Central station

Here I am, enjoying a pint, in the Centurian bar at Newcastle Central Station before I set off for a few days down London.  

This is a great bar. According to its web site it was voted 'Newcastle's most impressive watering hole' by the Observer. http://www.centurion-newcastle.com

The Centurion is a former first class passenger lounge which was restored to its former grandeur back in 2000.  It was built in 1893 as a sumptuous waiting lounge for first class passengers, with impressive tiles and murals, but the lounge bar closed in 1960’s.  

It remains an impressive bar, but I think its some further refurbishment is long overdue as it is looking a bit worn and shabby in parts (upholstery, furniture and lighting); perhaps a minor revamp is scheduled as part of the current redevelopment of Central Station.  At night, though, the bar certainly still looks good, very atmospheric, with its mood lighting placed around the walls, illuminating the ornate tiles. 

An extremely pleasant place to have a drink before setting off on a long journey.

Glug glug glug

The Mmmmm deli in the Grainger Market has expanded its premises and is now selling real ale.  A wide range of bottled ales from around the world are stocked, along with wine and unusual cordials (elderflower, rosehip, nettle), in the adjacent premises under the appealing onomatopoeic name of Glug.  http://www.mmm-food.co.uk.  I've only just spotted the new shop, but it has in fact been open since APril/May 2013.

I do love Grainger Market.  One of my earliest memories of Newcastle, that I can date at least, is sitting in this cafe (below) which has recently become a Noodle bar.  It was cup final day 1974 when Newcastle were beaten by Liverpool.

I sat with my mam and looked out of that window over there.  Now that deserves another plaque! (see earlier blog post: David Williams Grainger Street plaque)

Advertising bill board John Dobson street

Walking along new bridge street west towards the central library, I noticed that the billboards opposite, on the intersection of John Dobson Street and New Bridge Street had been pulled down. 

My first thought was "oh, at last, they are going to build on this piece of waste land" - perhaps the commencement of the ill-fated / ill-timed /considerably delayed "East Pilgrim Street regeneration project. My pulse quickened. Are they proceeding with this scheme at long last?  By they, I mean Newcastle City Council.   A regeneration scheme for the area to the east of Pilgrim Street: an inverted pie slice shaped area bordered by the Central Motorway, was fist mooted back in 2007 /2008 but I think the plans were quietly shelved owing to the worsening financial climate,  credit crunch, impending recession, Government cuts, all of the above (the "Newcastle Council All-Purpose Tick as Appropriate Excuse Form" should be used here).   

I seem to recall in the plans, that this area was to be designated a pedestrian zone, and there was proposed a large public square on the intersection of John Dobson Street and New Bridge Street, which seemed to overlap or even replace the Blue Carpet square.  

The area behind the advertising boards is quite large. Sufficient room for a striking building to complement the new library building opposite. There is a ventilation shaft on this site, however, which may create some restriction on the size and type of structure built here.  Its irrelevant; and I needn't have gotten excited; a quick check on Newcastle's planning website shows that what is planned here is just more advertising hoardings - perhaps even illuminated ones.

Another Worswick Street drain pipe

It was raining all day in Newcastle today; it was generally a dark and miserable day, but I do love the effect the wet and damp has on making colours more vibrant - especially mosses and lichens. Here is a  couple of photos I took with my iPhone of the old Worswick Street bus station.

Newcastle Civic Centre wild meadow in bloom

Wild flowers next St Mary's church next to civic centre.

Chandless Estate flats demolition continues

I'm starting to get a bit obsessed with this demolition

Newcastle upon Tyne Daily Photo | A daily photo from around Newcastle upon Tyne | page 2

Newcastle upon Tyne Daily Photo | A daily photo from around Newcastle upon Tyne | page 2

New takeaway: Town Fry now open

As mentioned in my earlier post http://novumcastellum.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/new-chip-shop-pilgrim-street.html, the new fish and chip shop on Market Street / Pilgrim street is now open. As well fish and chips, it sells burgers and pizzas.

Last Friday, on its opening day, I was passing the shop and wrestled with the dilemma: hot fish and chips takeaway or the cold pasta with tinned mackerel waiting for me back at the office.  Fish and chips won the day, but when I went into the shop to order something, I didn't know what to get because the menu was displayed temporarily on each of three widescreen TVs above the counter - it appeared on one screen for a short period of time, then was replaced by banner of the shop name - but the menu did not immediately re-appear on one of the other screens.  I waited and waited; but no menu.  No menus on the counter either.  So I left and bought a sarnie from Greggs instead (I left my pasta and mackerel treat for another day).

Sorry Town Fry - the moment had gone.  Fancy electronic displays might be the future, but good old fashioned Point of Sale material is what you really need in a takeaway.