Member Article

Pub Opening Marks New Phase For Regional Brewery

The revamp and reopening of a landmark Victorian pub in Gateshead is the start of the creation of a new chain of independent pubs in the North East.

Station East on Hills Street, located on the Gateshead side between the Tyne and High-Level Bridges, is reopening after being closed for more than two years.

The quirky pub – previously called Station Hotel - with a rich railway history, has undergone a major refurbishment to open in time for the Christmas rush. Managing the new neighbourhood pub is Gateshead-born Peter Allan, an experienced publican.

Acquired in an auction by Hadrian Border Brewery at the beginning of 2015, around £350,000 has been invested in the venue to make it structurally sound and attractive to a new generation of real ale drinkers.

What appeared a simple modernisation programme last year quickly became a major construction project when it was realised the pub was coming away from the back wall, part of the embankment structure of an adjacent railway track all owned by Network Rail. Steelwork had to be incorporated into the design to ensure the front wall and façade was secured and strengthened.

Andy Burrows, managing director of Hadrian Border Brewery, said: “What we thought would have been a straightforward refurbishment became a major construction project. The front wall could have collapsed at any time. After all the work, we’re absolutely delighted with the end result. The team are proud to have turned this almost derelict pub around and created something that will be here for future generations.”

His wife Shona Burrows added: “Station East will be a real asset for Gateshead. There is a thriving community around these railway bridges that goes back generations. Our investment compliments the activities of other people and organisations around here.”

The design incorporates beautiful stonework that has been covered for years and brings into use two railway arches at the back of the pub, creating an atmospheric setting and drinks space. The revealing of the back wall of the pub emphasises it has become a more modern, contemporary space within an old façade using the building’s true history. A former upstairs living space has been redesigned as an open, mezzanine floor above the bar that will hold up to 60 people.

Station East will only offer drinks, to begin with, primarily serving a range of the award-winning draft and bottled beers produced by Hadrian Border Brewery. Leading brands include Farne Island and Tyneside Blonde which has become an iconic ale in the last 10 years.

In due course, the pub will serve a range of tasty bar snacks. It will be open seven days a week, lunchtimes until 11pm.

The purchase and opening of Station East signals a new phase in the development of Newburn-based Hadrian Border Brewery.

The brewery, owned by husband and wife team Andy and Shona Burrows, see retail as a logical next step in the commercial expansion of the business.

Andy said: “We see pubs as the next stage in our growth. It creates our own distribution network and also an opportunity to establish something more lasting and tangible. Vibrant city and neighbourhood pubs can add real character to a place and still have a role to play in the community.”

The company is actively seeking other interesting pub sites, from anywhere from Berwick in the north, down to Teesside in the south of the region.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Hadrian Border Brewery .