The Hooch, it's the business!

BSH readers familiar with Hoochie Coochie up on Pilgrim Street should get themselves down to Newcastle Quayside to check out Warren Thompson's new place on the corner of Broad Chare and Quayside. The Hooch occupies a prime site across the road from the Law Courts with panoramic views across the Tyne to Sage Gateshead and Baltic.

Coffee shop, cafe, chilled drinking establishment, call it what you will, the Hooch is everything one would expect of Mr T. Bijou, accommodating perhaps twenty five seated patrons, a Saturday lunchtime visit proved most enjoyable. An Americano, a breakfast tea, two delicious cheddar and ham croissants and a slice of lemon drizzle cake, served as one would expect, by super-efficient staff, the Hooch is your new 'destination venue' - day or night.

The stylish ground floor premises comprises an arrangement of tables and chairs, a bar and DJ booth. On one wall there is a selection of vinyl albums on display including Kenny Burrell's Midnight Blue album. In the not too distant future the plan is to present solo, duo, perhaps trio, format gigs. The basement loos are as swish as you'd expect, the Q3 bus stops nearby, what's not to like?  Current opening hours are 8:00am to 10:00pm, Thursday to Sunday.    

Russell