We spoke to people in one cosmopolitan Newcastle suburb named best place to live
Life in the 'vibrant' suburb named Newcastle's best place to live
Life in the 'vibrant' suburb named Newcastle's best place to live
(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)
A lively suburb just a few minutes from Newcastle city centre and a popular choice for young professionals to make their home, has been named the best place to live in the city. On the doorstep is an array of brilliant places to eat and drink - including Rio, the Brazilian restaurant loved by Newcastle United players Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes, thriving independent shops, and picture perfect walking routes along Jesmond Dene.
The vibrant district of Jesmond seems to have it all.
We spoke to people there to see what life is like in the suburb where houses sold for £5m and is rated one of UK's top places to live. Offering good proximity to highly rated schools and also walking distance to town for any city centre workers, it's no wonder the location has topped charts.
Jesmond Dene
Jesmond Dene (Image: Newcastle Chronicle)
Arlo Bistro & Cafe owner Lucas Morrison runs the business with his wife Susan. The pair used to live in a rooftop apartment in Jesmond, but despite moving out of the neighbourhood after having four children, Lucas insists: "I'm not going nowhere, I enjoy being here."
"The place is ran by our regulars. We know all about them, some often coming in several times a week or since first opening 14 years ago. They bring their family, or sit at bar and pour themselves a drink! Even all the footballers and Eddie Howe pop in!"
Lucas says he loves the hospitality business - but has had to make some concessions the past few years - including cutting the hours of food which is now served until 3pm instead of 5pm. "We still continue to serve ‘cake, coffee and booze’ 'til 5pm close but I've cut over 100 hours a week which as it didn't make sense to keep the chef and servers waiting. But it has worked out for the better for staff who now get better tips."
Arlo owners Lucas and Susan Morrison
Arlo owners Lucas and Susan Morrison(Image: Simon Greener/Newcastle Chronicle)
Lucas who was also hoping to get Robbie Williams inside during his time in Newcastle for the Come Together festival - which took over the Town Moor earlier this week.
He added: "Although I don't drink on Osborne Road as my kids do, Jesmond is good vibes to go out. I think the students are mint and keep the place alive and bring the fun.
"Jesmond is a mixture but when it's sunny the whole place is filled inside and out but over summer you do notice the loss of students."
Friends Jennifer Wilson and Anthony Allen are both Jesmond residents, and like the 'perfect balance' of the lifestyle offered by Jesmond. Jennifer, originally from Durham, moved to Jesmond in 1976 during her time as a student at Newcastle. She then returned after graduating and has lived in Jesmond ever since.
Now a resident of Jesmond Vale, Jennifer explains: "during Covid I was sick of walking my dog, Daisy, around empty streets" so made her way across to West Jesmond, where she met Anthony and dog Bobby. The pair have continued to go on walks around the neighbourhood.
"Jesmond is really friendly and there's a nice village feel to the place. Everyone knows everyone and the place wouldn’t be as fun without the students who bring life to the place," says Anthony.
Jennifer Wilson and dog Daisy and Anthony Allen with his dog Bobby
Jennifer Wilson and dog Daisy and Anthony Allen with his dog Bobby
Anthony says however Jesmond has some downsides - including anti-social behaviour. Whilst he “loves” the “unique vibe” students bring to Jesmond, he has heard of neighbours having issues including a man who was unable to sell his house as 99% of the properties on the street were student housing,
Jennifer adds that a friend who recently visited from London was thoroughly impressed with Jesmond, saying it has a "Clapham vibe about it." She recalls chatting to the queues of students outside of Osborne Road on St Patrick's Day - but insists they aren't a problem, adding: "Whilst it's quiet over in Jesmond Vale I like the buzz offered here in West Jesmond."
Lemon Grass Deli & Kitchen - serving cakes, cocktails, coffee and South East Asian twist dishes - opened in Jesmond 12 months ago. Co-owner Mark Barton says "while customers are great, business is tough but its been fast paced."
Mark and his wife "the real talent" bought the business four years ago, and transitioned from their original site in Dinnington. Mark said they made the decision to move because of the better location offered in Jesmond that has brought more customers and busier rushes.
He said: "We kept the cakes from Cake Stories which was originally here, which does really well with students. Whilst our niche food was unknown but the move here has been better at getting the word out and it's grown organically especially with professionals.
Lemon Grass co-owner Mark Barton
Lemon Grass co-owner Mark Barton(Image: Simon Greener/Newcastle Chronicle)
"Jesmond is vibrant - it's a cross section of youths, professionals and locals - very much a multicultural community. It's a cosmopolitan village vibe and you really feel like you’ve stepped into a community rather than feeling lost in the mix of the city. There's also a great mix of independent shops."
He is however frustrated by the "lack of support towards small hospitality businesses" adding "rates are going up and utilities have doubled compared to what they were prior to Covid but everything else if going great."
Students Abi Webster and Enessa Eastburn were meeting up for a coffee break inbetween working hard on dissertations. The pair said they love living in Jesmond for the variety of establishments on their doorstep and easy access to university.
Students Abi Webster and Enessa Eastburn
Students Abi Webster and Enessa Eastburn
Speaking on why they chose to move to Jesmond opposed to other Newcastle suburbs, Enessa said: "The location is great. It’s close enough to uni and the metro has great transport links and there’s also good shops, pubs and bars.
"I prefer Osborne Road for a night out as its cheaper to town. Jesmond has a good vibe.
"It’s homely, friendly and offers a nice community that feels safe. I have seen that some residents in Facebook groups don’t like students but we haven't had any issues."
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