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Chronicle Live
Chronicle Live
National
Ian Johnson

The Gate's beloved Newcastle restaurant Za Za Bazaar to close for good

A popular all-you-can-eat buffet in Newcastle is the latest business to fall victim of the coronavirus pandemic.

Za Za Bazaar, in The Gate, has proved a huge hit with customers since it opened in 2013.

However, it has been closed since lockdown.

Now, in a Facebook post the owners confirmed it won't reopen.

"Unfortunately, due to these unprecedented times, we have taken the decision not to reopen the Newcastle restaurant which will remain permanently closed," said the restaurant's owners.

"We would like to thank all of our Za Za Bazaar community for the support they have shown us. We will miss you.

"Our Bristol restaurant remains open under new measures. Take care and thank you to you all."

While restaurants have been allowed to reopen, buffets have struggled in the 'new normal' due to stringent rules designed to stop the spread of Covid-19.

Some firms, such as Pizza Hut, have scrapped the lunchtime buffet. While customers can eat as much as they like, waiters now bring the food to the table.

However it seems the virus has proved too much for the Za Za Bazaar.

The restaurant had a legion of fans, including former Newcastle United hero Hatem Ben Arfa who stopped by in 2013.

Despite that it had a legion of fans, including former Newcastle United hero Hatem Ben Arfa who popped in back in 2013.

And the news has left the restaurant's fans "heartbroken".

On Facebook one of them, fellow restaurant owner Craig Harker, wrote: A fantastic restaurant at the heart of Newcastle centre.

"Wish the owners and all the staff the best for the future."

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