Popular Italian chef Gino D’Acampo has admitted he often struggles with UK accents, but insists a “full-on” Geordie dialect is “a completely different language”

Gino D’Acampo has admitted he often struggles to understand the Geordie accent as his Newcastle-based restaurant continues to soar.

The loveable Italian chef, 45, was in the North East for two special events at his Quayside-based diner in which fans got to sample delightful food and take part in a special Q&A session with the star.

And when asked by the Mirror before the event if he understood the Geordie natives he openly admitted: “Absolutely not.”

While saying he also struggled with strong Scouse and Mancunian accents, he confessed the Geordie tongue is “definitely the hardest”.

The genial Gino, who is a regular on the small screen with hit shows including Gino’s Italian Family Adventure, said: “I think when you go into a full-on Geordie accent, for me it’s like ‘what the hell?’

“It’s a completely different language.”

Gino D’Acampo’s Quayside restaurant has a new outside dining space
And the proof was in the pudding – no food pun intended – as the star chef had to ask his adoring audience to repeat the questions directed at him on a number of occasions during the event.

His Newcastle restaurant has continued to go from strength to strength since Covid-19 lockdown restrictions were lifted and he revealed how it has now become his busiest venue.

“This one [Newcastle] has been one of the most popular restaurants,” he said. “This one does the biggest number of guests a week.”

The Italian chef chatted with the locals at his Newcastle restaurant
And he explained how restrictions had led to the establishment building a permanent outdoor seating area for guests to enjoy a feast with the fantastic view of the river Tyne.

He continued: “We realised that people don’t come to the restaurant just for the great meal and the great atmosphere.

“They want more; they want to spend more time here. It’s in our interest to make sure the guests enjoy it and are happy [with] cool music and a cool atmosphere in these outside areas.

“We’ve just invested in a brand new terrace here overlooking the river.”

It’s not just his Newcastle establishment that appears set for big things this year, either.

He also plans to open new venues in Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds and Glasgow.

And it’s no surprise his restaurant business is thriving as he described the intense detail and support he provides his teams with across the country.

His Newcastle restaurant on the banks of the Tyne is proving extremely popular
“Each restaurant employs between 35 and 40 people,” he says. “Those people that I employ, they need to understand my vision and they need to deliver my vision. Oh my god. That is so difficult.”

He went on to discuss the huge satisfaction he feels when he sees it all come together and the impact it can also have on his staff.

“There is nothing better believe you me than when I go into my restaurant and I see someone that I haven’t seen for a couple of months and they tell me that they’ve got engaged, they’ve got married, they’ve had a child.

Gino admitted he sometimes struggles to understand the Geordie natives

“You kind of think ‘wow, I’m now responsible for this guy’s career’.

“He or she is going to have to pay a mortgage, they’re going to have to put their kids through school. It makes me very proud of what I do and at the same time very scared.”