See inside new Lebanese restaurant as it opens at Bishop Auckland retail park

The Bake, which has restaurants on Gosforth High Street and at Eldon Square in Newcastle, opened in Bishop Auckland at lunchtime on Tuesday (November 19) bringing Lebanese cuisine to the town.

The eatery is the latest addition to the new Bishop Auckland retail park which has welcomed a host of brands including Home Bargains, Popeyes, Greggs, and Pure Gym so far this year.

(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) Some of the food on offer. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) Owner Abby Aldarwech said: “We’ve had such a good reaction from the people of Bishop Auckland already.

“The landlords approached us for the unit, they wanted something different. We thought about it for a bit and we wanted to try it and see how it goes.

Diners can watch chefs in the open kitchen. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) “We got the keys in May and have been working on it ever since.”

The unit has been fitted to have hints to the Middle Eastern cuisine on offer with decorative light shades and ceiling tiles.

(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) Meanwhile, an open kitchen lets diners see their meals being put together and watch spinning meats slowly cook.

(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

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Abby continued: “The business has been established for nearly 14 years. In early 2010 we opened on Gosforth High Street and opened in about 2020 in Eldon Square.

The Bake Bishop. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) “We’ve had a good reaction so far, so hopefully it will do well.”

The restaurant will offer diners the chance to try traditional Lebanese dishes including mezze, meats and kebabs grilled over charcoals and Shawarma, and parmos.

(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) It comes days after plans to expand the retail park with more units were revealed.