Inside Ponteland bar as the Brack brothers team up with Jason Tindall

2
Skip to next photo
1/1
Show caption
1/1
This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald.

NEWCASTLE hospitality giant Joe Brack, of Brack brothers fame, has said he thinks they've "hit the sweet spot" with their new Say When Ponteland venue.

Siblings Joe and Ollie have experienced a meteoric rise since Brack Burger took off during the 2020 Covid-19 lockdown.

Launched as a takeaway concept from their dad's pub kitchen at The Jubilee in Gosforth, the patty franchise has since spread to multiple venues around the North East, including St James' STACK.

Aside from having their fingers in pies of pubs, cafes, restaurants and cinemas in the region, the brothers have had success with the Say When brand, which has expanded from Gosforth to Northumberland, with their Ponteland venue opening at the start of April in the former home of YOLO.

Joe and Ollie have partnered with Newcastle United assistant manager Jason Tindall for the new venture.

"When he (Jason) sees a good opportunity, he gets involved," said Joe. "He trusted what we were doing, which is nice.

"When the Ponteland site came up, the three of us sat down and felt it was the right thing to do to grow the Say When brand.

"We just wanted somewhere you could go with everyone, of all ages and demographics; I think we've hit a sweet spot and something that Ponteland was crying out for. Everyone's welcome, and everyone's enjoying it."

The hospitality chief executive said they wanted to bring a "relaxed atmosphere" - from the music to the lights - and "something a bit different" to the village.

Its unique self-catering wine and Guinness machines have also piqued interest, alongside its food menu, which is characterised by internationally inspired brunch and small plates offerings.

"The brunch menu runs until three and has something for everyone; lighter options and more filling dishes like shakshuka," he added.

"The small plates are what I'm most proud of. My brother does the food, and he's done an amazing job putting it together. It's been very highly rated and raved about within the village.

"If I had to recommend one thing, I'd say try the truffle gnocchi - you won't be disappointed. That's the signature dish."

Looking to the future, the ambitious brothers say they are still "definitely on the lookout for more places in and around the city".

Get involved
with the news

Send your news & photos