hugely committed to supporting communities, both the Sir Graham Wylie Foundation and NUFC Foundation Community Hub NUCASTLE align with our CSR impact vision and values, part of which is our belief that everyone should have chances in life to develop and grow.

“We’re delighted to be working with these charities that strive to create opportunities for people who would otherwise lack them through education, sport, personal development, and wellbeing programmes”.

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