After a couple of friends and family nights, No 32 Pizza and Cocktails opens its doors to the public, from 12pm on Wednesday, July 8.
It’s been brought to the city by two of the city’s most popular restaurateurs, business partners Vittorio Farigu and Tam Hassan, whose existing restaurants, Vito’s and Ember, respectively, are already top-rated, with Ember making it into the Good Food Guide and Vito’s the OpenTable UK top 100.
The new opening at The Beam is going to mean a lot of scootering back and forth along Keel Crossing as they open No 32 at the other end of the bridge, but the pair say they’re delighted to see their vision come to life.
They’re hitting the ground running, with 1400 bookings flooding in since the website went live last week at https://www.no-32.co.uk/
“It’s been so good to see,” said Tam. “People have even already bought No 32 gift cards, which is so humbling, to know they have that trust in us before the restaurant has even opened.
“We can’t wait to welcome everyone and see the restaurant full for a busy service, when everyone is at the peak of what they do.”
Vito said: “We want everyone to come down and see the place for themselves. You don’t have to come for a full meal, you can just pop in for a cocktail after work, on the way to theatre for some bar snacks. It’s open to all.”
Here’s a look around this slick new spot - and the all important menu.
1. Joining forces
Tam and Vito first met while working together at Gino's in Newcastle Quayside and went on to open neighbouring restaurants in Sheepfolds Stables. Now, they're back in the kitchen together once more - whilst still running Vito's and Ember. | Sunderland Echo
2. Vibrant new life
No 32 has transformed one of the ground floor units at The Beam, which had been empty since the office block became the first building to open on the former Vaux site back in 2019. In a couple of months, the pair will also open Riverside Cafe at The Beam, in the empty ground floor unit overlooking the river. It will have more of a bakery, brunch and grab and go offering. | Sunderland Echo
3. Pizza the action
Pizzas are the speciality, made using 32 hour proof dough (which inspired the No 32 name) on a range of red or white bases. Prices start at £8 for a marinara to £15 for wild mushroom and truffle. Other options include burrata, anchovy and lemon (£12), lamb and herb (£12) and picante (£13). Scissors are provided for a precise pizza cut! | Sunderland Echo
4. Making its mark
No 32 very much has its own identity, separate to that of its counterparts at the other end of Keel Crossing in Sheepfolds Stables. The decor of the new modern space features nods to the jazz era, a mirror ball-style bar and an aubergine and green colour scheme inspired by the hues of the calathea plant. | Sunderland Echo