Partner Article

Celebrity campaign to save Newcastle pub

Celebrities across the UK are uniting to save one of Newcastle’s most musically historic pubs.

Plans drafted by developers at Buccleugh Property for the demolition of Egypt Cottage in light of a new development may have to be put on hold due to the campaigning of regulars, residents and numerous celebrities.

Egypt Cottage, situated next to the former Tyne Tees studio, was a favourite haunt for many music legends, as well as locals, during the filming of ‘The Tube’ in the 1980s; presenters at the time included Jools Holland, Paula Yates, Leslie Ash and Muriel Gray. The pub was seen as a turning point for many of the stars appearing on the show, and award–winning director Geoff Wonfor is leading the call to prevent its demolition.

The pub famously gave Madonna her first ever UK TV appearance, as well as bands like The Proclaimers, Frankie Goes To Hollywood, R.E.M. and The Jam.

Former Lindisfarne drummer Ray Laidlaw added: “It’s a smashing pub and one of the few live music venues left here.

“Some of the best projects were thought up in The Egypt Cottage.”

This comes just a week after news that the Cooperage, another historic watering hole on Newcastle’s Quayside, is also to close after numerous complaints of loud noise from local residents.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .