Over in Hamilton, Vera Wine has corked a long, unfilled spot for a great natural wine shop in Newcastle. Owner Josh Distefano has brought together a broad range of wines, spanning classic regions and familiar styles through to quirky bottles you won’t find elsewhere in town. That includes a teroldego from the Dolomites, all dark cherry and wild herbs, which you can open on the spot. There are 12 seats at the front reserved for sipping and snacking – crack a tin of Galician mussels, pour a glass of something chilled, and watch the foot traffic go by.

Best for: A wedge of Ossau Iraty sheep’s milk cheese and young Burgundy.