Hundreds of diners enjoyed a ray of winter sunshine after Newcastle’s newest Caribbean restaurant promised to donate its opening day takings to charity.
Turtle Bay were swamped by customers yesterday morning (Tuesday, February 9) after opening their doors for the first time in aid of the Sunshine Fund.
The restaurant, which offers a wide range of Caribbean food from curry goat to jerk chicken, then did non-stop business all day after offering punters the chance to pay whatever they thought their meal was worth.
Steve Rucastle, deputy general manager of Turtle Bay, said: “The opening has been absolutely fantastic. The capacity has been turned over twice, with over 288 customers attending.
“All of the money from the food today will be donated to the Sunshine Fund and we’re also going to match it. It’s great because everybody benefits.”
Turtle Bay has opened in the iconic former Co-op building on Newgate Street in Newcastle.
The Sunshine Fund raises money to help provide specialist equipment for North East children with disabilities.
Clare Savory, the Fund’s head of fundraising, said: “We are delighted to have been chosen as the charity.
“The money raised will make a huge difference – any amount will be amazing.”
The charity’s four staff, and one of the families they help support, also attended the opening event and enjoyed themselves.
Callum McClean, a customer who visited Turtle Bay on opening day, said: “I hadn’t booked and struggled to get a table, but it’s great to see the restaurant doing so well, especially when it’s for such a great cause.”
Mr Rucastle added: “It’s great to have opened here. The restaurant is a nice escape from the bitter winters of the North East.”