Ward Hadaway facilitates expansion for retro arcade bar into Newcastle

Four Quarters has taken up occupancy of the basement and lower ground floor of the former Gershwin’s restaurant (which has stood derelict for ten years) - a Grade II listed building. The acquisition will expand the company’s portfolio by opening their first northern venue following huge success across London and Bristol.

The UK’s original retro arcade bar offers customers the chance to play on vintage arcade games ranging from the 1970s to the mid-2000s on restored machines and classic consoles whilst enjoying pizza, on-theme cocktails and a range of craft beers.

A team of lawyers and planners who specialise in the leisure sector provided advice on licencing, planning and securing a 20-year lease. The bar is located within the City Council’s Cumulative Impact Area so lawyers had to negotiate and secure the premises licence and on planning and listed building consent for the change of use and the alterations required for the new venue.

Simon Errington, a real estate partner within the Built Environment Team at Ward Hadaway, said: “We’re delighted to be able to act on behalf of Four Quarters and facilitate their first move north into a prominent location within the city centre. A lot of work was required to complete this transaction due to the building’s listed status.

“Getting this over the line demonstrates the breadth of expertise we have in advising clients operating in the leisure sector. We helped to secure the lease on the building which represents a considerable investment by Four Quarters. The owners identified Newcastle as a hot spot to expand its already successful operation in London and Bristol and I’d like to wish them the very best of luck in the future.”

Richard Arnot, head of licensing at Ward Hadaway, said: “Due to our experience and understanding of the licensing landscape within the city we were able to secure a licence where there were a number of challenges.”

Francois Kitching, co-founder of Four Quarters and also originally from Newcastle, said: “We’re immensely proud to have opened our latest Four Quarters location in my hometown and on a street that has been important to me for as long as I can remember.

“While the opening has been a long and involved process, we have worked closely with all of the city’s stakeholders to make sure that everyone is happy, especially our future Four Quarters community.

“I’d like to thank Ward Hadaway for their expert legal advice and assistance in successfully securing the lease, planning and premises licence and we couldn’t be more excited to bring Four Quarters arcade bar to the Toon!”

By Mark Adair – Correspondent, Bdaily

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