The deli that’s delivering the goods for the region

Dec 11 2007 by Iain Laing, The Journal

THE appetite for fine foods among residents and visitors to Tyneside has ensured a deli has become a hit just a few weeks after opening.

‘Deli at . . . ’, which specialises in selling regional produce, expanded into a second North-East shop at Whitley Bay last month.

The shop sells an extensive range of local cheeses, meats, organic milk, breads and patisserie by Café Royal and fresh fruit and vegetables, reflecting its former use as a greengrocers.

Customers can also order organic vegetable boxes from the shop from North East Organic Growers which are delivered for collection every Thursday.

David Urwin, owner of Deli at Whitley Bay, said he was delighted with the response.

He said: “We have had excellent feedback with customers saying they love the shop and they love the products. We’re delighted to have had such a positive response. I think it highlights how much people in this area are willing to support local producers and are interested in knowing where their food comes from.”

Seven new jobs have been created at the shop in Park View, which also stocks a range of carefully selected imports such as artisan olives, oils and vinegars.

David opened his first shop, Deli at Darras, at Ponteland five years ago, building up a loyal following. The deli has recently been named in The Guardian’s national Ultimate Guide to Britain’s Finest Independent Shops and Suppliers.

A farmer’s son from Northumberland, David is a graduate of Newcastle University and was formerly a fresh food sales manager for the North Eastern Co-op covering 150 stores from Berwick to Whitby.

The deli is open from 9am-5pm Monday to Saturday and from 10am-3pm on Sundays.

For more information visit www.deli-at.co.uk