The Globe Spins Again

(Press release)

One of most unusual bars in central Newcastle has reopened with a new tenant, a fresh look and longer opening hours. With bright music-styled décor, an excellent sound system, a wide selection of draught and bottled beers, fine wines and rare spirits, The Globe in Railway Street looks set to become a cool and relaxing hang-out on the edge of the frantic city centre.

Once a typical Victorian corner pub, The Globe hit the headlines in 2014 when it was bought by a co-operative, Jazz.Coop, following a successful community share issue. It was the first late bar and music venue in the UK to be owned freehold by a co-operative. For the first 18 months, former tenants of the Globe ran a nightclub on the ground floor while the co-op put on jazz on the first floor.

The former tenants left at the start of this year. Under the new arrangements Jazz.Coop and the new tenant plan to work closely together to make The Globe the best small live music venue in Newcastle. The new tenant is the appropriately named Rhythm ‘n’ Booze Ltd. The director is Lee Baby Sims a popular DJ, creative designer and entrepreneur.

The bar manager is Karl Parkin who has run the Fox & Hounds in Wylam and the Wheatsheaf in Felling. Lee said: “The Globe is unlike any other city centre bar. It’s totally independent. The music, the décor, the vibe – that’s all our creativity. We’re happy to be different. Where else in Newcastle could your relax in a comfy space with a superb pint and listen to MJQ or some groovy 60’s Italian soundtrack music?”

Rhythm ‘n’ Booze opened quietly in mid-February and is holding a public launch party in conjunction with Jazz.Coop on Saturday 2 April. Doors open at 7pm and there will be music and dancing until 3am. There will be live music on both floors – The Palominos in the main bar playing 40’s swing, 50’s RnR and 60’s beat, and in the Jazz Bar the debut gig of inventive Italian pianist Francesco Falcioni’s new jazz quartet. Admission is free.

The Globe will be open from 5pm till late, seven days a week. There will be live music most nights of the week, including jazz, folk and indie, as well as DJ and club nights. Dave Parker, co-chair of Jazz.Coop, said: “We are delighted to have Rhythm ‘n’ Booze as tenants. We want to work with them to attract people who appreciate music, creativity and good drink to The Globe. I love what they have done already to the look and feel of the place. It helps that Lee likes jazz.”