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Introducing, The Grove – The Ouseburn’s all new multi-purpose event space
The Grove, an all-new music venue, bar and event space is opening its doors in the cultural hub of Ouseburn next month, bringing something altogether new to Newcastle’s live music and entertainment scene.
The Grove will open to the public on Friday 10 March with an eclectic opening month of live gigs, DJ takeovers, quizzes and games nights to show the people of Newcastle what the space is all about.
With a main music venue with a capacity of 400, a fully loaded bar, a terrace with beautiful views of the city, a summer courtyard, a corporate space and dining facilities, The Grove will place itself in a firm middle ground between snug venues like The Cluny and larger independent event spaces such as Boiler Shop.
While other cities like Leeds and Manchester offer numerous venues of this size, Newcastle is currently lacking in this area – it was the ambition of The Grove’s founders to fill the gap.
The faces behind the project are Charlie Dancer and Cole Gilroy who have both dreamt of opening their own venue and putting their stamp on the city they call home.
“We’re both incredibly passionate about the city, and saw an opportunity to add something to a growing cultural sector of the city,” explains Charlie.
“We’ve both been heavily involved in the North-East’s musical fabric for a number of years as musicians, as gig-goers and as professionals, from putting on gigs in tiny rooms to organising festivals. Personally, I started out putting gigs on when I was 18, not knowing what I was doing but ultimately falling in love with events and seeing people having a good time.
Inspiration for the space was drawn from established Newcastle haunts such as By The River and Boiler Shop, but thanks to its unique size and stunning architecture, The Grove is set to occupy its own space within Newcastle’s thriving cultural scene.
“In the short term, we want to have a positive impact on Newcastle’s cultural scene and the ever-growing culture of the East End,” explains Cole. “We want to host people’s memorable moments, from first dates to first dances, to winning a quiz or winging it on a craft night.
I’ve always admired Charlie’s work within the North East with Generator and beyond, it was a no brainer when we both shared a similar vision to bring the idea behind The Grove to fruition.
Although its roots are firmly planted in music, The Grove will offer much more as it aims to reflect the needs and wants of the local community.
In addition to its expertly curated programme of live gigs, artist showcases and all-dayers, the venue has projects in the pipeline for a host of community events, workshops and exhibitions.
Setting up shop each weekend will be a different food vendor from the North East’s talented community of food businesses.
The space will also host private and corporate events, from wedding receptions to conferences.
Cole continues: “The Grove has the capabilities to be a number of different things for different people; yes, we’re a music venue, but we’re also an event space that can be used for wedding receptions, conferences, workshops, crafty-makers nights and games events.
“We want to be a space for anyone looking to push their own thing – whether that’s running a weekly mental health coffee morning, or a monthly candle making event, or one-off immersive art exhibitions.”
The Grove is situated within the walls of a historic stable building that housed horses during the 1950s. The exact age of the building remains uncertain but pieces of architectural evidence pointing to the Victorian era suggest the building’s history goes back much further than the 20th Century.
“When we first walked into the building we could both immediately see its potential to be an amazing music venue, bar and all-round cool spot,” said The Grove’s co-founder Charlie Dancer. “The original architecture of the building is rather beautiful with old steel, timber and engraved brick everywhere.
“The very nature of the building feels very special – it feels intrinsically northern and screams of old industry and the graft of those before us.”
The Grove occupies a large space consisting of three buildings which join to form a horse-shoe shape around a beautiful enclosed courtyard.
The venue team have since built a roof terrace on the first floor and undertaken major structural work to restore the building to its former glory. According to Dancer, construction of the space has been “absolute graft.”
“We dug out drains, fitted new waterways to water mains, put in three new staircases, used around 20,000 metres of timber, 500 sheets of plasterboard and filled around 65 skips. “It’s been an absolute graft.
“We’ve also spent a lot of time at our neighbours The Free Trade after work, so thanks to them keeping us sane over this period!”
