Newcastle shortlisted for global Travel & Taste Award
Newcastle has been shortlisted for Emerging Food Destination of the Year in the inaugural olive Travel & Taste Awards, placing the city among just four destinations globally to be recognised in the category.
Newcastle has been shortlisted for Emerging Food Destination of the Year in the inaugural olive Travel & Taste Awards, placing the city among just four destinations globally to be recognised in the category.
Launched by lifestyle food and travel brand olive, the awards celebrate destinations and experiences shaping the future of food-led tourism and recognise places delivering exceptional culinary experiences for visitors, from destination dining and vineyard stays to city breaks, island escapes and immersive regional food culture.
The recognition comes as Newcastle's food and drink sector continues to grow in both scale and reputation. In 2025, food and drink were the largest contributor to the city's direct visitor economy impact, accounting for 41.6% of the total. Visitors spent £521 million on food and drink during the year, up 3.7% on 2024 and returning to pre-pandemic levels in real terms.
Newcastle's place on the shortlist acknowledges the city's growing reputation as a dynamic food destination, with a diverse hospitality sector, innovative chefs, food markets and a dining scene that continues to attract regional, national and international visitors. The city's culinary offer has continued to expand throughout 2026, with around 40 food and drink businesses opening so far this year, alongside major investments including the launch of Freight Island Newcastle and the transformation of Grainger Market, which has welcomed a growing number of independent food traders.
Further high-profile openings are planned for later this year, including PYR, a new live-fire restaurant created in partnership with the team behind Michelin-starred Restaurant Pine, opening at Freight Island Newcastle on 6 August.
Created to celebrate destinations, hotels and experiences delivering outstanding food-focused travel opportunities, the olive Travel & Taste Awards will see winners selected by a panel of olive editors alongside travel and food experts including spirits specialist Millie Milliken-Holdham, food travel content creator Verna Gao and hotel and restaurant tastemakers Gina Jackson and Milly Kenny-Ryder.
With culinary tourism continuing to grow, travellers are increasingly seeking authentic local food experiences when choosing destinations. Emerging Food Destination of the Year recognises destinations that are rapidly establishing themselves as must-visit locations for food-loving travellers.
The shortlist will be announced by olive on 3 August 2026, with winners revealed on 4 September 2026.
"This is brilliant news for Newcastle and a testament to the city's food and drink scene. From fine dining and Michelin-recognised restaurants to independent neighbourhood favourites, Newcastle is increasingly gaining recognition as a destination where great food is a key part of the visitor experience. With access to amazing produce, from seafood on the coast to exceptional meat, dairy and vegetables in our rural areas, the food scene has been a driving force in attracting visitors "Annual initiatives such as the North East England Tourism Awards continue to highlight the exceptional quality and diversity of the region's hospitality sector, and we're happy to see Newcastle's culinary offer receiving recognition on an international stage through the olive Travel & Taste Awards shortlist - another great accolade as the North East bids to become European Region of Gastronomy 2029.”
“For more than 20 years, olive has inspired audiences through food and following its successful relaunch as a premium lifestyle brand, the olive Travel & Taste Awards are a natural next step. As food increasingly drives travel decisions, the awards celebrate the destinations and brands creating exceptional food-led travel experiences, while helping readers discover where to eat, stay and explore next.”
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