CAFES, bars and restaurants face an uncertain future in the wake of the coronavirus, COVID-19 pandemic.
On Thursday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced a ban on non-essential indoor gatherings of more than 100 people, forcing many small business owners in the hospitality industry to quickly adapt and enforce changes. And on Friday, he tightened restrictions to one person per four square metres at all non-essential indoor gatherings of all sizes, including at pubs, clubs and restaurants.
Increased sanitation has already come into effect as well as a widespread ban on reusable coffee cups and a preference for cashless payment in an effort to combat the spread of the virus. Many venues have reduced seating numbers to comply with the new rules, and all request that customers feeling unwell stay away.
"Most businesses have taken a massive hit this week as people start to work from home and self-isolation becomes a thing," Susuru Ramen and Gyoza Bar owner Taiyo Namba tells Weekender.
"There are many restaurants scrambling to prepare menus and staff to be able to deliver from next week. Susuru has invested in another delivery bike as deliveries ramp up - it is already extremely difficult to buy essential foods at supermarkets, and the simple fact is people must eat."
Namba has looked at innovative ways to keep his business going - and his employees employed.
"From next week, Susuru is offering frozen ramen packs to cater for people who are either unable to cook or would like further food options at home," he says.
"To complement this, the restaurant is preparing to offer ramen family packs exclusively for its takeaway and delivery services, much like the family value packs found in other fast food establishments. We want to make it easier for customers to order and to survive the coming weeks."
It's a sentiment shared by most businesses as they try to ride out the coronavirus.
"We are on the front line of this pandemic and being in hospitality, we seem to be among the first businesses who will be affected by it," says John Elsley, co-owner of Maitland's El Chapos and The Whistler, along with Newcastle bars Babylon and The Blink Monk.
Elsley says staff are required to completely disinfect their hands at least every 30 minutes or use sanitiser after cash transactions, although each venue is encouraging contactless payments as the preferred method.
"Our second highest priority at this stage is just keeping the doors open," he says.
"We understand that as a whole the companies will not be making any profits for some time as we have already lost the majority of our large function bookings over the next couple of months and it seems to be only escalating, so we will be drastically hurt by this. This will unfortunately then flow on to our large casual workforce.
"We are doing everything we can think of to keep customers coming in regularly and will try to trade through the drama to be sure all our staff are not left unpaid and suffering. It is going to be trying times for everyone it seems."
Many venues have introduced takeaway menus to cater for those practising social distancing, as well as contactless delivery for people in self isolation.
Jordan Mizrahi, who owns Basement On Market Street and Ground Floor Cafe in Hunter Street Mall, has made changes at both venues.
"We are encouraging people to enjoy our food takeaway in the comfort of their homes as a way of encouraging social distancing," Mizrahi says.
"Payment is also encouraged over the phone and customers can utilise the parking directly in front of the restaurant. We are also looking to implement a delivery service as soon as possible. The success of small business in this current climate is not guaranteed which means now more than ever supporting the local economy is integral," he says.
Ground Floor encourages orders to be placed and paid for via the Hey You app, so customers can collect pre-ordered food with minimal contact.
The looming threat of being forced to close is a concern for small business owners, so Luke Tilse of Newcastle bar The Happy Wombat is exploring all of his options.
"It is a multi-pronged strategy at the moment," Tilse says. "If we are closed we will be running our coffee cart out the front of the Wombat selling takeaway coffees, juices, and possibly snacks. We will also start doing home-cooked meals each evening which we will deliver to your door directly."
Here are some of the changes cafes, bars and restaurants in the region are making (check the social media pages of your favourite for updates as they are likely to be operating as normal):
5 Sawyers is limiting its capacity to 70 people. Pre-booking is advised.
Active Diner in Medowie is temporarily commencing home delivery within Medowie on Thursday and Friday nights. Minimum spend of $30 and $10 delivery fee. Deliveries can be contactless upon request.
Antojitos in Newcastle has increased distancing between diners by removing tables and chairs. The restaurant also encourages the use of cashless payment and takeaway options.
