One of Newcastle's most famous pubs is having a huge overhaul to become a completely different venue to what Geordies are used to.
Pumphrey's is one of those watering holes that feels like it's been around forever, with many of us having at least one drink there over the years, but when it opens its doors again on the Cloth Market after lockdown, it will do so with a new look and a new name - Blues Cafe - as its new owners bring a some serious Stateside vibes to Tyneside.
Having tasted great success since taking over the former Ember Lounge building next door to Pumphrey's and turning it into the Market Shaker, Tommy Byron and Rob Clarkson are now full steam ahead with their new project.
An investment of £150,000 will be going in to the refurbishment and relaunch of the Blues Cafe, with it expected to open this summer, should pubs and bars in Newcastle and the rest of the country re-open as planned after being forced to close due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Pumphrey's premises will become an authentic Mississippi blues bar, spread over two floors of one of Newcastle’s most architecturally impressive buildings.
Rob told Chronicle Live: "Our aim is to update the downstairs offering for after work drinkers and weekend revellers and maximise the currently underused space upstairs creating a speakeasy type cocktail bar, come live music and snooker room venue with a careful nod to the buildings historic uses."
Blues Cafe, which promises live music and dancing seven nights a week, already has its own Facebook page, which has notched up over 1,000 likes in a matter of days.
It' catch line is 'life your spirits and feed your soul..'
