Newcastle has recently witnessed a wave of closures among several well-known bars and restaurants in its city centre, causing notable concern among customers and local communities alike. These venues, some of which have been central to Newcastle’s social scene for over ten years, have been succumbing to a host of financial pressures impacting the hospitality sector.
Among the notable closures is The Earl of Pitts Street, a long-standing establishment whose departure has left regular patrons disheartened. Other prominent names pulling down their shutters include Leila Lily's, located within the Grey Street Hotel, and the Hard Rock Cafe on the bustling Newcastle Quayside. Each of these venues had held a significant place in the nightlife and dining experiences available in the city.
The most recent closure announced is that of Prohibition, a much-loved speakeasy bar famed for hosting a surprise performance in 2023 by local musician Sam Fender. The bar cited crippling running costs as the reason for its decision to cease operations, with its final day of trading set for 31 July. Such closures highlight the severe economic challenges the hospitality trade is grappling with.
Key factors contributing to this difficult climate include soaring energy costs, increases in rent and National Insurance, and the ongoing cost of living crisis. This economic strain has led to a noticeable decline in discretionary spending, particularly in nightlife and leisure activities.
In response to these developments, Newcastle City Council has expressed a commitment to supporting the city’s hospitality sector. Council leaders have pledged to "do all we can" to protect and sustain the bar and restaurant scene. Plans are underway to convene a meeting with city centre traders to discuss the issues at hand and explore possible solutions moving forward.
The current situation underscores the fragility of the hospitality industry in the face of economic pressures and marks a challenging period for Newcastle’s vibrant city centre hospitality landscape.
Source: Noah Wire Services