A Newcastle city centre cocktail bar has unveiled a larger-than-life replica of the city's Vampire Rabbit urban legend. The theatrical-sized version, with huge glowing red eyes and blood-stained teeth, protrudes from the doorway of the bar of the same name, overlooking a busy street.
Over a century of mystery
The original Vampire Rabbit carving has perched above nearby Collingwood House for over 120 years. Its meaning remains unknown, with various stories circulating. One tale suggests it was created as a guard to scare grave-robbers from the local churchyard. Another claims it was meant to be a hare but had its ears knocked off during renovation work and replaced the wrong way around. Some say that if it had been a hare, it may relate to Sir George Hare Phipson, a doctor in Newcastle at the time.
Halloween transformation
The Vampire Rabbit cocktail bar officially unveiled its recreation of the carving this week as its first Halloween transformation, alongside a chilling cocktail menu. The haunting sculpture, on display throughout October, was created by Houghton le Spring props and special effects company Orbital FX Limited.
Vampire Rabbit Director Tony Knox said: "The guys from Orbital were absolutely incredible. They work on Disney productions and the guy who crafted our giant rabbit actually made the shield for Captain America."
The Halloween season at Vampire Rabbit this month includes an expertly-crafted cocktail list themed after ghosts of Newcastle.
