The doors to Charlestown Square's newest eatery, The Corner, have been cracked slightly to reveal some of Newcastle's most popular food and beverage retailers setting up shop ahead of the precinct's official opening in December.
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The Corner will officially open on December 5, showcasing a new offering from contemporary Asian eatery Bao Brothers, a second Rascal burger venue, Popolo Artisan Gelato's first dessert bar, new artisanal cafe Hunter Espresso and 4 Pines Brewing Company pouring a rotating list of craft beers.
Lee's Yum Cha, with the first traditional Chinese trolley service in the Hunter, will be open in The Corner in February.
"Our vision for The Corner is of a day-to-night hub with great local food, music and art. Most of the foodies and brands we're working with are independent ventures with Newcastle roots," Mardi Ashkine, precinct manager of The Corner, said.
"With the name, we wanted to suggest an urban hangout where everyone can be themselves, where individuality and authenticity are celebrated.
"We're supporting the city's creatives and making a space for events and community."
The Corner's launch will kick off with four days of live music and entertainment, from Thursday, December 5 to Sunday, December 8, as an introduction to an ongoing cultural program.
There will also be opening weekend pop-ups including Streets of Napoli, woodfired pizza by Napoli Centrale Pizza Bar, and Doughheads doughnuts.
"The Corner is all about providing Newcastle with unexpected experiences; it's authentic 'ingredients' served with love, fun and energy - this is going to be a great fit," Ty Burford, co-owner at Rascal, said.
"We're all about our original recipes, defiant flavour combinations and the unique Burger of the Week."
Popolo Dessert Bar's Alfonso Muras said: "Popolo means 'people' in Italian and, with our Italian heritage, we share Newcastle's passion for community and family.
"Our Dessert Bar will be a bold mix of tradition and contemporary experimentation, mixing a range of creamy, classic gelato, vegan treats and lactose-free licks, and even gelato cocktails and alcohol-infused gelato."
Nathan Martin, co-founder of Bao Brothers, said: "We started with not much more than Newcastle grit and determination, and look at us now.
"We're psyched about opening our newest venue at The Corner and can't wait to share our passion for quality Asian food served in an authentic, immersive experience."
During The Corner's opening months, artists will be creating and exhibiting in the precinct.
The artists include Ellie Hannon, Bradley Eastman, Lucas Grogan and Brett Piva.
The musical roster will feature New Orleans-style jazz from the Rehab Brass Band; live funk on Fridays from a five-piece band led by musical director Jacob Neale; and old-school funk, soul and reggae played from original vinyl 45 singles by resident DJs Dan Phelan and DJ Tone.
On Saturdays, Tim Rossington's atmospheric percussion, guitar loops and vocals evoke chilled out coastal vibes; and, with his Sunday blues, guitar virtuoso Adam Miller will play sad music to make listeners feel good.
The Corner will be located at the intersection of Pearson and Ridley streets in Charlestown.
