Awesome Franks toasts cocktail bar launch
A Newcastle hospitality business has launched an 80s-themed cocktail bar as part of its expansion into a neighbouring retail unit, creating additional evening trade alongside its established gourmet sandwich café and delicatessen.
Awesome Franks, located at West Jesmond Metro station, opened in August 2025 in the former Richard Granger Wines building. The business occupies premises at the busiest suburban station on the Tyne and Wear Metro network, which recorded 1.793 million passenger journeys in 2024/25.
Investment fuels expansion
The expansion follows a five-figure investment through NPIF II – NEL Smaller Loans, managed by NEL Fund Managers as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II. The £660 million NPIF II fund, which launched in March 2024 and is operated by the British Business Bank, has made over 130 investments totalling £50 million into businesses across the North of England.
Founder Alex Walker also secured a £25,000 loan through the British Business Bank's Start Up Loans programme, delivered by Business Enterprise Fund North East. Since its launch in 2012, the Start Up Loans programme has delivered more than £900 million worth of funding to entrepreneurs across the UK.
Historic building transformed
The funding enabled an extensive refurbishment of the original premises, including new electrical wiring and plumbing. The building, which sits within a historic structure that originally opened as a railway station in December 1900, has been transformed into a multi-purpose community venue.
Alongside its food offering, Awesome Franks hosts art workshops and provides space for independent businesses, including florists and artisan food producers, to showcase their products. The business has more than tripled its workforce since securing investment, growing from three employees to ten.
Future plans and community focus
The cocktail bar represents the second phase of expansion. Plans are underway to convert the building's former Station Master's Room into a grassroots music and events venue, which would host live performances, student nights, themed evenings and community activities.
The business operates in Jesmond, a thriving suburb known for its independent shops, restaurants and bars. The area has traditionally attracted student residents but is increasingly drawing established families alongside independent businesses.
Alex Walker said the vision extended beyond a café from the outset.
"I wanted to create a destination that could evolve over time, bringing together great food, local businesses, creativity and community all under one roof. The SUL and NPIF II funding gave us the confidence and flexibility to bring that vision to life. It allowed us to transform the building, grow the team and invest in the next stage of the business far sooner than would otherwise have been possible."
Susan Snowdon, investment executive at NEL Fund Managers, said the business demonstrated a genuine commitment to supporting the local community and other independent businesses. NEL Fund Managers was founded in 1989 as the first regional investment management company in the North East and has invested in over 1,000 business growth plans across the region.
"It's fantastic to see how much Awesome Franks has achieved since receiving funding. The expansion demonstrates the positive impact that access to finance can have, helping ambitious businesses invest, create jobs and bring new opportunities to their local area."
The NPIF II fund builds on its predecessor, which provided more than £1.1 billion of direct and private sector co-investment into 1,295 businesses since 2017, helping to create over 8,500 jobs. NPIF II provides loans from £25,000 to £2 million and equity investment up to £5 million to help small and medium-sized businesses.
Sarah Newbould, senior investment manager at British Business Bank, said businesses could benefit from multiple areas of funding from the bank.
"By backing businesses like Awesome Franks through NPIF II, we're helping to create new jobs and contributing to thriving high streets across the North East."
