Our most clicked, shared & liked articles of 2020
We stayed in, we worked from home, we shopped local, we said goodbye to some iconic venues and we praised the bravery of the ones that took their place. Oh, 2020, you’ve shown us your best and you’ve shown your worst. As the year that was draws to a well-anticipated close, we welcome a plethora of new ventures to the scene and look back on some of your favourite articles of this year.
After a few months of hibernation, Newcastle sprung back to life and welcomed some newbies to the food scene including Kai Dumpling, Covered in Crumbs, and Roy’s kitchen. We also welcomed some new menus to our old favourites like The Edwards, MEET, The Greenroof and how could we forget about Pino’s taking over the kitchen at The Family Hotel with Pino's Diner.
This was the year we all got a bit more conscious about shopping local and supporting our community. Shopping online was something that made this even more accessible and many of our favourite local businesses made the switch to online including Desert Sunday Collective with their online plant parties, Workshopp and their Clay at Home packs, and Newcastle's iconic Olive Tree Market going virtual.
So what exactly were your favourite stories of 2020? We’ve done the numbers and it’s time to look back on the year and appreciate the Newcastle businesses we all love and the people behind them.
15. Rosabar
Lambton recently scored itself a boujee new late-night venue on the centre of Elder St in the form of an authentic Spanish tapas and, less than a month since doors have opened, Newcastle is already loving it!
14. VAMP
Lisa McGuigan’s monochromatic Wine Rooms have intrigued visitors throughout the year with its not-so-typical aesthetics and Lisa’s extensive wine portfolio.
13. The Shaka Shack
The charm of this Smiths Lake 70’s Surf Shack was enough to entice our readers with its chilled out vibes and surfer chic décor.
12. House Proud: Justine & Luke Orton
The first House Proud of the year has remained one of 2020’s favourites as Merewether’s Orton Haus set the tone with its crisp lines and fresh, sophisticated interiors.
11. Brew Bike Nitro
Coffee martinis to your door? Yes, please! Jesse Schadel’s innovative coffee martini delivery service brought a bit of fun to lockdown earlier this year with Brew Bike Nitro doing just that.
10. Downtown Beirut
Beaumont Street’s home of Lebanese cuisine has taken Newy by storm with its menu that caters to vegans and meat-eaters alike. The authentic flavours and vibrant staff give the restaurant a homely feeling that clearly leaves visitors coming back for more.
One of the most anticipated openings of the year, The Rum Diary Bar has certainly brought a unique flair to Newcastle West with their extensive rum collection, cigar lounge, and creative eats.
With customers lined up out the door daily and a bustling online store, this boutique butchery being a hit with our readers comes as no surprise. Shopping locally has deservingly become a priority this year and we’re definitely here for it!
After the success of Muse Restaurant, their Lorn venue being one of the most popular of the year comes as no surprise at all!
Delicious food, scrumptious coffee, and scenic river views –is there much more you could ask for? Apparently not, as this Raymond Terrace hot spot takes the place of our 6th most popular article this year.
5. NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort
As this year finally draws to a close, we’re all craving a get-away and some new scenery, and NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort makes that possible without having to travel too far. We see you, glampers!
If there’s one thing we know about Hunter Valley frequenters, it’s that they love brunch. The Brunch Society’s stunning views and menu covering almost everything with the wines to match has quickly made them a must for locals and visitors alike.
3. Ship Inn
From the team who brought us Newcastle East Eatery and The Falcon, The Ship Inn has surely made waves through the city during the second half of this year and it’s certainly no surprise.
2. Fresh Food Delivered to your door
2020 was the year we all had to get a little creative with our shopping needs. Keeping it local has shown to be more important than ever to keep our fridges stocked and our local businesses supported.
1. Saints
Coming in at number one, after opening their doors just over a month ago, is none other than Saints. The combination of gin, local ingredients, and eclectic decor has proved to be a Newcastle favourite and we can’t wait to see what 2021 brings for these new kids on the block!
It’s time to say goodbye to 2020 and hello to whatever next year throws at us. I think we’ve got this Newcastle –let’s do it!