Pub & Kitchen reopened (VIDEO and GALLERY)

PUB-GOERS in North Tyneside now have a stylish new venue in which to drink after Mayoress Linda Arkley officially opened The Pub & Kitchen in North Shields.

Kicking off at 7pm, the Xmas party themed launch event was an immediate success with people of all ages – some who’d travelled from nearby Blyth or Wideopen to see for themselves what the 3-month, £50,000 renovation had done for the pub. Landlord Paul Bell had pulled out all of the stops to make the night a success – not just by offering complimentary champagne – but also by having personally decorated the outside of his premises with a giant red ribbon!

On the Albion Road bar was local brewery Cullercoats’ Lovely Nelly, which was being drank so fast by the thirsty punters, there was often a shortage of pint glasses. Brewer Bill Scantlebury came down for the evening, and was pleased with the quality of the beer, commenting only that the pump clip wouldn’t stay straight – no doubt a sign of constant use. From further afield, Caledonian’s Deuchars IPA will be a permanently available ale, served from a dedicated, branded handpull.

Speaking on behalf of his company, Spoon Leisure, which he owns with his sister Denise Davies, Paul said that he “wants to show the people of North Shields that there is a great pub here in town, where they can start or end their night”

Having bought the premises back in February to secure it, the company has since employed a Bar Manager, Liam, who has experience of running a high-class bar in nearby Tynemouth. Paul commented, “hopefully people will want to stay here, in the pub, in North Shields, all night, rather than going to nearby Tynemouth just to have a good night.”