THE MUCH-anticipated flagship STACK will open its doors next week (Tues 2 December).

STACK Newcastle at Worswick Chambers, Pilgrim Street is preparing to welcome visitors from noon on 2 December, following on from a multi-million pound refurbishment of the historic site.

And along with a range of bars, street food traders and entertainment spaces, it will also be the first STACK venue in the North East to offer Sideshow – the circus-themed competitive socialising experience.

Previously Sideshow has only been available at STACK Lincoln but is now coming to the region, with a range of interactive games such as shuffleboard and darts, along with Karaoke booths.

Sideshow puts a modern twist on pub classics, with both the shuffleboard and darts using state-of-the-art cutting-edge camera tracking, screens and automatic scoring systems.

The Grade II listed building site has been completely transformed – although still retains many of its historic features – to offer eight bars, eight street food outlets and an outdoor terrace with a stage and large screen set across three floors.

STACK’s most popular outlets including ZZA Pizzeria, Bao Down, Acropolis, Brack Burger and We Are Melt, which opened at St. James’ STACK earlier this summer and YOLO Coffee and Kitchen will all feature at STACK Newcastle, along with a range of first time STACK vendors.

Pattersons, a Liverpool-based fried chicken operator is moving out of its home city for the first time to come to the North East, with pulled pork dishes from The Cheesy Pig, also opening in the region for the first time, along with Mexican food, courtesy of La Cocina Mexicano.

 The venue also has three external units, with details of all of the occupiers to follow in the near future.

Neill Winch, CEO of STACK, is delighted that the leisure hub will be open in the run-up to Christmas.

“STACK Newcastle has a special place in our hearts as it is so close to the site of our very first venue,” he said.

“We are very proud of the fact that we have brought this landmark building back to life after it being vacant for 25 years

“It has our signature look but at the same we have kept its historical integrity and we can’t wait for everyone to see what has been our most ambitious project to date.”