Hidden Gems of 2025: New Restaurants, Bars, Shops & Businesses
New Businesses Making Their Mark in Teesside
Opening a business in 2025 isn't easy, and we've seen many big brands and independent shops and eateries close for good this year. However, there have also been positive developments with local entrepreneurs opening up in Teesside and large franchises expanding to the region. As we come to the end of the year, it's an excellent time to look at the businesses that have welcomed customers across Teesside in 2025. Some of these restaurants may have already become your go-to spot, or perhaps there's a shop in this list that you've already recommended to friends and family. There may also be some hidden gems that you haven't discovered yet and could add to your list for visits as we begin the new year.
Here is a list of 33 businesses that have newly launched, welcomed new owners, or moved to bigger and better things:
Pubs and Bars
Sharky's Bar in Guisborough
Friends Monica Moore and Ryan Milburn opened the bar and eatery in the High Street in November. Serving drinks and homemade pub grub, the bar was named in memory of Monica's dad Mark Moore.
The Red Anchor in Preston Farm Industrial Estate
Teesside's newest Wetherspoons opened on the site of the former Brewers Fayre in December - following a development project costing £1 million. Managed by Stephanie Sweet, the pub's name refers to the shipbuilding history of the town.
Brass Monkey Beer Boutique in Saltburn
The popular bar and bottle shop opened its third venue in Dundas Street East in November. Friends Danny McCluskey and Jon Harrison have expanded the business with a venue on Stokesley High Street which served its first pints in 2024.
The Fountain in Ormesby
The pub was back in business from August as local lads David Fagan and Gary Hamilton took over with a long-term plan of turning it into a family-friendly community hub.
The Parkway in Coulby Newham
New owner Michael Kitson realized the club wasn't fulfilling its potential and decided a whole new look was in order. All areas of the now renamed, The Parkway Coulby, Lounge, Sports and Functions, bar have been completely updated and are already drawing in the crowds.
The Gallery in Saltburn
The cocktail bar is described as having a 'speakeasy-by-the-sea atmosphere'. The new venue opened this year in Station Buildings.
Longlands Bar in Middlesbrough
Brothers Jack and Paul Mcdonald and friend Nicola Crinnon joined together as the new management team. The popular bar, which was closed for a week, reopened in July with the trio at the helm.
Restaurants, Cafes, Bakeries and Takeaways
Sambuca in Middlesbrough
The popular North East Italian restaurant chain moved into the former Oven building on Linthorpe Road back in June.
La Terraza in Yarm
The new cocktail and tapas bar offers an 'authentic Spanish experience'. Located on Yarm High Street, La Terraza is backed by the team behind renowned Tomahawk Steakhouse.
Lucky Cat in Marton
The new Chinese takeaway moved into the former Colin Cheng's premises, which had been serving customers for decades. Now Chinese food is on the menu again after the takeaway opened on November 4.
Lebanese Golden Grill in Middlesbrough
Basher Aldamgha opened the restaurant on Borough Road in the former home of The Bake Two.
Sliceburg in Middlesbrough
The popular fast food company offering Detroit-style pizzas is now open in Middlesbrough. In addition to its Darlington takeaway, Sliceburg is now open at Park Parade, on Ormesby Road.
The Caff in Stockton
Sam Elliott says The Caff, in High Street, is aimed at anyone in the community to be able to enjoy something to eat and drink in an inclusive environment at minimal cost.
Noir D'Or in Stockton
The Riverside restaurant opened back in February to rave reviews. Ahmed Siddique, who owns Vadah and Noir D'Or, was named entrepreneur of the year at 2025 National Curry Awards.
The Tulip Lounge in Norton
The café, which opened in July, is the latest business venture of husband and wife teams, Lyndsey and Hasan Gergin and Ersin and Fiona Surucu, who already run the hugely successful Elif restaurants on Norton Green and Yarm High Street.
Best Bits Bakery in Stokesley
Kerri Watson and Hayley Turnbull fulfilled a lifelong dream this year and opened a bakery and gift shop in College Square.
Heavenly Desserts in Middlesbrough
The dessert chain opened in a slice of the former Psyche designer clothing store.
Glowsticks Project in Middlesbrough
The café and hub in the Dundas Shopping Centre is serving up life skills and career opportunities for young people with autism and ADHD since February.
Elif in Yarm
The family-run restaurant already has a hugely successful venue at the Old Bank, on Norton Green, and took over the former Lebaneat premises in the High Street. The restaurant offering authentic Turkish cuisine opened in the spring.
Stupid Good Pizza in Stockton
Jason Jahangiry and Jamie Shires, owners behind the 16-inch New York style pizza business, expanded to open in Bishopton Lane in February.
Hickory's Smokehouse in Thornaby
This month the deep south BBQ smokehouse opened at the former Anson Farm pub on Teesside Industrial Estate.
Big Brands and Independent Stores
McDonald's in Stockton
The new eatery, on Yarm Road near Lidl, and north of Preston Farm Industrial Estate, opened its doors and is set to create 100 new jobs.
YOUTS in Stockton
Husband and wife team Kelly and Lewis Brown opened the streetwear shop on Prince Regent Street opened in October.
Driver Piercings in Billingham
Mum Jade Wilcock’s new venture, Ink Driver Piercings, is for children and adults, but specialises in offering a safe place for autistic children to get their ears pierced. Based at 10 Station Road, Billingham, it shares the premises with Simon Wilson’s tattoo business, Ink Driver Tattoo.
JD Gyms in Middlesbrough
Located at Newport South Business Park, JD Gyms Middlesbrough "features cutting-edge equipment, stylish interiors, and a motivating atmosphere designed to help members achieve their goals - no matter their fitness level."
Roseberry Retreat near Newton-under-Roseberry
Husband and wife team Simon and Joanna Sykes opened a new luxury glamping venture set against the backdrop of an iconic Teesside landmark.
Padel Up Teesside at Preston Farm Industrial Estate
The padel courts opened in July with on-site coffee by Hobo Coffee House and an on-site gym operated by Function Fitness Hub.
Vintage 101 in Middlesbrough
Owner Subhan Beg opened a retro and vintage shop in Middlesbrough's Dundas Indoor Market this year.
Saltburn Hearing
The audiologist and healthcare business has taken the place of the Odd Socks launderette in Milton Street, Saltburn, which closed in August 2022.
Vets and Pets
Ironstone Veterinary Clinic in Middlesbrough
Colleagues, Rob Thompson, Tash Redpath and Lucy Miles decided it was time to go it along and set up a clinic of their own.
Roseberry Pet Crematorium near Stokesley
Ben Murphy changed career paths and opened a pet crematorium this year following a traumatic experience after the death of one of his dogs.
Kibbles Veterinary in Hemlington
The business was formed by vet nurse Joanne Buller, business development manager Richard Buller, vet care assistant Gillian McNaughton and vets Tasos Xeidakis and Steven Gibbs who wanted to bring affordable care to the area.
K9Carew in Seaton Carew
Lisa Neville has taken over the day-to-day running of the colourful cabins on the sea front. She is now running her existing business, K9Carew, out of one of them selling a range of dog treats and accessories.
