Popular Tynemouth pub has permanently closed after a £60,000 electricity bill rise

A family-run Tynemouth pub has announced that it will be permanently closing following a £60,000 rise to its electricity bill.

The Gibraltar Rock, on East Street, has been closed since New Year's Day due to rising costs and now the owners have called time on the business.

A post of the pub's Facebook page on Tuesday, March 5, confirmed the news, with the owners stated that the business is now "unsustainable" in the current economic climate.

The post said: "As many of you will have noticed we have been closed since New Year’s Day. Unfortunately after 33 years, it's time to say goodbye.

"In 1990, our family took over the Gibraltar Rock with the aim of upholding the great reputation of Tynemouth's first inn and growing it into a resilient business.

"Despite many great years, challenges such as Covid, Storm Arwen, and the energy crisis have taken a huge toll.

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"Rising costs across the board, including a £60k increase in our electricity bill alone last year, have made the future of the business unsustainable.

"The current and future economic climate further contributed to our decision to close our doors permanently.

"We appreciate the years of support from our customers in both good and bad times and we thank the staff for their understanding and professionalism during what has been the most difficult and frustrating situation."