I visited Newcastle’s new The Real Greek restaurant and it’s a welcome addition to The Toon

Easter is the time for new life and just days before the long weekend a fresh arrival has come to Eldon Square as The Real Greek opens its doors.

The Greek food chain has continued its expansion with a restaurant in the heart of Newcastle open from today, Tuesday, April 12.

The 154-cover space offers both indoor and outdoor seating, with a variety of food and drinks menus.

NewcastleWorld was one of the first customers through the door at The Real Greek on opening day, eager to find out what the new kid on the block is all about.

The chain's big attraction is its penchant for authentic Greek food, which is at the heart of the menu.

The full menu offers everything from hot and cold mezze to Souvlaki wraps and Greek salads, with a way of combining the dishes for a platter-style dinner - waiters patiently talk first-time customers through the experience on Tuesday.

To celebrate the opening, customers can enjoy that menu at half price until Thursday, April 14.

As well as the main menu, there's a lunch menu with cut-price lighter options and a full cocktail list too.

NewcastleWorld ordered one of the traditional Souvlaki wraps from the lunch menu and a potato salad to go along with it.

The food is fragrant and filling with quality a cut above the most fast-food style chains in the city.

What's clear is The Real Greek is a place to take friends and family for a catch-up over dinner or colleagues for after-work nibbles and drinks - a restaurant to enjoy proper Greek food rather than scran something on the go.

Its decor and atmosphere certainly help that.

The large windows looking out on Eldon Square have been designed to let as much light into the venue as possible, with blue and white furnishings transporting customers to the Mediterranean.

In summer, The Real Greek will no doubt be heaving with customers on its terrace keen to imagine themselves on holiday.

As the hospitality industry in Newcastle continues its post-pandemic bounce back to life, The Real Greek is a welcome addition to the Tyneside scene.