You may have noticed that there’s a hive of construction activity going on at Ridley Place. As part of Newcastle City Council’s City Centre Transformation Programme, the street is set to become a pedestrianised hub of local independent retailers, markets and pop-up food and drink venues.
In the meantime, however, the retailers that already call Ridley Place home remain open for business so come and take a walk with us as we explore everything the street has to offer.
Image: TONI&GUY Newcastle
Hair, Beauty & Wellbeing
There’s no shortage of hair, beauty and wellbeing options on Ridley Place – whether you fancy a facial, want your tresses trimmed or are in need of a relaxing massage.
The street is home to the Newcastle branch of long-running international hairdressing chain TONI&GUY who offer everything from cuts and colours to hair smoothing treatments. Across the street, you’ll find The Turkish Barbers – a haven for image-conscious fellas whose list of services include haircuts, traditional Turkish shaves and even nose waxing – and Wildes Hairdressing, an elegant three-floor space that just so happens to be one of the Toon’s best-loved hair salons. Wander a little further down the road to Collective Hairdressing where you can not only get your hair styled, but also enjoy a range of beauty treatments – manicures, pedicures, threading and micro-needling included.
If it’s relaxation you’re looking for, head over to Thai Massage Newcastle who do exactly what they say on the tin with half-hour, one-hour, hour-and-a-half and two-hour long treatment options available that’ll help you unwind in no time. Another option is the newly opened Zen Massage who offer a range of different massages – from Swedish and Chinese to hot oil, acupressure and hot stone.
Image: DoughDaze
Food
There’s plenty of delicious food to be had on Ridley Place too, with something to suit every palate – and all within the 100 or so yards that make up the street.
On the hunt for some tasty lunchtime treats? There’s sandwiches galore at Subway and they’re open ‘til late too, ready to dish up their signature foot-longs whenever the mood takes you. And just next door there’s Frankie & Tony’s Sandwich Bar – a long-running family business that serves not only sandwiches but jacket potatoes, paninis and hearty breakfast eats as well.
If you’re looking to satisfy a sweet tooth, look no further than Deli Churros which serves its namesake treat alongside lots of savoury Venezuelan fare like arepas, empanadas and tequeños. More international cuisine awaits next door at The Little Dumpling House, where authentic Chinese street food is the name of the game. Dumplings dominate their menu, obviously, but they serve up some fire bao buns and steamed rice cakes too.
The very end of the street is flanked by two more fantastic eateries: DoughDaze and Zapatista Burrito Bar. Head to the former for deliciously cheesy pizza served up in 90s New York-inspired surrounds, or stop by the latter if mouth-watering Mexican eats like fajitas, tacos, quesadillas and – of course – burritos are your thing.
Image: Trailfinders Newcastle
Travel
We all know that Newcastle is the best city on the planet, but there’s no shame in wanting to get away once in a while and Ridley Place is home to not one, not two, but three travel agents ready to help plan your next holiday.
North East-born travel agency Hays Travel is perfect for package holidays that won’t break the bank, while its next-door neighbour Trailfinders is the place to go to book an off-the-beaten-track adventure. Over the road, there’s Now Lets Travel who offer all kinds of holiday experiences but specialise in cruises.
Image: The Vintage Scene Newcastle
And More…
Never let it be said that Ridley Place isn’t an eclectic little street. Alongside all those salons, spas, eateries and travel agents there are several other amazing businesses just waiting to be discovered.
For quirky gift shopping, you’ll want to swing by Elula who stock unusual fair trade gifts curated from across the globe and sell everything from jewellery and ornaments to crystals and incense sticks. If retro fashion boils your kettle, then The Vintage Scene is a must-visit. Opened in 2021, the store stocks tonnes of second-hand big-name brand clothing at cut prices and you’ll be helping save the planet by shopping sustainably too.
And finally, if you’re in the mood for some new ink then the multi-award-winning Tattoo Station is a parlour you’ll definitely want to consider. Owned by ink veteran Ken Patten, the studio is home to several talented resident artists and has a long line of satisfied customers with awe-inspiringly stunning tattoos in its wake.
So, that’s Ridley Place in a nutshell and soon the street will be looking very different. Catch a sneak peak of Newcastle City Council’s vision for Ridley Place above, but remember that all those brilliant businesses remain open while work is completed over the next few months.
