via Cal’s Own/Facebook

Popular Heaton-based pizzeria Cal’s Own will be opening a branch in Jesmond in the new year, JesmondLocal can exclusively reveal.

The new restaurant will open at 1-2 Holly Avenue West, formerly the site of Nino’s Italian restaurant, and more recently Colts Western Steakhouse.

Kerry Kitchin, co-owner of Cal’s Own said that the move to Jesmond was motivated by his upbringing. “It’s the place where I grew up, where I live, and I know the area, so I wanted to have a store here,” he said.

“It’s also a ‘go to’ area for restaurants,” he added.

The new restaurant – which will be capable of seating three times the number of diners currently possible at Cal’s Own Chillingham Road branch – will open in January.

The branch will be open six days a week, three of which will include lunchtime servings. The Jesmond property has also been awarded an alcohol licence, which the Heaton branch does not have.