In this episode of Local Heroes, we meet James King and Mark Brown, the boys behind Newcastle’s much loved Cantina. They didn’t start as friends. Working long shifts in Newcastle’s bars and restaurants, they often found themselves side by side but not quite in sync.
Over time, the hard graft forged mutual respect and that chemistry deepened when they became the rhythm section in a band. Then came the turning point: a failed music trip to Mexico. The gigs didn’t go to plan, but the food, culture, and late night tacos lit a spark neither of them could ignore. It was the serendipitous moment that would change their future. Back home, they built Cantina the only way they knew how, through hard graft, a slow burn, and the patience and time it takes to get things right. From street food pop-ups and market stalls to the high-risk leap into bricks-and-mortar dining, they navigated the challenge of introducing locals to authentic Mexican flavours.
While much of the menu was plant-based, James and Mark chose not to label it that way. The food had to stand up for itself, win over anyone who walked through the door, and avoid being boxed in as “just for a niche audience.” The big breakthrough came during their Xerox residency, proving Newcastle was ready for what they wanted to serve.
🎧 In this episode:
🤝 From not getting along to running a thriving business together
🥁 How bar work and band gigs shaped their teamwork
🇲🇽 The Mexico “failure” that became a culinary turning point
🧱 Building a restaurant with patience, time, and steady growth
🌱 Why they don't call Cantina “plant-based”
💡 How the Xerox residency showed the city was ready for Cantina
If you love underdog stories, great food, and a dash of rock ’n’ roll spirit, this one’s for you.
