ChronicleLive writers have shared the North East venues they miss most, from nightclubs and bars to an indoor theme park. The list includes Baja Beach Club, Metroland, and Mama Rosa's, among others.
Baja Beach Club
Simon Duke, What's On editor, chose Baja Beach Club as his most missed venue. He described it as a Tyneside institution, despite being on the Gateshead side of the Tyne. He recalled listening to Metro Radio broadcasting live from the club on Friday nights and the excitement of stepping under the shark head outside.
Duke remembered the balloon stamping to Girls Aloud's 'Jump' and the risk of getting his shirt singed by cigarettes. He would trade the smell of Cool Water and ash for one last night, complete with Sister Act dancers, a Cheers theme singalong, and a burger from the upstairs diner. He noted its closure in summer 2008 and its current use as office development.
Dontino's (Donnie's) Nightclub, Hexham
James Robinson, local democracy reporter, picked Dontino's, later known as Studio and affectionately as 'Donnies'. He admitted it wasn't good, but it had charm. Opened in 1972, it was a place of sticky floors and questionable music by the time he frequented it from 2013.
It was one of only two places open after pubs closed, leading to late nights and queues at Mr Amigo's takeaway. It closed for good in 2018 and is being converted into flats. Robinson noted the gap in Hexham's nightlife has never been filled.
El Molino, MetroCentre
Daniel Hall, rural tourism reporter, chose El Molino, part of the Mediterranean Village. He remembered it as the closest thing to Spanish holidays, where he had tapas for the first time. He convinced his parents it would help his GCSE Spanish, though it did not.
The Mediterranean Village closed with Metroland in 2008, replaced by chain restaurants. Hall wishes for more character and uniqueness in the MetroCentre's dining options.
Mama Rosa's, Cullercoats
Sam Volpe, health reporter, picked Mama Rosa's Italian restaurant on the seafront. He recalled family meals there in the mid-2000s, ordering too much and the staff helping with music identification. The restaurant was old-school, cosy, and comforting, hosting many of his birthdays.
He remembers the day the awning was painted over, marking its closure, and said he has never been so disappointed to see a place shut. He noted it came as a pair with Bruno's restaurant, but Mama Rosa's was always his favourite.
Metroland, Gateshead
Olivia Sheed, audience writer, chose Metroland, an indoor theme park. She grew up going with her dad and would still head for the Swashbuckling Ship or Waveswinger. She feels nostalgia when seeing pictures and notes its rides still run at Southport Pleasureland and Clacton Pier.
She said Metroland offered a once-in-a-lifetime magic, especially after the 2008 financial crisis, and lives on in nostalgia pieces and comedy performances.
Popolo and Offshore 44, Newcastle
Barbara Hodgson, What's On reporter, picked two bars: Popolo on Pilgrim Street and Offshore44 on the quayside. Popolo was a master of cocktails, with a Sweet Manhattan made to her liking. It had an American bar vibe with red and black decor, and steep stairs to the basement toilets.
Offshore44 was a weekend haunt in the 1990s, known for White Russians and Blue Lagoons. Its nautical decor and snug room made it a party spot for birthdays, with one person fetching drinks to keep the room secure.
Space Base Softplay, Newcastle
Georgia Cuthbertson, reporter, chose Space Base soft play in Eldon Square. She spent many summer holidays and weekends there, climbing ropes and jumping in ball pits. She feels the itch to be a kid again every time she passes the escalators near the food court, and would bring it back first.
