Not Rome, Not Milan but Gateshead – the Italian restaurant with a ‘secret’ suntrap roof garden

With a mini heatwave forecast a hidden gem Italian restaurant in Gateshead could be a great shout to soak up some sun

Le Olive Verdi’s roof garden in Pelaw(Image: Facebook/Le Olive Verdi)

We wrote the exact same thing this time last week, but there is talk of another ‘mini heatwave’ and,l while, as things stand the North Wast is among the 18 regions in the UK predicted to sizzle in temperatures of 24 degrees, it does look pretty decent heading into the first May Bank Holiday. And if you fancy spending an afternoon, enjoying some great food and drink while pretending you’re abroad, a roof garden is calling in a rather unlikely location.

We always approach saying things like this with a considerable amount of caution, given the forecast’s tendency for building our hopes up only to inevitably let them down; but while, we might not be set to bask in the same 24-26 degrees temperatures as the likes of the south east and the Midlands, we are looking on course for highs of around 20 on Friday.

And, if you happen to have the afternoon off work or get any early finish, you’ll do far worse than head to Le Olive Verdi in Pelaw. Now, we hope we’re not doing Pelaw a disservice here, but it’s a place that doesn’t exactly scream glamour. However, Le Olive Verdi, above THh Pelaw Inn, has built up a fine reputation for serving up hearty Italian cuisine at very reasonable prices, making it one of the Gateshead area’s hidden gems.

Penne Arrabiata at Le Olive Verdi

It’s own ‘best kept secret’ might be its roof garden, which is now open for 2026 and has tables adorned with the Italian flag to add that extra authenticity of your experience. We can’t describe the views as being akin to the Leaning Tower of Pisa or the Trevi Fountain, but if the sun is shining high in the sky, you’re tucking into a quality pizza or bowl of pasta and have had the right amount of wine or Aperol Spritz, you should 100% be able to at least pretend you’re in Italy!

With a Happy Hour menu offering a starter and a main for just £9.95, it’s an afternoon or night out that won’t break the bank, with starters including potato skins, garlic mushrooms and soup of the day and a trio of different pastas and pizzas for your main.

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