Cole Gilroy adds: “We feel the city lacks what we have to offer, not just from the layout of the building but down to the kind of place we want it to be. We’re so proud of what we’re building here and we can’t wait for people to see what’s behind the doors!”
The Grove is located on the border of the Ouseburn Valley and Byker – 1 St Michael’s Road, just off Albion Row and opposite Two By Two Brewery Tap Room, about 100m up the road from The Free Trade Inn.
The venue has on-site parking and cycling racks and is easily accessible via public transport, with bus stops on Dalton Street and Walker Road within 2 minutes walk away and Byker Metro just 9 minutes away.
For more information please visit: thegrovenewcastle.co.uk/
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James Watt the BrewDog CEO & Co-Founder has spoken out about his frustration around the delayed response at his upcoming Durham venue and has even offered a sweepstake offering the winner a year of free beer!
You can see the post below James posted below…
Epic Incompetency: The Tragic Tale Of BrewDog Durham: an update & a sweepstake.
Last year I shared on update on here on the BrewDog Durham saga after many of you had requested more information on this bar.
We completed construction and were ready to open the bar, with all the relevant consents and permits in place in 2022. Overall, we have invested over £1 million into the location.
We created almost 30 brand new jobs, and we hired a full team for the beautiful new venue. We even had food and drink on the tables in preparation for the opening.
We only did this, as the council had told us we were going to be able to open.
And then they changed their mind, and on multiple occasions, delayed the opening. They also delayed the opening of other new businesses such as Everyman Cinema and Premier Inn at the Milburngate development.
We still have no idea when we can open the doors.
At a time when the UK needs jobs, needs investment, and needs economic rejuvenation more than ever, this staggering display of incompetence here by the council is almost beyond comprehension.
It is no wonder that the UK is falling far behind other countries in terms of economic performance and standard of living.
The epic ineptitude and complete paralysis of the council our economy is missing out on hundreds of jobs, the government are missing out on valuable tax revenue and the good people of Durham are missing out on brilliant entertainment options.
Over a week ago we emailed the members of the council asking for an update. It may come as no surprise that this email has not even been answered.
If they cannot even respond to an email this significance in terms of job creation and economic development in a week, it is little wonder they cannot even handle the most basic elements of project management.
This saga has already been rumbling on since 2022, and unfortunately there is no end in sight.
To try and help speed up the council, we have decided to organise a sweepstake, and we are encouraging members of the council to participate too!
The winner, who guesses the correct date, will win a year’s worth of free beer!
Simply leave the date which you think BrewDog Durham will officially open in the comments below and if you are correct, you win the beery reward.
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See the below video, an evening with Newcastle United legends, part one is below with part 2 now live below….
Part two..
The Budget 2024: The Finance Minister has announced the elimination of the special tax status for non-domiciled residents, which is expected to generate an additional £2.7 billion annually. Additionally, a reduction of 2p in national insurance has been confirmed.
During the budget announcement, Jeremy Hunt highlighted that “permanent reductions in taxes” are feasible due to the significant decrease in inflation, which is projected to reach the 2% target rate in the upcoming months.
He allocated nearly £6 billion to the National Health Service, with plans to implement artificial intelligence to reduce paperwork for medical professionals as part of a digitization initiative.
Furthermore, the reduction of 5p in fuel duty has been prolonged for an additional year. The government is also maintaining stable prices for beer, wine, and spirits until February 2025 in support of the iconic British pub.
In an effort to promote investment in British companies, individuals will now have the opportunity to invest up to £5,000 tax-free, beyond their existing Individual Savings Account (ISA) limit, through a new “British ISA.” Other key announcements include:
• The threshold for the High Income Child Benefit Charge will be raised from £50,000 to £60,000. Additionally, new excise duties will be imposed on vaping products and a singular increase in tobacco duty.
• The higher rate of capital gains tax on properties will decrease from 28% to 24%. The VAT registration threshold will be increased from £85,000 to £90,000 starting April 1, marking the first increase in seven years.
