Stairway is saintly and sinful

Oct 10 2007 by Graeme King, The Journal

A DEVILISHLY different cafe and bar has been launched in Newcastle aimed at satisfying the health conscious side of its customers – and indulging the more hedonistic side too.

Stairway 2 11 in St Mary’s Place, next to Newcastle Civic Centre, will be a cafe by day and a bar by night.

Owner Debbie Watson, 45, of South Shields, said: “The style is very much 1970s kitsch. Stairway 2 11 is set within a basement and is split into two very distinct areas, one decked in a white angelic style and the other area is decorated in a shocking pink and devilish style.

“They are two very different menus – one for the health conscious eater with lighter snacks, salads and wholemeal sandwiches, and one for the customer who wants to enjoy something a little naughty, like hot and spicy savouries through to the sweets crammed full of cream.”

Debbie studied fine art and went on to run her own art business in Westoe, South Shields, selling her work all over the world.

She later ran an interior design firm before leaving the region. She said: “I have lived in Manchester in recent years and when I decided to return home I yet again got the bug to start my own business.

“‘My ambition is to have a successful business, but to also have fun! In the future I would like to open another cafe bar, but in a different style, as I firmly believe it is important to be different on the high street.”

Debbie was advised by Business Link North-East.