"The Crows Nest has opened up on Pepper Street in Newcastle
Dozens of music fans packed out a newly-launched town centre rock bar. More than 50 punters packed in to The Crows Nest in Newcastle last night as the venue was unveiled.
As reported by StokeonTrentLive works had been underway to convert the one-time Wellers on Pepper Street which closed back in December. Now husband and wife team Kate and Paul Barnard are at the helm after overseeing new pumps, fresh décor, and a slight change in musical direction.
The first-time publicans see it as 'predominantly a rock bar' playing the classics along with indie hits and alternative anthems - and it has already proved a big hit among music fans and ale lovers. Changes include hand-painted trees on the ceiling, as well as a portrait of Iron Maiden’s mascot, Eddie.
Kate said: “I’ve always wanted to run a bar so we thought we’d give it a go. We love Newcastle - we live here and work here. We have a separate business in the town renting out a yoga studio, so we wanted to keep everything together in one place.
“It’s predominantly a rock bar and we also play alternative and indie music. The bar has mainly been kept the same but we wanted to change the appearance, as well as a change of vibe in here. It’s a nice and friendly, cosy environment.”
Among the guests were Joan and Dave Stokes who had previously swapped Newcastle for a Greek island. However on a trip back to North Staffordshire they headed to the bar.
Joan said: "It’s fabulous. Newcastle needs more places like this. The place looks absolutely amazing, there’s been a lot of effort put into painting the ceiling.”
Dave added: “The ceiling really is amazing. Whoever’s done it has done a brilliant job. We’re only here for six days as we’re going back to Greece but we couldn’t miss out.”
On the decks was North Staffordshire DJ Craig Bailey, also known as Kerraig, who was on the decks playing a range of rock and metal classics. Craig, who has an online radio show called Rock and Roll Radio, said: "I’ve known Kate and Paul since I met them at The Bull’s Head about 10 years ago. I’ve been DJing since 1993.
"This is a fantastic new pub. We’re planning on streaming my radio station to the pub too.”
A wide range of ales, lagers, and spirits are on offer at the dog-friendly bar, with bar snacks available too. It is open on Fridays from 7pm until 10.30pm, and on Saturdays from 2pm until 10.30pm."
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