Monday 19th September Closure

Following the sad news of the passing of Queen Elizabeth ii, we will be closed this Monday 19th September.

This is in accordance with Newcastle City Council, who are observing the official period of mourning for eleven days. During this time it will be respecting the wishes of the Palace. 

During this period, Civic flags are being flown at half-mast and books of condolence will be opened at the City Library and at the Civic Centre. Floral tributes can also be left on Ceremonial Way at the Civic Centre.

The Queen’s funeral is due to be broadcast on the large screen at Eldon Square, for those who wish to watch. Newcastle’s Millenium Bridge will also be illuminated in a purple hue for the duration of the mourning period.

The Queen herself opened the Millenium Bridge in 2002. This was one of her many visits to our region.

In November 1981, Queen Elizabeth ii officially opened the Metro system. Here she is pictured at the entrance to Monument Metro. You can see what would later become Grey St. Optician in the background.

 

We’ll remain open as normal until 5.30pm on Saturday 17th September, and will reopen at 9.30am on Tuesday 20th.

A Legacy on Grey Street

It’s no secret that we’re proud of our prime position in Newcastle’s iconic Central Arcade!

Designed by Oswald and Son in 1905, and featuring a glass barrel-vaulted roof and stunning tile work, Central Arcade was and is still celebrated for its architecture and craftsmanship.

The arcade was opened in 1906 as an elegant shopping destination. Today it is home to some of the best local and independent businesses in the region.

Central Arcade remains a Newcastle institution, but our beautiful location is not the only legacy here at Grey St. Optician…

Introducing Masunaga 1905

Masunaga Optical was founded in Fukui, Japan in 1905.

97% of Japanese-made optical frames are manufactured in Fukui, making it one of the three largest production regions for optical frames in the world.

The company founder Gozaemon Masunaga brought in skilled Japanese craftsmen from Osaka and Tokyo, with the ambition of establishing the optical industry  in Fukui.
Gozaemon created a guild-like system where fully-fledged craftsmen could set up their own businesses. Owing to this system, the number of eyeglass craftsmen increased gradually, and the optical industry spread all over Fukui.

Masunaga are the only Eyewear Manufacturer in Japan that handles each step in a 200 step production process, from raw materials to the finished product. This integrated production system guarantees the highest level of detail and quality.

 

 

Masunaga’s collection has something for everyone. From delicate colours and intricate details, to powerful acetates and seven-barrel hinges. The defining characteristic of Masunaga Optical is in the quality itself. The frames are expertly engineered to achieve the highest level of comfort, and enduring style.

 

We’re honoured to have been trusted to bring this iconic brand to Newcastle upon Tyne. We think they look perfectly at home against the stunning backdrop of the Central Arcade!

The latest collection from Masunaga has just landed. To get your hands on a piece of eyewear history, get in touch now.

 

 

 

Becks’ Coast 2 Coast Challenge

Our lovely Becks is gearing up to take on the Coast to Coast Cycling Challenge!
She’ll be joined by her partner Johannes, and armed with her trusty photochromic glasses.
They’re setting off from Whitehaven on the West Coast, on Monday 28th March. From there they’ll cycle an epic 140 miles, arriving in Sunderland by Thursday 31st March.

Becks and Johannes are taking on this challenge for two fantastic charities:

Inspire Youth Tyne and Wear

A not-for-profit youth organisation that works with 5-16 year olds across Tyne & Wear providing free specialised mentoring, socialising opportunities, meals and support for disability and extra needs groups. All sessions are delivered in safe, controlled, enriching, and productive environments. Becks volunteers once a week at Inspire Youth and has seen first-hand the positive impact they make on children’s lives.

Seva Foundation

A global nonprofit eye care organization that works with local communities in developing countries to develop self-sustaining programs that preserve and restore sight. Seva has provided surgeries, eyeglasses, medicine, and other eye care services to over 46 million people in more than 20 countries. Johannes became aware of Seva through the organisation ‘The Life You Can Save’, which has identified it as one of the most impactful global charities.

If you’d like to support them with a small donation, you can do so HERE:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/C2C-Becks-Johannes

Here’s what Becks had to say…
“For a novice cyclist like me this will definitely be a challenge…
I faced my lifelong fear of cycling in September 2020 when I met Johannes who convinced me to get back on the saddle and has acted as my stabilisers ever since. For Johannes, a seasoned cyclist who has cycled all across Europe from Berlin to Istanbul, this excursion from the Irish Sea to the North Sea will be a breeze.Our journey will begin on Monday 28th March and end by Thursday 31st March.We would be so grateful if you were interested in helping us raise money for two important causes through our pedal power.
Every and any donation is gratefully appreciated.
 
Thank you for your generosity!
& wish us luck! 
Becks & Johannes”
Becks has been training hard for this immense challenge and we’re super proud of her!

GO BECKS!

The Gang’s All Here!

Extended Availability

 

After the birth of Phoenix last year, we’re delighted to welcome Rachel back into the fold.

With Rach back, our team is stronger than ever before! And a stronger team means we’re able to see even more of your lovely faces!

