Beloved Grainger Market Trader Celebrates New Chapter by Moving into New Shop

Hunter’s Deli has been a prominent fixture within the iconic alleyways of the Grainger Market in Newcastle City Centre.

Having first opened nearly 70 years ago, this local delicatessen ran by a North East family quickly became a go-to place for consumers wanting to enjoy a wide range of homemade bread and pastries, locally sourced meat and other treats.

Julie Higgs began working here as a teen, and 35 years later is eagerly anticipating beginning a new chapter of Hunter’s Deli by moving to a brand-new shop in the Grainger Market, as part of Newcastle City Council’s exciting plans to revamp the market and secure its future.

“I absolutely love the new unit. I honestly couldn’t be happier with how the process has gone and the support we have received,” said Julie.

“Space has always been a premium at our pre-existing store – given that we serve so many customers here in the Grainger Market. So, to have additional floor space and the space to install fridges across a 10-meter-long storefront means we can take an exciting new step forward as Hunter’s Deli and continue to serve even more visitors."

Julie joined the Hunter’s Deli team as a Saturday girl in the hopes of earning pocket money on a Saturday. The Grainger Market’s friendly community and customers, the exciting pace of working in a bustling market and being a part of a historical city centre icon made her want to stay, and she soon became the manager of the shop.

For 29 years now Julie has been the owner and she is looking forward to taking Hunter’s Deli on a new path – not only into a new unit, but also with a new brand.

Aiming to respect that history and original details of the deli while moving the business forward and giving it a modern and sleek feel, Julie chose a dark green logo – one that works well alongside the Grainger Market’s new identity.

“We have customers who have shopped at Hunter’s Deli since I started working here – they get the bus to us every Monday to pick up five slices of ham and a serving of pease pudding to make their lunches for the week. We also have young customers who pop in to see us on their lunch break for a quick and hearty bite to eat – usually walking away with a freshly baked pitta bread bursting with kebab meat and lashings of chilli sauce.

“It’s lovely to see customers come back, and share their stories, what they’ve been up to and what is going on in their lives. For some, having a chat with or myself is a highlight of their week.

“I think what customers most enjoy is the fact that everything is made from scratch on site – nothing is prepacked. Everything we sell is homemade and hearty.”

The business has always been located in unit 48 in the arcade, but moved this week to unit D/E in the Grainger Arcade, just a few meters away.

The move comes following Newcastle City Council’s announcement of the Grainger Market development, which Julie is looking forward to playing a part in.

She said: “The development is really exciting.

“The past few years have been really challenging for small business owners and for the Grainger Market to be prioritised is massively appreciated.

“I do owe a huge thank you to the council for the support in finding me a perfect new unit for the business, and to the market inspectors for helping with the daily activity of moving.”

Michelle Percy, Director of Investment and Growth at Newcastle City Council, said: “I am so pleased that Hunter’s Deli is going from strength to strength, and Julie is so positive about the future of the market and working with the council to help make the vision a reality.

“Close cooperation with traders and planning together has been at the heart of everything we have done over the last few years. Their support and input into our plans have been invaluable and means we are now at the stage where these plans can start to properly take shape.

“I very much look forward to visiting the new location for Hunter’s Deli and again enjoying their delicious food. And I am also looking forward to continuing to work with all the traders as we enter a new era for the Grainger Market.”