Need to know
The popular Newcastle gastropub suddenly closed a year ago, but the building has been sold and plans have been submitted for a new Persian restaurant and bar
A red brick pub building
The Earl of Pitt Street in Newcastle, which closed last year.(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)
Newcastle's Earl of Pitt Street set for Persian restaurant makeover - what we know
A popular Newcastle gastropub that closed its doors last year is set to reopen as a Persian restaurant after new owners purchased the property.
The Earl of Pitt Street, which had served the city for more than 10 years and was crowned the best place for Sunday dinner on ChronicleLive, suddenly shut down due to pandemic recovery struggles and rising costs.
The freehold has now been sold to new owners for £375,000, down from the original asking price of over £550,000. Plans have been submitted to Newcastle City Council for new signage for 'Azizam Persian restaurant and bar'.
The former operators explained their closure, saying: "Since Covid we never really recovered, and the planned 240+ houses on the land directly opposite us never materialised."
The Victorian-era building near St James' Park has been empty for around 14 months. It features a ground floor bar area seating 35 customers and an upstairs restaurant area for 55 diners.
The move marks a significant step forward for the historic property, which was the last remaining pub in the shadow of the former Newcastle Brown Ale Brewery site.