The Hooch, Charts and now the Hard Rock Cafe - May 30

A blue sky Sunday morning, Newcastle's Quayside market all a bustle. First port of call, Warren Thompson's new-ish gaff on the corner of Quayside and Broad Chare. The Hooch was doing steady business, no sign of Warren, more of a nite-owl is our Hoochie Coochie proprietor. An Americano, a hot chocolate and two mature cheddar and ham warm croissants. We look forward to more fantastic gigs up on Pilgrim Street. 

Strolling along the Quayside it was noted Charts is yet to reopen. Hopefully the Sunday afternoon jam sessions will resume in the not-too-distant future. Watch the skies...kittiwakes cried overhead, fortunately no unwelcome deposits! 

And, at long last, the Newcastle branch of the global Hard Rock Cafe brand has opened in the Guildhall. The interior is somewhat different to the days of the Newcastle Jazz Festival and Newcastle Beer Festival! Memorabilia in glass cases includes some items of local interest (see photo of Sting's Fender Strat and jacket). Perhaps the prized artifact is Mitch Mitchell's drum kit. A Hard Rock Cafe shop selling t-shirts galore is sure to do a roaring trade. Gigs are in the pipeline - watch this space. Russell