An outdoor seaside-themed beer garden which has been making a splash in Jesmond now has an extra eye-catching addition in the form of lifeguards to keep a close eye on that all-important customer safety.
The quirky touch has been added at The Beach Box in Jesmond on the back of the success the new venture has had with its outdoor attractions of deckchairs, sands and palm trees - coupled with its holiday vibe - drawing the crowds.
But it is determined to keep those crowds in check if they stray a little too far over from social distancing guidelines.
Having opened in July behind The Holy Hobo in Jesmond, near As You Like It, The Beach Box, which bills itself as Newcastle's biggest beer garden, has been fully focused on its safety-first approach and now it's taking the plunge with another new measure.
A spokeswoman said: "We have employed lifeguards who sit on the beach to keep an eye out and manage the crowd.
"Any overcrowding or people not sticking to their tables will soon hear the whistle!"
The new addition will fit in nicely with the beach setting which also features stretch tents, shipping containers and food and drink stalls.
Alongside hand sanitiser stations, it also has outdoor sinks with hot water.
Customers, who have their temperatures taken and are asked to sanitise on arrival, can book a table there for a two-hour slot.
The family and dog-friendly set up is open daily until 10pm and the lifeguards will be at work from 5pm in the evenings and from noon on Friday to Sundays.
The Beach Box recommends booking tables: call 0191 281 3010 or see here.
