Head of Steam refurbish Newcastle pub LYH to boost European dream

NEWCASTLE city centre pub LYH has been refurbished as the first step in an attempt to make it more “European.”

The Head of Steam managed boozer – the chain’s only tied outlet – has ditched it’s dark, green décor, which was a hangover from it’s previous life as Shamrox Irish bar, and freshened up with a new cream and pale blue colour scheme.

Gone too are the pub’s uncomfortable booths, instead replaced by comfortable settees and tub chairs.

Ian Taylor, operations and marketing manager of The Head Of Steam, said it was the first time any of the firm’s pubs had been painted blue.

“We thought a nice blue and cream scheme would look nice and bright in LYH, which is an odd shape with lots of odd angles,” he said. “And customers seem to like it.”

Other changes have seen a new menu introduced, featuring Corbridge-made New Zealand

Gourmet pies and the range of drinks has been expanded to include cocktails.

And in a bid to compete with local cafés on nearby Northumberland Street an application has been submitted to Newcastle City Council to build an area of decking outside the pub, so customers can sit out and enjoy the rare North East sunshine.

“If you go to Paris or Rome there are many, many cafes and bars which have these outdoor decking areas to give their customers more space and chance to enjoy the sun,” said Ian. “We want to do the same.”