Jesmond Mediterranean restaurant Lovage says it has overcome some initial opposition after taking over the former Sale Pepe site. Several Jesmond residents had objected to the opening of the eaterie on St George’s Terrace because they thought a Newcastle City Council notice of its opening hours and alcohol licensing meant it was going to be a club or bar.

Owners Kleo Tabaku and Lisa Hide later reassured residents that it would be a quiet restaurant serving fresh Mediterranean dishes with cocktails and wine and would close at the same time as Sale Pepe did.

The council maintains the notice was not misleading. Council spokesperson Michael Muncaster told JesmondLocal: “The notice notifies residents what licensing conditions have been applied for by the applicant. This is the common procedure among all councils across the country.”

Front of house manager Hide said: “People here are protective of their community, and we would be too, so we completely understand.”

Hide and Tabaku reassured residents of their goal for the establishment and say they had a successful opening, four weeks ago.

Tabaku, who has 25 years of previous hospitality experience, said: “The food we make here is what we eat at home, so it’s rewarding to see others enjoying our household meals.”

Hide and Tabaku say their main goal is to bring the Jesmond community together in their restaurant. “It’s amazing to see that everyone in Jesmond seems to know each other, and we want to be a part of that community,” said Hide.

The restaurant also uses fresh, local produce, including homemade cheese from a farm in Durham, and fresh apples from a Jesmond resident.

Part-owner and head chef Tabaku says he focuses on simplicity and flavour to make his food taste unique. Lovage also offers a variety of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dishes too.

Hide said that she would like to see more students coming in as so far it has mostly been couples and families.

The restaurant offers three different menus including a lunch, dinner, and Sunday lunch menu. Lovage also offers an extensive list of wines and cocktails.