A "Geordie Tapas" bar and theatre in Whitley Bay will be having its grand opening later this month.
Jamie Eastlake, an award-winning theatre producer, and Stephen Robertson a writer and film-maker, are currently in the final stages of transforming a building on Whitley Road into a tapas bar and small theatre.
The food menu will feature 'Geordie Tapas', which includes scotch eggs, black pudding cakes and Lindisfarne oysters.
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The venue is set to open on July 22 and punters already have a packed schedule of theatre and comedy to look forward to.
Mr Eastlake said: "We have two live stand-up shows as well as a comedy performance for kids.
"We put a call out for play-writes to write five short plays about Whitley Bay so we have three performances of those and we also have four performances of live poetry."
Upstairs the venue will include a bar and large performance space, which will be used for a wide programme of artistic events.
As well as offering cocktails and tapas, he wants to use the venue to develop home grown theatrical talent
Mr Eastlake described transforming the former private members' club as a "challenge".
He added: "This has been a challenge to say the least, we discovered we didn't have gas.
"We're redecorating at the moment and we have artists working on murals to give the place an artistic feel.
"We're really excited to open - the response has been great and our bookings are already half full for Saturday.
"We already have eight plays from professional companies booked in going through to April."
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