New lease of life for historic pub after overhaul
NEW OWNER PLANS TO BRING BACK LIVE MUSIC
A VictoriAn pub in Gateshead is set for a fresh start at the same time as its surroundings are also given an overhaul.
the central, in the historic Bridges Quarter, has now reopened its doors after months of closure giving customers first sight of its new-look interior.
the 1856 pub is in a unique spot in Hill Street - between the ends of the High Level Bridge and tyne Bridge - where work is currently under way on Gateshead’s council’s measures to ban buses and through traffic.
it’s been taken over by ouseburn Leisure Group Limited, which has been on the verge of planning its reopening just as lockdown happened.
Managing director Graeme robinson, whose company also runs the Waiting room at Durham railway Station, took over the lease, previously held by camerons Brewery, from the owner of the Head of Steam group and he is keen to see it become a real community and social hub.
And he has big plans for the pub centred around an artsfocused future, including - when covid-19 restrictions lift futher - a gig room for the return of live music nights.
Besides the attractions of the main bar, and its renowned centrepiece horseshoe bar, which is listed, the central has huge amounts of space and Graeme is keen to bring back into use the building’s other ‘overspill’ rooms which also can be booked for events and private parties.
the space at the central makes it ideal for social distancing, while a chief attraction for customers, especially when the weather is good enough, will be its rooftop bar which has an outdoor terrace overlooking Hill Street, the railway track and the Station East bar opposite.
Following thursday night’s reopening, the pub is gearing up for its first weekend of business when customers can sample the likes of its range of craft beers and food from Philly Deli restaurant which, in addition to its popular street food and its deli sandwiches, will be adding main meal dishes to the menu.
Graeme added of the future: “We will be doing live music at some point and we’ll be doing comedy nights and quiz nights.”
For more about the central’s upcoming plans see its Facebook page.