We’ve opened up our diary to add more space for Frame Consultations. If you’re in the mood for new specs, there really couldn’t be a better time…

As Spring 2022 arrives, so have deliveries from some of our absolute favourite brands. We’re currently adding the latest collections from Lowercase NYC, Kuboraum, Ahlem, Theo and Garrett Leight California Optical to our shelves. Each collection brings something new and exciting, and we can’t wait to show you all.

 

As always, the best way to see for yourself is to arrange a Frame Consultation. Here’s a little teaser of what you’ll find…

Sustainable Eyewear

Californian craftsmen GLCO have launched their first ECO collection: Four timeless shapes made from a sustainable eco-acetate that is bio-based and biodegradable. The models are exactly what you’d expect from the coolest eyewear brand on the planet, in a colour palette inspired by nature itself.  CEO Garrett explained, “For over a decade, California has been a huge influence on the brand and our love for it extends to the planet we share.”

Accompanying the frames is a cleaning cloth made from 80 percent plastic bottles, a case made from animal-free eco-suede, and a case wrapper made from FSC-certified recycled paper.

 

It’s Now or Never

Theo, The Ultimate Eyewear Innovators, have once again collaborated with Matali Crasset for their latest project “Now or Never”. The collection is inspired by New Beginnings, the possibility of choice, and the return to freedom. These frames are made for those who dare to stand out!

 

It’s also Now or Never for fans of Theo’s iconic Mille collection…

Inspired by the Millennial Generation, these frames are suitably distinctive but universally wearable. They’re confident, outspoken and embrace individuality.

Like it’s generational namesake, the collection has grown bigger and bolder since its inception, with more colour and detail added each season.

The latest series, Mille+90, is the most ambitious yet.

Mille+90 will be Theo’s last Mille collection. Each piece is made in small batches and strictly limited. Once they’re gone, they’re gone.

 

If you want to own a piece of Eyewear History, the time is NOW!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spring is famously a time for New Beginnings, and this feels especially true in 2022. People are ready for a refresh, both in terms of their image and their outlook. We believe that the right piece of Eyewear can do both!

Happy New Year!

glasses, Grey Street

2022

Wishing you a happy new year from all of the team at GREY ST.

We have lots of exciting things planned for 2022! The best way to keep up to date is via instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/greyst_optician

 

Newcastle

New year, new you?

Start the year with a new look? Get that second pair you’ve always fancied? Introduce a friend to great eyewear?

There’s never been a better time! The spectacular GREY ST. 2022 January sale is now on…

 

 

 

 

 

 

GREY ST. Christmas Opening Hours

christmas hours

Merry Christmas!

 

Heres those all-important opening hours for the holiday period:

 

Xmas eve to 27th: CLOSED

Tue 28th: 9.30am to 4pm

Wed 29th: CLOSED

Thu 30th: 9.30am to 4pm

NYE to 3rd Jan: CLOSED

 

It’s always a busy time for us so please arrange your visit here:  https://www.greyst.co.uk/appointments/

merry christmas

Thank you

We’d like to say a massive thank you for all the love and support we have recieved this year. Have a great Christmas 2021 and all the best for the new year.

 

Mark

Sad news

We have taken the unusual decision to close on Wednesday 29th December. A couple of our team have lost close family and we will also be paying respects to a Grey St. legend many of you will be familiar with. Mark has been brightening up our store since 2008 and will be fondly remembered.

Laura & Aidan are getting married!

GREY ST. CLOSING EARLY

Laura and Aidan are getting married this weekend! To mark this happy occasion the whole Grey St. team will be joining in the celebrations. We will be closing the doors at 2pm on Saturday 27th November and putting on our dancing shoes.

glasses

Appointments

If your planning to come in on Saturday, please come early! As always, it’s best to make an appointment https://www.greyst.co.uk/appointments/

opticians

Thanks guys!

Big thanks to all of our lovely customers who have sent cards and kind messages to Laura! ❤️

Thanks to Laura for being an all round superstar. We hope you have a fantastic day!

 

 

 

Buzzing again!

Newcastle is buzzing!

It’s great to see people enjoying the city centre again!

Newcastle upon Tyne

We are still operating as safely as possible so please let us know if you are coming for a visit. Whether it is a new pair of shades, a frame adjustment or an eye test, you can arrange your visit here https://www.greyst.co.uk/appointments/

The perfect pink Aviator!

If you need an excuse to visit Newcastle, how about this? The perfect pink aviator that you didn’t know you needed!

Pink Aviator

 

We love this!

We have some really special new frames in at the moment. Book a frame consultation to discover more…

 

 

 

We’re still open (Lockdown 3.0)

still open
Still Open

 

LOCKDOWN 3.0: Still Open

We hope you had a good festive period and are keeping well at this challenging time. With the recent news of another national lockdown we are pleased to say that we remain OPEN as an essential service.

To allow us to operate safely, all visits to the practice must be BY APPOINTMENT. Drop us a line here: https://www.greyst.co.uk/appointments/ and we will look forward to your visit!

We are limiting the number of people in store and following strict IPC procedures to ensure safety. But we are still smiling under our face masks!

 

optician
…and Still Smiling

 

Ruth is wearing https://lindberg.com/