The Autumn Rooms on Darby Street are open as normal and offer delivery within a 5km radius. Menu online at autumnrooms.com.au.
Baked Uprising in Maryville is also no longer accepting reusable cups and prefers cashless payments. Opening hours remain unchanged.
Bank Corner Espresso and Bar in Newcastle is closing at 2pm daily (kitchen closing at 1.30pm).
Bao Brothers After Dark on Hunter Street, Newcastle, has closed indefinitely. Bao Brothers at The Corner, Charlestown Square, remains open for business.
Battlesticks at Scratchleys have distanced tables 1.5 metres apart and is operating as normal.
Baume at Ben Ean Winery in Pokolbin is offering takeaway and pick-up drive-through. Call 4993 3705 to order. Menu available online at benean.com.au
The Beaumont in Hamilton is continuing to operate during its standard hours but has reduced indoor seating to 50 patrons, with an additional 20 seats outdoors.
Bella Italia in Newcastle has a maximum capacity of 80 but contactless delivery is also available. You can order via Uber Eats; pick up your takeaway at the outside window of the bar; or (for a limited time) they are offering free local delivery for customers who place their order with them directly by phoning 4927 8050.
The Bennett Hotel in Hamilton offers its whole menu as takeaway. Transactions can be processed over the phone for quick and easy pick up.
Black Label Espresso at Maitland is asking people to pre-order by downloading their App through @eat_appy. And for those ordering at the cafe, order then wait outside until their name is called.
Blue Kahunas tiki bar is offering bookings for at-home cocktail classes. To book a class, phone 0427 370 072 or email prudence@bluekahunas.com.
Bocado's Newcastle is now offering home delivery 5pm until late to Merewether, Merewether Heights, Bar Beach, The Hill, The Junction, Wickham, Maryville, Tighes Hill, Mayfield, Broadmeadow, Hamilton, Carrington, Islington and Georgetown. Menus are available on their website.
Bolton Street Pantry's menu is available for eat in and take away. Phone 4048 1344.
The Boulevarde Coffee Hub at Toronto is offering healthy take-home meals like for $15 (or $25 for two). Just phone ahead on 4950 5429, park in the yellow striped parking spot in front of the shop and staff will run your order to your car.
Boydell's at Morpeth is open. The cellar door is enforcing single-use wine tasting flyers and menus, and only accepts contactless payments. Online wine delivery orders are available as normal.
The Brooks Belmont is working on a more extensive takeaway menu and has altered its opening hours: Monday to Friday, 8am to 2pm; and Saturday and Sunday, 8am to 3pm.
As of March 24, Burgerfiend at Cessnock is only offering takeaway or pick-up. Transactions will be done at the window at the front of the store. Breakfast will no longer be offered and opening hours are being reviewed.
Burger Lounge & Takeaway at Cessnock is now offering prepaid zero contact delivery. Phone 0421 412 474 to arrange and your order will be brought to your car from the restaurant.
The Burwood Inn at Merewether is operating as normal but has removed tables to increase space between patrons in the restaurant.
Cafe 2283 in Toronto has ceased operating on Mondays until further notice but will open from Tuesday to Sunday with adjusted opening hours. Meals are also available as pre-order takeaway.
Canon Food Bar Espresso at Warners Bay is now offering their breakfast, lunch and dinner menu as takeaway. Phone 4948 0049. Or, you can dine outside the cafe (seating is limited to 50) and enjoy the lake view.
The Captain and Crew at Marks Point is offering kerbside and in-store pick-up. They also have an online ordering menu at thecaptainandcrew.com.au.
Chiefly East in Newcastle is operating as normal, offering grab-and-go meals, or phone ahead for quick takeaway.
Cielo Italiano in Newcastle is offering takeaway on all meals. Open from 5pm weekdays and 11.30am on weekends. Phone 4929 2003.
Newcastle's Cirque Cafe & Restaurant is introducing a takeaway menu and recommends bookings for dine-in. Phone 4929 6370 or email chezkeith@hotmail.com.
It's business as usual at Coal & Cedar as they are a small bar with low capacity.
