The Sandpiper pub in Cullercoats, North Tyneside, has announced it will close its doors for the final time this weekend, earlier than anticipated. The pub will shut five-and-a-half years after the current owners took it on, with customers invited to a farewell celebration.
Plans for Tesco on pub site
Objections were lodged earlier this year against an application to sell alcohol until midnight every night at a prospective Tesco to be built on the Farringdon Road site currently housing the pub. According to application documents supplied to North Tyneside Council, the shop would take over roughly half of the current Sandpiper public house.
Announcing the news on social media on Tuesday evening, a post read: "So the time has come!!"
The post continued: "The Sandpiper Cullercoats will be no more after this weekend, we would like to thank all of our customers for their support over the time we've been here. Most of all we would like to thank our amazing staff, you guys are great and we wish you well in the future. This has come at shorter notice than we anticipated but it's by no means a surprise as when we took The Sandpiper on we were only given 6 months and to last 5 and a half years isn't too bad in the current climate."
History of redevelopment plans
The future of the pub has been contested in previous years. Plans to redevelop the Sandpiper sparked local controversy back in 2023, resulting in the proposals being rejected by the council's planning committee. Original plans also called for the construction of over a dozen flats on the site.
The post added: "It will be a sad day on Monday when we hand the keys back for the demolition to begin but we have had some great times and have memories that will last forever. If you are able please call in this weekend for a few send off drinks. We have a live band Friday night, Foot Tapper, who are great and we will be having g a goodbye party on Saturday so please do join us (cash will be preferred). Thanks to all and farewell"
Customers react with sadness
Customers were quick to express sadness at the news, with one commenting: "Ahh No way. So sorry to hear this. Thank you for the support over the years. Good luck in your next venture"
Another added: "This is sad news, had my sons 18th there and always popped in", whilst a third said: "Oh no this is such sad news. Another great pub gone."
