Tyne and Wear Metro operator Nexus has welcomed what it calls “an exciting new business venture” at West Jesmond Metro station in Newcastle.

The new catering outlet is called ‘Awesome Franks’, and it has just started trading from the site of the former wine merchants at the Metro station.

It is already proving to be very popular with food fans, and is attracting a lot of coverage and comments on social media.

The shop offers a deli serving artisan sandwiches, deli goods and branded flour. Sandwich fillings include salt and pepper squid and Northumberland crab, with bread from Northern Rye, a local bakery.

Local food entrepreneur Alex Walker, who is co-founder of the hugely successful Scream for Pizza chain, is behind the new outlet.

Nexus describes the decor of the shop as “bold and unique”, and points out that it is heavily influenced by the work of American filmmaker Wes Anderson. The shop is named after Alex’s son, Frank, who enjoys wearing superhero costumes.

Next year, Alex plans to open Frank’s Imaginarium at the venue. This will be an immersive play café and learning space for families, and will sit alongside a space available for private hire for community and hospitality events.

Nexus’ Commercial Income Manager, Jane Harding, explained that the operator is “delighted” that there is a new occupant of what was a vacant retail unit at West Jesmond Metro station, and that Alex Walkers has done a “fantastic job” of transforming the former wine merchants into a “really lovely venue.”

The venture received funding from the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II, which lends money to growing businesses which it believes will boost economic growth. It offers loans from £25,000 to £100,000, debt finance from £100,000 to £2m and equity investment up to £5m.

Awesome Franks currently opens on Wednesdays to Saturdays, and will also begin opening on Tuesdays later this month. Alex also plans themed events and will soon be running pizza nights, where customers can buy a pizza and a glass of wine or a pint for a £10.

West Jesmond station has previously hosted art displays from local artists and galleries.

“It’s amazing to have my latest business based at a Metro station, which is at the heart of the community and brings with it such excellent customer footfall, in what is a vibrant and busy suburb of Newcastle.

“I jumped at the opportunity to take over this space and bring my vision for Awesome Franks into reality. I was really driven to create a space that serves the whole of the West Jesmond community, adding positively to what is already an exceptional hospitality scene.”

Alex Walker