The Colliery Inn at Wallsend is now offering takeaway meals daily from 5.30pm. Phone 4955 8234 to order.
The Commercial Hotel Morpeth is now offering home delivery of their bistro meals.
At Common Grounds Morpeth trading hours have changed: until 1pm on weekdays and 2pm on weekends. The menu is being modified and takeaways are being served from the coffee window. There is seating outside the cafe but indoor seating has now closed. No keep cups until further notice.
Cranky Chef Catering at Hamilton has launched a new home delivery menu with no spend. Free delivery throughout Newcastel and Lake Macquarie. Order online at crankychefcatering.com.au.
Crema Coffee Garage in Broadmeadow is operating normal hours but is encouraging cashless payments and no longer accepting reusable cups.
The Criterion at Carrington has halted breakfast trading on weekends but is otherwise open with a maximum of 100 patrons indoors.
Crusoe's On The Lake will be operating as usual however bookings are essential and will be limited to fewer than 100 people.
The Cunning Culinarian in Maitland is reducing its operating hours and will close at 2.30pm instead of 4.30pm. Take-home meals available.
Cupcake Espresso is offering free, non-contact delivery to Newcastle suburbs, and $10 delivery to surrounding suburbs. Also, phone 4957 1727 and your order can be delivered to your car at the Adamstown store.
Delucas Pizza is offering a pre-order menu for pick up and eventually delivery.This needs to be ordered the day before so they know how many to prepare. It's not cooked to order, it's cooked and packaged for you to freeze or reheat at home. Bulk orders accepted.
Doughheads is serving all coffee, doughnuts and shakes in takeaway packaging, and reusable cups are no longer accepted. Contactless payment is preferred and orders can be placed in advance on 0429 498 123. Delivery is also available through Uber Eats and Deliveroo.
Drop In Espresso at Wallsend offers free delivery in the Wallsend area by texting 0490 340 573.
The Duke of Wellington Hotel's menu is now fully take away. Phone 4957 1170 to place your order.
Dunkley Dash Espresso Hut at Mount Hutton is only serving take away. Customers can sit outside but not inside.
Earp Distilling Co is open as usual and requesting contactless payment and to use the online menu when visiting. Capacity is also limited to 80 patrons at this time.
East End Hub is open as usual. All their food is available for take away by phoning 4929 1588.
The Edwards is open but limited to 100 patrons indoors. The venue is also no longer accepting reusable cups and prefers cashless payments.
El Chapos at Maitland is now closing between 3pm and 5pm daily, and has online ordering as well as takeaway.
Emersons Restaurant in Lovedale is operating as normal and has created a takeaway menu for those preferring to dine at home. Orders can be made on 4930 7029.
Equium Social at Mayfield has made a few changes. As of March 23, several lunch options can be ordered ahead Monday to Friday, ready for pick up or local delivery. Menus will be posted daily online. They have also introduced a dinner run, Monday to Friday, of family-style meals again available for pre-order, and pick-up or local delivery. They also have a fridge full of produce and ready made meals available in store - or they can be added to your pick-up or home delivery. Delivery is currently to any home or business in Mayfield, Islington, Hamilton, Georgetown, Tighes Hill, Carrington and Maryville.
Estabar is delivering an "immune boosting breakfast for four wrapped in a High Tea Furoshiki" to Newcastle East residents. Phone 0412 130 120 to order. Operating hours have been shortened from 6.30am to 2.30pm and takeaway is available via the Hey You app. Home delivery service is coming soon.
The Falcon in Newcastle East is offering its full menu delivered via Uber Eats for lunch and dinner. You can also phone in your order and collect.
The Family Hotel in Newcastle remains open from 4pm daily, with the Pino's pop-up burger bar operating from 5pm until late.
The Flotilla in Wickham is open but complying with restrictions to a maximum of 100 patrons indoors. Cashless payment is preferred.
FogHorn Brewery is operating as normal with a reduced capacity. Tables are spaced apart to maintain social distancing and they have introduced takeaway food and beer. Home deliveries will start soon. Phone 4929 4721. Orders can be delivered to your car outside the venue by request.
Fruit Brothers Newcastle offers home delivery to the Lake Macquarie, Newcastle and Maitland areas of fruit, vegetables, meats and gourmet produce. Minimum spend is $40. Go to fruitbrothers.com.au.
Gamble and Brown at Kotara is operating as normal and offering take-home meals, with plans to introduce a delivery service.
Glee Coffee Roasters are offering free shipping on orders more than $50.
Goldfish Bar and Restaurant at Pokolbin is offering delivery and take away Friday and Saturday nights from 5.30pm. Phone 4998 7671.
Good Brother is operating normal hours but prefers cashless payments and will not accept reusable cups. Orders can also be placed through the Hey You app for quick pick up. Free delivery is also offered on all beans online at slingtown.com.
Gourmet Food Distributors at Carrington usually sell to restaurants but are now selling to the public as well, seven days. It is strictly a pre-order system. Complete the form on their Facebook page and email it to accounts@gourmetfood.net.au by 5pm for pick-up the next day (or take a photo of your completed order form and email it to them). No sales will be made at the warehouse.
Greg and Audrey's in Toronto is operating normal hours and offers takeaway options on all food and drinks. Take-home tubs of ice-cream are available.
Greg's Espresso Bar in Cessnock is taking coffee orders over the phone for quick pick-up.
The Greenroof Hotel is operating normal hours, but will adhere to a 100-person capacity. Silent cinema is cancelled for the foreseeable future. The kitchen will remain open for lunch and dinner.
Habesha Ethiopian Restaurant at The Junction is offering free home deliveries as of March 21. Phone 4927 6775 or email habeshafood.com.
Hamilton Station Hotel is operating as normal with a reduced capacity limit.
Happi Chicken at Kurri Kurri delivers home-cooked meals to your home and offers pick-up.
Harry's Schnitzel Joint at Marketown, The Junction, Thornton and Jesmond has closed all seating areas but offers takeaway and delivery (delivery not available in Thornton).
Hippo's Espresso at Warners Bay is operating as normal but has made a few changes, including removing toys from the kids' play area, reducing its capacity to allow for greater distance between tables, expanding the takeaway window menu, and requesting contactless payment as the preferred method.
Hong Kong Chef is offering free delivery. Phone Kotara on 4957 6084 and East Maitland on 4006 3969.
The Hood Milk Bar offers home delivery via Uber Eats and Deliveroo for those after a gelato fix. The gelato shop and cafe is operating as normal.
Hotel Jesmond is adopting the 100-person capacity rule and spreading tables further apart to encourage social distancing. The kitchen's menu is also available as takeaway.
The Humble Thai in Newcastle is offering delivery service every day except Tuesdays for lunch and dinner. Phone 4089 5164.
Hunters Quarter at Pokolbin is now offering a $30 takeaway package: fresh and healthy home-cooked style meals for your family. Phone 4998 7776 or email info@huntersquarter.com.au.
Icky Sticky Patisserie in Lorn operating as normal but with cashless payments only, no reusable cups and takeaway packaging only.
Il Cacciatore's take away menu is available from noon daily. They are also offering 20 per cent off their dinner menu for take out from 6pm nightly.
Industria Eats and Supplements at Mount Hutton is offering takeaway (brought out to your car) and a healthy meal prep service.
The Italian Cottage at Cessnock is offering 10 per cent off all takeaway meals. They are no only open for dinner Tuesday to Sunday, 5.30pm to 9pm. Lunch service is no longer available.
Jam's Karaoke bar in Newcastle is open. The bar is disinfecting all microphones after each use with commercial grade ethanol spray, and adhering to industry best practice with hygiene including sanitising all areas. The karaoke rooms are an isolated space by nature, so owners have pointed out that the rooms are a perfect option for those engaging in social distancing.
Jewells Tavern now offers takeaway during bistro hours. Phone 4948 9100 to order, allowing 30 minutes for pick-up.
Jules By The Lake at Rathmines is taking orders for boxes of fresh fruit and vegetables for those having trouble sourcing any. Phone 4975 5551.
Kitami at King Street has closed until further notice. The good news is, their sushi ngiri, sushi rolls, sashimi and izakaya are still available at Kitami Carrington, 53 Young Street, Carrington.
The Kent Hotel at Hamilton is now offering takeaway. Phone 4961 3303 for details.
The Landing at Honeysuckle is offering 25 per cent off takeaway orders from their menu from Wednesday to Sunday from noon to 8pm. Phone 4927 1722.
The Little French Cafe in Broadmeadow is operating as normal and offers takeaway on all orders. Customers can meet staff at the door to make contactless payment when picking up orders.
Little Hill Farm can home deliver a minimum order of five chickens to Cessnock, Maitland, Kurri Kurri, Toronto or Newcastle. Talk to them if you are outside of these areas. Email littlehillfarm@outlook.com for details.
Lorn Kitchen is encouraging people to order by phoning 4934 3483 and staff will bring your order to your car.
Lovedale Long Lunch 2020 has been cancelled. The popular event will return May 15 and 16, 2021.
Lovedale Smokehouse offers their entire menu for dine in or take away. Phone ahead with your order on 4930 7832. Guests are welcome to bring a picnic blanket and dine in their 100-acre vineyard, too.
The Lucky Hotel in Newcastle is offering phone orders from the lunch menu. Call ahead on 4925 8888 to place an order.
Lulu's Cafe in Newcastle is operating as normal and can also be delivered via Deliveroo.
Lynchs Hub is encouraging customers to order via their App and are delivering within a small radius (Merewether Street to the west, King Street to the south and Perkins Street to the east). The menu now has a takeaway as well as dine-in option.
Marks Point Post Office & Cafe is offering outdoor dining and take-home meals. Phone 4945 0553. They have also introduced mixed meat trays for $100 (thick sausages, beef mince, lamb chops, rump steak, chicken schnitzel and pork chops) and mixed vegetable trays.
The Mary Ellen Hotel at Merewether is offering a condensed takeaway menu. Phone 4963 1100.
Masa Madre Sourdough Pizza has take away available as always, however their dine-in options will be limited to outdoors only with extra spacing between tables and no more communal cutlery, water or condiments.
MEET on Darby Street remains open as normal and is complying with capacity limits. It has also introduced a "drive away menu" Wednesday to Sunday, 5.30pm to 9pm. Phone 4925 2226 to place your order, pull up under the big pink neon sign in the restaurant's loading zone and staff will deliver your meal to your car window. Payment is by card or cash at your car window or over the phone.
Merrifield Farm Meats home deliver meat direct from their Merriwa farm. Phone 0401 834 553.
The Milkman's Back is offering free delivery to selected delivery areas and they are talking to suppliers to open up special delivery days to people in need.
Milky Lane on Darby Street remains open and is offering takeaway on all orders.
Mischief Kitchen is open for business and selling essentials like fresh bread, milk and honey. They have also just introduced a fresh fruit and vegetable box that can be delivered free to those in need at Belmont South.
Momo Newcastle is open as usual but their entire menu is also available as take away. They plan to launch a home delivery service soon.
Moor at Newcastle East is happy to accommodate take away or catering - call them to discuss.
Muchos Mexican at The Junction and Maitland has the whole menu available for takeaway.
Nagisa Japanese Restaurant at Honeysuckle is now offering home delivery for the first time. A limited menu will be available from March 23, home delivery or pick-up, featuring popular dishes plus some old favourites including Tempura Prawn Roll, Chicken Avocado Roll and Chilli Pork Ramen. The restaurant is open but capacity has been limited due to the recent four-square-metre rule for indoor gatherings.
Napoli Centrale has introduced a reduced capacity to accommodate 90 people and are spacing tables further apart. They also offer free delivery for orders over $60 and will accommodate those wishing contactless delivery. Napoli offers an express pick-up window and has also partnered with Fruit Brothers to offer pre-made pasta meals, sauces, desserts, pizza bases, fresh bread (baked in the pizza oven) and gelato tubs which can be home delivered and ordered through Fruit Brothers.
