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The manager of a Newcastle restaurant is preparing for one of the busiest days of the year for her eatery as thousands head to Newcastle for Carabao Cup celebrations.
Soon after the Wembley success it was confirmed the squad would take part in a Town Moor celebration event, with an open top bus parade announced soon after.
The parade will start at St James Park before working its way to the Town Moor, passing plenty of local businesses on its route.
Newacstle United's Carabao Cup success is helping the local economy.Newacstle United's Carabao Cup success is helping the local economy.
Newacstle United's Carabao Cup success is helping the local economy. | Getty Images (main), Google (inset)
Charmain Arrojo, Operations Manager at Chilli Padi on Leazes Road is expecting a busy day as fans flock to the city centre. The restaurant is in the shadow of St James Park and is just off Saturday’s parade route.
“I’m really excited, but at the same time I’m a bit nervous” she explains. “There’s going to be a lot of people!
“We’re very excited to welcome everyone, not just from Newcastle. We’re expecting a lot of visitors from other cities.
“We’re expecting a lot of visitors to come in. To compare booking-wise, on regular matchdays we are already busy but this time around we have a lot more - maybe double or triple what we’re used to!
“We need to make sure everyone is ready for it. We’ll need enough staff to cover that many people coming in.”
It is thought Newcastle’s success will bring millions of pounds into the local economy thanks to additional European fixtures next season, but the effects are already being felt across the city.
“We’ve got a pub very close to us and they’re gearing up for the weekend” explains Charmain.
“Revenue-wide, it’s going to be very good for us. There’s a lot of demand.”
She continues: “In the long term, the victories of the club will emphasise the status of the city. The football is being recognised but at the same time it’s having this positive impact on Newcastle and our reputation. It’s encouraging other people from other cities to come here, which is good.
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“We want to expand our business and having this incresed visibility outside of Newcastle could really help us expand into more cities.”
Fans are expected in the city centre throughout the day with the parade kicking off at around 4:30pm from St James Park.
Chilli Padi will have both table bookings and options for walk ins throughout the day.
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