First look at swanky steakhouse with Newcastle United at heart to be opened by Alan Shearer

Hotly-anticipated Argentine steakhouse Gaucho will open its doors in Newcastle next month with family links to Newcastle United.

The restaurant will take up the space on the corner of Market Street and Pilgrim Street in the heart of Newcastle. Gaucho will include a cocktail bar and private dining room as well as the 140 cover restaurant space.

Gaucho will stand in the building formerly occupied by Virgin Money and will create 80 new jobs in the city after investment into the refurbishment of the Grade II listed building.

Gaucho CEO Martin Williams comes from a family Newcastle United fans and has overseen the project, which will open with a £10,000 donation to the NUFC Foundation Community Hub NUCASTLE.

Upcoming Gaucho launch events will also be hosted by Alan Shearer and Lee Westwood in aid of the charity, as well as the Sir Graham Wylie Foundation.

Mr Williams was listed as a Sunday Times Top 100 entrepreneur and this month won Best CEO in hospitality and leisure. Leading 23 restaurants across the UK, Williams is the son (and one of five) to school teachers from Houghton le Spring and Durham. Born and raised in Marske-by-Sea, Redcar, Williams lived in this seaside village until he went to London to study at the age of 18.

Williams who is an avid runner, used to sprint around the North East as a teen whilst running for New Marske Harriers and has remained a regular visitor to family in Teesside.

Williams describes his parents’ football affiliations as a ‘mixed marriage’ where his father Brian, a school teacher and local council leader, supported Sunderland, whereas his mother Joan, also a teacher (and mother of five) supports Newcastle.

“With 2 brothers supporting NUFC and 2 supporting SAFC it made for some serious sibling rivalry!” recalls Williams.