The Naughty Dog has waived its delivery fees.
Newcastle Food and Flower Markets offer free delivery of their Boxes of Goodness. The $70 box includes fruit and vegetables, plus sourdough and three types of meat. The $100 box includes fruit and veges, sourdough, four types of meat, milk, eggs, caramelised onion and honey. The market also takes pre-order coffee and food orders available by messaging your order, make of car and registration to 0404 103 629 so they can run orders directly to your car when you pick up.
Newcastle Greens, whose primary customers are restaurants, are considering setting up a pick-up point for freshly harvested produce.
Newy Burger Co has lowered its minimum home delivery order to $25.
Newy Fried Chicken in Islington is offering takeaway for lunch and dinner. Pick-up orders can also be delivered to your car. Phone 0460 622 559 to order. Opening hours have changed: lunch 11.30am to 2pm; dinner 5pm to 8pm.
Nor East Bistro at Newcastle Yacht Club has adjusted its opening hours and is working toward setting up a delivery service. The bistro is no longer opening for breakfast on weekends or dinner on Sunday evenings.
Papa Al's Bakehouse is offering wholesale pricing to the public and is now selling flour and sugar. BYO containers accepted. Shop 1/224 Maitland Road, Mayfield.
Papas Bagel Bar is now delivering to selected Newcastle suburbs. Go to orderfromus.com.au.
Pegs Cafe at Whitebridge is open as usual and offers takeaway meals. The cafe will start offering takeaway family dinners next week.
Pino's Restaurant Islington is operating as normal and has spaced tables 1.5 metres apart. Pick-up orders can also be delivered to your car. Phone 4023 7838.
The Point Restaurant at Soldiers Point Marina is now offering takeaway on their entire menu. And, for a limited time, 25 per cent off all take away orders and gift certificates. Phone 4984 4403.
Pork Ewe Deli in Mayfield is offering delivery and kerbside service for orders.
Portion 31 at Lake Macquarie Tavern has a new menu and is trading as usual. Takeaway is now being offered.
Praise Joe Urban Pantry in Tighes Hill is open as usual and offers all menu items as takeaway.
The Pourhouse at Maitland is open but you can also pre-order via phone from the food menu and purchase beers, wine from the fridge, or get a Growler pre-filled.
It's business as usual at The Prince of Merewether but with a 'first in best dressed' policy to limit capacity to 100 patrons.
Q & Co. at Warners Bay is operating as usual with the exception of using metal straws or reusable coffee cups. Cashless payment is preferred and orders can be phoned in for those following social distancing.
Rascal continues to pump out burgers (including this week's The Sofa King special as a homage to those stuck at home in self isolation) and is taking phone orders for takeaway.
Rama cocktail bar in Maitland is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 6pm and has rearranged its seating plan for small groups only, with lots of space in between. Groups of more than four must message ahead on Facebook to be accommodated.
Raw Energy at Honeysuckle is operating as normal but no longer accepts cash payments or reusable cups. Orders can be placed in advance to avoid busy rush times.
Restaurant Mason remains open for business but has a new takeaway menu, Wednesday to Saturday, 6.30pm to 8.30pm. Phone or text 0488 024 027 to place your order and pay by credit card. Arrive at the restaurant 30 minutes later and your order will be delivered to your car.
Restaurant Trey is open for business 8.30am to 8pm Wednesday to Saturday, and 8.30am to 2pm Sunday. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is available to take away. Phone 8328 0503.
The Riverhouse Cafe in Raymond Terrace has a full menu of food, drinks and coffee as a takeaway option. Operating hours remain unchanged.
The Royal Crown Hotel at Dudley's full menu is available to take away seven nights a week. Customers are welcome to dine in as well.
Sabor Dessert Bar in Pokolbin is operating as normal, with a reduced number of seats in the dining area. Desserts are available as takeaway.
Salina Restaurant at Belmont has a huge outdoor space and is open for dinner, and the entire menu is takeaway.
