The Tyneside Irish Centre has been located in the shadow of St James’ Park, home of Newcastle United, for more than 30 years.
In a challenging climate when pubs are closing at an alarming rate across the country, the centre is not only surviving but thriving with more than 4,000 members on its books.
Irish clubs date back to the 1950s in Newcastle with many finding cheap lodgings in the West End in Benwell and Elswick.
The club was moved to its now Gallowgate building, bought for around £90,000 in 1987, with its first stewards being the parents of a certain Declan Donnelly - Alphonsus ‘Foncey’ Donnelly and his wife Anne.
The Tyneside Irish Centre is the cultural hub of the community, and has been renowned for its famous ceilidh nights with 250 people cramming in every Sunday night.
Bill Corcoran, 55, committee member of the Tyneside Irish Cultural Society, said: "Sunday night was the big night. It was always rammed. People would be boozing all night and then went to work on Monday morning. I don't know how they did it."
Nowadays Saturday night tends to be the bar's busiest night of the week with free music on offer from traditional Irish to rock and roll.
He said: "The difference is back in 1987 it was a far more traditional Irish community who came from the same streets and went to the same places.
"Now, it's far more diversified in the sense that there's old, young, residents, tourists and people who have no connection with Ireland whatsoever."
The centre prides itself on providing and caring for the community, boasting thousands of members with people not having to be of Irish heritage to join in the fun.
In fact, the centre has over the years diversified its operation, now providing events for people of all ages and cultures including Italian Bingo and a Chinese choir.
You wouldn't usually class a Wednesday afternoon to be a prime time for drinkers. But the place was bustling with dozens enjoying a pint for as little as £2.50 with some cracking out a game of dominoes.
The centre, home of the Tyneside Irish Festival, has also proven popular with a number of celebrities.
Being just a stone's thrown away from St James' Park, many former Newcastle United stars pop in for an occasional beverage including Bob Moncur, Alan Foggon and David Craig.
Former Sex Pistol Johnny Rotten couldn't get enough of the centre's famous Irish stew - made by manager Lynn. But what makes it so special?
Bill said: "The last time Johnny Rotten came to play at the O2 Academy in Newcastle he asked for two loads of our Irish stew.
"It's only £3 with some soda bread and it certainly fills your belly. Lynn is from Wallsend and it is her secret recipe.
"I would not dream of asking her what goes into it. It looks, smells and tastes so authentic.
"Johnny needed some to get himself going for the gig.
"When he is sending off for it you know you must be doing something right."
With the uncertainty surrounding Brexit, many Brits with Irish heritage have considered applying for an Irish passport.
And Bill says centre staff have been busy offering advice to those people with 6,500 forms handed out in the past two years.
At a time when some bars and pubs are charging more than £5 a pint, social clubs continue to offer a cheaper alternative with the Tyneside Irish Centre charging £2.50 for a real ale and £2.99 for a Hop House.
"In my opinion, to be served a £15 cocktail in a plastic cup served by someone on minimum wage isn't exactly a sophisticated experience," said Bill.
"For any club out there, if they are central to the community they've got a great chance of doing well.
"We try to be fair with the cost of what we have got on offer.
"We try to help people from dancers aged three to pensioners wanting somewhere to go for a pint.
"We aim to give people home from home whether they live 200 yards away or 2,000 miles away."
Social clubs across Tyneside are still fighting on including Newcastle Labour Club and Tynemouth Social Club - and they've got no plans of packing up just yet.
Bill feels the community spirit is returning and is adamant social clubs have a long future ahead of them due to the unique experience they offer.
Bill added: "I think people looked and thought hang on if we lose the clubs we have now, what would you do?
"Pubs are going out of business all the time. The identity of them can change numerous times. How can you replace what we provide with coffee shops and microbreweries?
"It's a great alternative to being sat in the house and going on social media. I don't see us going anywhere anytime soon.
"Over the years we have improved the facilities on offer and we will continue to do our best for members and the community."
