The modern-style deli & bar on Darby St has opened!
A month since we first announced the arrival of Urban Deli & Bar to Darby St, the new venue has officially opened up to the public so you foodie lovers who seek the good things in life can drop in for a unique experience and pick up those top-tier deli goods.
Brought to us by the foodie-focussed couple, Katarzyna (Kasia) Idczak and Timothy (Tim) Atkinson, Urban Deli & Bar opened their doors on Thursday, the 14th of July, and is no doubt quickly becoming a Novocastrian go-to with its boutique deli, wine bar, and bistro offering.
Setting up shop in the former Depot on Darby and Laneway on Darby location, the venue has been split into two separate spaces, presenting Urban Deli & Bar in a more sophisticated and intimate offering.
The enthusiastic couple is excited about bringing something new and exciting to Newcastle and joining in on the resurgence of Darby Street’s nightlife. Pulling on their expansive experience across the hospitality industry not only across Australia but overseas in England and throughout Europe.
Together, the couple has over 35 years of expertise in the ever-growing, evolving, and emerging industry. So, what does this mean for Darby Street? Well, nothing short of high-quality food, drink, service, and more!
During the day, visitors can browse the delicatessen and bistro which will offer a range of gourmet, artisanal, and delicatessen dishes alongside a collection of build-it-yourself charcuterie boards, tapas-style meals, bistro sandwiches, and ready-to-go meals; all of which are freshly prepared.
“The deli will draw inspiration from delicatessen classics such as cold cuts, cured meats, Europeans cheese, etc. As well as Mediterranean olives, tapas, chutneys, pickles, and spreads. The vibrant display of fresh produce and the seasonal fare will be at the centre of the venue.”
With a selection of gourmet sandwiches available with toppings including the House Marinated Vegetables, Cheese Toastie, San Daniele Prosciutto, Pulled Pork, Roast Turkey, and Salami. Come Saturday & Sunday, Urban Deli & Bar boasts a full menu alongside their sandwich offering from midday.
Our picks? You can’t go past a traditional Cheese Toastie, but the Urban Deli & Bar have included their own unique twist complete with Manchego, 3-year-old cheddar, and onion. Or the Pulled Pork complete with apple slaw and house-made BBQ sauce on a crispy baguette!
By night, Urban Deli & Bar transforms before your eyes into an intimate wine bar and entertainment hotspot. The wine bar showcases the best the region has to offer with both local and imported wines taking the spotlight alongside a selection of boutique beer and signature cocktails.
“Urban Deli & Bar will bring back the ‘old school’ days of connection – where loitering is encouraged, cheerful banter expected and memories to be made. Urban Deli & Bar will offer a unique and totally immersive customer experience – where people go just as much for the food and drinks as for the experience.”
Moving into the night, the food menu is broken into four offerings small plates, large plates, side plates, and of utmost importance, the sweet plates! The menu is designed to share, so peruse the goods and pick and choose a selection of your group's liking.
From the small plates, our recommendations would have to be the Burrata complete with heirloom tomato, croutons, and basil; Beef Carpaccio with grana Padano, crispy capers, topped with truffle oil; or our personal favourite, the Portuguese Prawns with chilli, garlic, white wine, and crusty bread.
The large offering is kept nice and simplified with three offerings including the Seared Swordfish topped with macadamia, leafy greens, citrus beurre blanc; Blackened Pork Tenderloin with peach, seasonal veg, and spiced cream; and MS3 Scotch Fillet with garlic truffle mash, and peppercorn jus.
Wrap up your meal with a selection of side plates to complete the main dishes, and don’t forget to finish your evening with a delicious house-made Eton Mess.
The deli will be open from Wednesday to Sunday, kicking things off at 11am with the deli being the main drawcard. Working with local producers such as Hungerford Meat Co. and the Hunter Valley Cheese Company as well as sourcing incredible goods from across the globe; this deli is going to be the top-tier offering Newcastle’s CBD has been yearning for.
In addition, the shelves are stocked and showcasing the many pickles, jams, chutneys, and sides to accompany your deli goods as well as extensively filled wine racks available to take home.
As the sun sets, the wine bar comes to life with drinks, tapas-style food, and charcuterie boards being served well into the evening.
“From mid-morning coffees or sustenance during a busy work, study, or shopping day, to a fun night out with family and friends, Urban Deli & Bar provides that connection and engagement when people need it most.”
This new venue will act as an extension of your own pantry and even more so, a part of your extended family. Whether you plan on dining in or taking away, Urban Deli & Bar will provide an experience long remembered after leaving the venue.
So, what are you waiting for? Beat the crowds and be amongst the first to experience this truly unique offering on Newcastle’s Darby Street!
