Plans to transform 8 Beaumont Street, the former long-time home of the Hexham Courant, into a “slightly smaller” iteration of Fratelli’s highly rated Ponteland restaurant were permitted in December 2025.
The proposal, put forward by Space ID on behalf of David Wilson, business partner of the Fratelli family, outlined plans for a ground-floor restaurant and bar with a mezzanine and first and second-floor residential units, comprising two two-bed apartments.
Via a spokesperson, the Fratelli family – comprising Fabrizio, Carol, Gabi and Cristian Saba – has now made a first public announcement on the “exciting step” forward.
They said, like their Ponteland restaurant, the Hexham site will remain a “family-run business” and that customers “can expect the same authentic Italian dining experience, using high-quality ingredients and delivering the warm, friendly service” they are accustomed to.
“We’re also developing two apartments above the restaurant, which we plan to operate as holiday lets under our Coast and Country Stays brand,” their spokesperson said.
“We’re incredibly excited to be expanding and about becoming part of the local community in Hexham. Many of our loyal customers already travel from the area to visit us in Ponteland, so we’re looking forward to welcoming familiar faces alongside new customers.
“Building work began last month and involves a full renovation of the premises, which we expect will take several months to complete.
“At this stage, we don’t have a confirmed opening date as construction timelines can change. We’ll announce our opening plans later this year as soon as we’re able to.”
The Fratelli family said they were working with the same designers and architect they have partnered with for “many years”, and are “really excited” to reveal the finished result.
The menu, they added, will be very similar to the Ponteland eatery, featuring “Italian classics”, “Sardinian specialities” and “Fratelli favourites”.
The spokesperson also revealed that the family was “actively looking” at further opportunities to expand its restaurant offering in the North East.
