Indeed. You might have seen this in the Heaving Chronic, tucked away between stories about Greggs, the 'Cockney Mafia', thieving scummers and 'pensioners'.
Historic Quayside pub The Cooperage closes
Jul 21 2009 by Tom Mullen, Evening Chronicle
GLASSES were raised for the last time at one of Tyneside's oldest pubs, ending decades of tradition.
Last orders were called at The Cooperage on Newcastle’s Quayside last night, as the boozer officially closed amid emotional scenes.
Customers and staff were stunned when owners Enterprise Inns announced the closure after a run of noise complaints from locals.
Newcastle City Council planners decided the pub must be soundproofed, but brewery bosses decided to close it after saying it was too costly.
It marks the end of an era for the 14th Century building, which is said to be haunted and has stood by the River Tyne since before Shakespeare’s time.
Last night, as some 30 staff lost their jobs, there were cheers and tears as the pub held a final farewell celebration.
Scores flocked to the venue’s usual acoustic open-mic night, along with fiddlers and resident DJs.
Among the revellers was former manager Neil Durkin, 25, of Heaton, Newcastle, who said: “People are gutted. It’s the end of an institution.
“This pub has been in quite a lot of people’s lives for all of their lives. It’s been about music and a meeting place. A lot of good relationships have been made there over the years.
“All it needs is a bit of money spending on it for soundproofing and it seems such a shame. The Cooperage was here first. Whoever thought it would be a good idea to build a load of flats near a nightclub, I don’t know.”
Clutching a pint, Julie Candle, 49, of Jesmond, said: “I’ve been coming here for 30 years. I think it’s awful, it’s a very sad night.”
Jill Phillips, 44, of Heaton, said: “Happy, happy memories. My daughter works behind the bar and we will really miss the place. I first set foot in here when I was about 17.”
The atmospheric Grade One-listed building now looks set to be put up for sale.
But it is understood that unless soundproofing work is done, any prospective buyer would not be allowed to re-open the building as a pub.
Even as the bar towels were placed over the pumps for a final time last night, messages continued to pour into a website campaign to save the pub.
Within 12 hours of the page going online more than 1,800 people had joined, and by today more than 6,000 members had signed up.
One contributor, Gemma Rose Monnelly, wrote: “Newcastle won’t be the same without The Cooperage. It’ll be so sad to see it turn into anything but an amazing venue. It catered for everyone.”
Another, Danana Royle, said: “It’s my favourite place in Newcastle. The only place with any character.” The Cooperage lease holders, Danny Kinnear and Phil Sheldrake, were due to hand back the keys today.
Danny said: “It is a very emotional time for all of us.
“There are so many memories and so much history tied up within The Cooperage. The support we have had since we got told has been amazing.”
Phil added: “Everyone I’ve spoken to is just devastated. It’s a real shame to be losing something that’s just such a big part of Newcastle.’’
The 'only place with any character'? She clearly hasn't been to the bogs in the Duke.
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