• An extension of the financial support fund for vulnerable households for an additional six months.
• Predictions indicate the UK economy will grow by 0.8% this year and 1.9% in 2025.
• Allocation of substantial funds to address the “historic underinvestment in our nations and regions.”
The reduction of 2p in national insurance was anticipated, following a similar cut in the previous autumn statement, potentially saving the average worker up to £900 annually.
However, the Finance Minister faced pressure from Conservative MPs to decrease income tax or adjust tax thresholds to prevent individuals from moving into higher tax brackets due to salary increases. This budget is expected to be the final one before the upcoming election, with Hunt facing challenges to stimulate economic growth and improve the government’s standing with voters.
The UK recently entered a technical recession at last year’s end, and current opinion polls show the Conservatives trailing by approximately 20 points.
Prior to the budget release, opposition Finance Minister Rachel Reeves criticized the government’s handling of the economy, stating, “The Conservatives promised to fix the nation’s roof, but instead they have shattered the windows, broken the door, and now they’re setting the house on fire. With taxes increasing, ongoing price rises in stores, and the onset of recession, no actions or words from the Finance Minister can repair the economic damage inflicted by the Conservatives over the last decade.”
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Newcastle United fans are in for a sustainable treat thanks to an innovative collaboration between the football club and Newcastle City Council. Over the first weekend of February, supporters attending the home clash against Luton Town on Saturday, 3rd February, will have the opportunity to avail themselves of free matchday travel, courtesy of this forward-thinking initiative.
With an impressive turnout of over 52,000 expected at St. James’ Park, fans are urged to make the most of complimentary public transport to and from the match. This unique offering not only promises to significantly reduce the carbon footprint associated with matchday travel but also underscores a collective commitment to environmental stewardship.
Accessible to all supporters starting three hours prior to kick-off until the conclusion of service, fans need only present their matchday ticket or season card to enjoy free travel across Tyne and Wear, facilitated by The Metro or Arriva, Stagecoach, and Go North East bus services.
The weekend’s sustainability drive extends to Sunday, 4th February, as ticket holders for Newcastle United Women’s fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers WFC at Kingston Park (kick-off 2pm GMT) can also benefit from complimentary travel.
This joint endeavor seeks to promote sustainable practices, with the football club and council exploring various initiatives aimed at fostering positive behavioral changes conducive to the local environment’s well-being.
Newcastle United’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond matchdays, encompassing initiatives like biodegradable cups, waste recycling, and low-carbon food options. Moreover, the Newcastle United Foundation’s educational endeavors have provided over 20,000 primary school children with access to sustainability lessons, covering topics such as recycling, environmental conservation, and healthy eating habits.
Helen Hughes, Sustainability Manager at Newcastle United, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, emphasizing its dual impact of cost savings for supporters and heightened awareness of sustainable travel options, which ultimately benefit individuals and the city at large. She reiterated the club’s steadfast belief in the transformative power of incremental improvements towards carbon footprint reduction.
The 3rd-4th February travel initiative builds upon Newcastle United’s ongoing partnership with local authorities and transport operators, notably the ‘Magpie Mover’ scheme. This scheme offers season ticket holders unlimited travel on the metro, bus, and ferry during home matchdays for a nominal fee of £25 per season.
Public transportation plays a pivotal role in St. James’ Park’s sustainability strategy, alleviating congestion and enhancing air quality within the city center during peak periods. Huw Lewis, Nexus Customer Services Director, commended the initiative, highlighting Metro’s role as a convenient, eco-friendly mode of transportation.
Councillor Marion Williams, cabinet member for a Connected, Clean City at Newcastle City Council, echoed these sentiments, underscoring the importance of embracing greener, more sustainable travel practices. She emphasized the collective responsibility of fans in contributing to a cleaner, healthier city and urged their active participation in this commendable endeavor.
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See the below video, an evening with Newcastle United legends, part one is below with part 2 now live below….
Part two..
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