Derelict famous Newcastle nightspot gets £330k facelift - and here's when it's set to reopen

A derelict nightclub located on Pudding Chare is set to reopen, after being permanently closed for the past nine years.

Under new licensees, Fleet Street which was formerly known as The Printer’s Pie is set to return to Newcastle city centre’s bustling nightlife in July, following extensive refurbishment to the premises. 

Once it reopens, Fleet Street will return as a craft ale and sports pub, with plans to host weekly live entertainment from DJs to local singers.

Fleet Street will also screen premier league football matches in the ground floor lounge, and have plans to create a dedicated sports lounge on the first floor. 

While in the evening Fleet Street will be a great spot for drinks, in the day it will serve as a place for people to work remotely, with barista style coffee, light snacks, WiFi and charging points. 

In partnership with Heineken owned Star Pubs 1 and new licensees Andrew White and Michael Bray, Fleet Street will undergo a £330,000 transformation of the premises, with building work set to begin on Monday, June 17. 

Refurbishment work is set to be complete in just over a month, with Fleet Street planning to open to the public on Saturday, July 20. 

On the back of the transformation, 10 jobs will be created to work within the newly refurbished nightclub. 

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One of the new licensees, Andrew White decided to take on the lease of Fleet Street for not only a commercial reason but also personal, as The Printer’s Pie was his former local pub. 

White explained: “From 19-24 [years old] I was in the Printers’ Pie every week. It was a sad day when the pub finally closed.”

White is the owner of an apprenticeship training provider for construction and traffic management industries, with the office located directly opposite the building which will be transformed into Fleet Street.

He continued: “Our office is located in the building opposite, so when a ‘to lease’ sign was erected, my business partner Michael and I applied for the lease. The financials added up helped by the fact that we already have inhouse infrastructure, such as HR and marketing, and so can bolt on these services for Fleet Street. 

“Looked at in the cold light of day, running a bar is similar to selling other products, though having a good manager is key.

“We have found one in Baileigh Musgrove – who is well known locally having managed various bars in the city. Fleet Street is our first pub, but we will look to take on more in the North East if it proves to be the success we anticipate it will be.”

Bray said: “When Andrew mentioned the lease was available, with its location and previous popularity as both Fleet Street and The Printers Pie, taking on this unique project was a no-brainer. 

“Having DJ’d around the bars in my twenties, and having a passion for giving others opportunities, we are looking to showcase a variety of local talented artists. As well as this we will be showing a host of live sporting events and weekly themed nights which, on the whole, will bring a fresh feel to the city centre. 

“Everyone involved is extremely excited for a reinvented Fleet Street to open its doors in July.”

The plans for the interior of the new Fleet Street nightclub will include a contemporary rustic bar with a modern industrial vibe, with timber floors, exposed brick and rustic walls with a Beavertown mural and space invaders machine. 

There will also be reclaimed factory style pendants and bulkhead wall lights, as well as internal festoon lights, rustic tables and benches. 

The exterior will also be given a complete make-over, with black and orange signage and a contemporary mural. 

Tammy Molson, Star Pubs Business Development Manager said: “We’re delighted to be investing in Fleet Street, reopening it after nine years and helping to turn an unappealing derelict building into a vibrant local bar. 

“Andrew and Michael know the locality well and have a clear vision for Fleet Street, which will create a standout craft and sports bar, breathing new life into the area.”