Old river cop shop a hotspot 'challenge'

During its time as a river police station the building once had cells for holding illegal immigrants

The owners of a new pub in a historic quayside building say they are confident of success despite one retail analyst calling it a "challenging site".

Pipewellgate House, near Gateshead's Swing Bridge, was built as a river police station but has been empty for 18 months since the closure of a restaurant there.

A number of other businesses have opened and closed in the building over the last 20 years.

Graham Soult, a retail consultant in Gateshead said: "It's an iconic site but until recently in an area surrounded by mostly closed buildings, and that's been a big problem."

The River Police date back to 1845 when 21 men and six rowing boats patrolled the Tyne

"It's very close to Newcastle and businesses on the Gateshead site have always had to work harder," Mr Soult said.

"Gateshead hasn't been a place people would historically think of for a civilised evening out, especially as that strip had a few lively spots."

Until early 2023 the building was home to the River Beat restaurant

Jake Shepherd manager of the new venture, Tavern on the Tyne, said: "It was the view from the terrace particularly at night that got us.

"The quayside is just unbelievable.

"The opening of Gateshead's street food market Hwkrland has really increased footfall in the area and we're hoping we'll be the sort of place where people pop in for one or two beers rather than for a formal meal".

Between 2021 and 2023, pubs have shut at a rate of 500 a year, according to the British Beer and Pub Association.

Price rises and the aftermath of Covid are among the reasons given and Mr Shepherd knows it is a tough time for the industry.

"Anything you do in hospitality these days you have to go in with confidence and optimism, but I really think we can make a success of it," he said.

The opening follows a three-month renovation of the building

Mr Soult thinks he might be right.

"There are businesses opening all the time in the area and more people are actually living there," he said.

"I think if you're going to open something on that side of the river now might be the time to do it.

"It's a lovely iconic building and Gateshead hasn't got all that many beautiful buildings so it's always welcome when some of the most attractive are brought back into active use."

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