Our story: The heart of La Gamba Vermuteria
Discover the journey of La Gamba Vermuteria, from its inspiration rooted in 1950s Spanish elegance to its vibrant presence in Newcastle's Grainger Market. We invite you to learn about our passion for vermouth, conviviality, and the "Pausa"—that intentional moment to savour life's simple pleasures.
The roots of our vermuteria
La Gamba Vermuteria in Newcastle’s Grainger Market was born from the passion of Olga Fernandez Infantes and Angel Romero, the same duo behind the neighbouring La Casa Delicatessen.
The inspiration for the bar is rooted in the traditional "Vermuterias" of Spain, with a specific nod to the mid-century golden age of aperitivo culture. The 1950s retro vibe was chosen to evoke the nostalgic, chic, yet unfussy atmosphere of post-war Madrid, Barcelona, and even Italy. This era was the peak of the "aperitivo hour"—a social ritual where friends would gather before a meal for a glass of vermouth, a few olives, and some light snacks.
While our food and wine are authentically Spanish, the aesthetic leans into the shared Mediterranean love for mid-century design, creating a unique Spanish-Italian blend.
The "pausa": our heart and soul
The heart and soul of La Gamba Vermuteria isn't just in the bottles on the shelf; it’s in the "Pausa"—that intentional pause in the day to enjoy life’s simple pleasures.
If La Casa Delicatessen is the pantry, La Gamba is the living room. We want every guest to experience the "Elbow-to-Elbow" Energy—the soul of a true Vermuteria is conviviality. Our 360-degree bar is meant to be social, where you feel the hum of conversation, the clink of ice, and that specific Mediterranean energy where strangers become neighbours over a shared plate of boquerones. It’s about being "alone together"—feeling part of a vibrant crowd even if you just popped in for a quick solo glass.
A sensory time-capsule
When you step up to the bar, we want your senses to tell you you've left Newcastle:
The Sight: The warm glow of the retro signage and the vintage-inspired woodwork.
The Smell: The sharp, botanical aroma of vermouth mixed with the savoury scent of charcuterie and olives.
The Sound: The lively chatter, the clink of glasses, and perhaps a touch of vintage jazz playing softly in the background.
The Taste: The complex layers of a finely crafted vermouth, perfectly paired with a classic tapa.
This is the full La Gamba Vermuteria experience – a journey for all your senses.
"La Gamba Vermuteria is an absolute gem! The atmosphere instantly transports you to a bygone era, and the vermouth selection is unparalleled. A true taste of the Mediterranean right here in Newcastle."
A satisfied customer