At Sanctum on Darby you can now phone in your order, pay for it via Visa and pick it up from the back door at 8/113-125 Darby Street, Cooks Hill. Visit eatsee.menu/sanctumondarby.
Scottie's in Newcastle East is accepting card payment only during this time and has takeaway meals available.
Seed Cafe at Swansea has introduced curbside pick-up for orders and offers free delivery to the elderly and disabled. They also offer a selection of take-home meals. Phone 4971 0555.
Sesames on the Lake at Belmont is now offering home delivery and kerbside pick-ups.
Sherwood Coffee Bar will continue to offer their full menu at the "Foot Path" cafe. You can order ahead on their App or via Facebook, too.
Side Pocket Espresso in Mayfield is accepting phone orders and the entire menu is available as takeaway, with car window drop-off.
Sienna Pizza Bar in Nelson Bay offers zero contact home delivery if requested.
The Signal Box is open for business and their breakfast and lunch menus are also available as take away. They have a huge open air dining space. Phone 4056 6830.
Skeeta's On Darby has closed until further notice.
Smokin' Hot N Saucy is operating as normal from the lot in Islington. Takeaway and online ordering is available via the website for those preferring to dine at home.
Sotos Coffee Bar at Belmont is encouraging customers to order ahead online via Google maps.
Snow's Patisserie is now offering free delivery of essentials like pies, quiches and bread. Email hello@snows.com.au
Son of a Gun in Hamilton has altered its operating hours to now close at midnight until further notice. All dishes from the menu are available for delivery via Menulog.
The Star Hotel in Newcastle has cancelled upcoming live entertainment but is operating as normal and offering a 15 per cent discount on any dinner items for dine-in or takeaway.
Subo restaurant in Newcastle is continuing service as normal but is setting tables further apart for social distancing. Also, for a limited time, a Subo experience is being offered in your own home. Starting March 26, they've created a three-course menu available for pick-up. It requires basic cooking skills. Additions to the menu will be available to create an extended menu of five courses. Subo's online system system is being developed for their website - in the meantime, email with your contact details at ask@subo.com.au for further information or to purchase.
St Thomas High Tea at Carrington has temporarily closed.
Suspension Espresso at Islington's coffee and meals are also available as takeaway. Pre-order via the Hey You app. They are also offering free shipping/delivery for online bean/home coffee equipment on orders 1kg and over via the Suspension website.
Susuru Ramen and Gyoza has introduced contactless delivery. Delivery drivers will notify you by phone once they arrive and then place your order in a safe place to collect. Plus, take-home family meals.
Swan St Deli and Larder at Morpeth is offering quality take-home family meals which can be made if requested.
Table 1 Espresso at Warners Bay has introduced in-store pick-up and home delivery to Warners Bay, Eleebana, Gateshead, Adamstown Heights, Highfields, Kahibah, Merewether Heights, Kotara, Kotara Douth, Charlestown, Adamstown Heights, Edgeworth, Glendale, Floraville, Cardiff, Belmont North, Speers Point, Lakelands, Booragul, Macquarie Hills, Hillsborough, Mount Hutton, Garden Suburbs, Maryville and New Lambton Heights.
At Toronto Hotel you can dine in or take away, Go to torontohotel.com.au/food and phone 4959 1033 to order.
Two Bobs Bakery in Nelson Bay is operating as usual, but bread is removed from the counter and stored on shelving.
The Umbrian on Hunter Street is operating as normal from 7am to 2.30pm but no longer accepts reusable cups and only accepts contactless payment.
Uptowns Bar remains open as normal but is going cashless for the foreseeable future and has removed all gaming consoles from the venue for the time being.
Finnegan's Hotel has closed until further notice but Urban Smoking Co will continue to operate through Uber Eats.
Vego's at Islington is now takeaway or pick-up only. Home delivery will be offered soon.
The Verandah Restaurant Newcastle has a new takeaway menu which is available as takeaway. Visit their web page for details.
Wildflower Espresso at Wallsend and The Station are not accepting reusable cups for coffee orders at this time but are open for business as usual.
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