A pub proud to have people say “it’s DEAD in here” is set to open in Newcastle.
The city’s newest micropub is being opened by growing craft ale company Black Storm Brewery and will go by the unusual name D.E.A.D, which stands for Drop Everything And Drink.
The company was launched by friends and former publicans Paul Hughes and James Davie-Baguley, who came up with the company name while walking their spaniel Alfie on Whitley Bay beach, while watching a storm roll in from the sea.
Two years later, the firm’s beers are on sale in Co-op stores as well as in Beer Box, their first retail unit at Newcastle Stack, as well as forming part of the menu at Storm Cellar, the bottle shop and tap room they opened in Whitley Bay last May.
Now the business is expanding further with the imminent opening of D.E.A.D on Newcastle ’s High Bridge, where the pair have pledged to serve up an urban retreat for beer lovers.
Workmen are currently on site in the former childrenswear shop, which will open to the public at the end of March.
The firm, which also acquired Seaham Gluten-free microbrewery Autumn Brewing Co last September, says the new venue is part of grand plans to take its craft beers to a larger market – and hope to open more venues in the future.
As well as showcasing Black Storm’s own beers and small-batch craft spirits, D.E.A.D. will have 18 hand pulls, craft beers from around the world and a select range of cocktails. There will also be food that complements beer, served as platters and sharing boards.
Regular craft beer nights are also planned, including new product launches, tasting nights and a craft beer club with talks and guest speakers.
Operations director James Davie-Baguley explained why they settled on the unusual name for the bar.
He said: “It’s a brewery slang. It stands for drop everything and drink which is basically saying it’s time to stop working, relax and try the fruits of your labour and in this busy world something we all should do.
“We aim to help people do that and reconnect with old friends and make some new ones if you have ever been to Storm Cellar in Whitley Bay you will see that we work on a very relaxed system, where people get to know each other.
“D.E.A.D. is a nod also to the fact that, let’s face it, no one knows how long we have left in this world we may as well have some fun while we are here.
“High Bridge has always been the cool part town and we are just happy to just get to join in with it. It’s in the heart of Newcastle and is steeped in history and we are proud to be the first independent craft beer bar to be on the street and hope to set the standard for the rest to come.
“We love High Bridge - it’s beautiful with a cobbled street and just has a great atmosphere which we are lucky to be part of it. There are great shops fantastic eateries proper pubs and now us!
“As to the revitalisation of Bigg Market we want to be part of it and will help in any way we can. To improve the area and really make it the place to be. We want to see not just our bar succeed, but we want all our brilliant neighbours to as well.”
Founder Paul Hughes added: “The venue at High Bridge is a perfect opportunity for us to continue our development of craft beer outlets in the city following on from the launch of Beer Box last summer.
“High Bridge is part of the much needed redevelopment of the Bigg Market , and we are excited to be part of this movement of regenerating an area in the city, that has been for many years a focal area of leisure and recreation in the city.”
