Stewart & Co. on Brentwood Avenue

New décor and furnishings, expanded menus, and a children’s play area are just some of the changes in store for the former Stewart & Co. according to new owner Lucas Morrison.

The alterations are already underway, and after Christmas customers will even know the deli and café by a new name.

Morrison, who took over management of Stewart and Co. seven months ago, has chosen to rename the café Arlo’s, after his youngest son.

The café’s menu and interior décor will be the first thing to change. Morrison plans to offer customers an extended selection of food and drink, as well as introducing new chunky leather sofas and a children’s play area.

As a dad, Morrison says he is well aware of the difficulties that come with bringing children to restaurants. He says he plans to make the café more family-friendly.

The layout of the café and deli will be completely reorganised. Morrison says he hopes the new refurbishments will give the place a “Swiss-cottage” look, which will be emphasized with antler chandeliers.

While the décor may be changing and the variety of food expanding, the new menus will still retain old favourites.

Customers can still expect quiches, cakes, and scones, but Morrison will also be creating separate breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus. Morrison told JesmondLocal that the evening menus will have a “modern twist,” offering a selection of Asian, British, and French dishes. The menus will also change every few weeks.

Morrison has 25 years of work experience in the restaurant industry cooking wide varieties of food, such as Vietnamese, Italian, and Mexican. He hopes to bring these international flavours to the café, possibly through a themed night every month. Morrison said: “It’s all about proper food.”

Customers will still be able to come in for just cakes and coffees, but Morrison is hopeful that diners will enjoy the wider selection of food soon to be on offer.