Tokyo Bar, one of Newcastle's best-known nightlife venues, has announced its closing date and promised to go out in style on its final night. The bar has been a city favourite for more than 20 years and shared the news with customers, saying "all good things must come to an end".
Sale to Hymus Group
Just days ago, it was reported that the late-licence bar had been sold. Having been put up for sale for £1.1m, it was bought by the Hymus Group, which owns bustling Irish bar The Dubliner on the quayside and recently re-branded the former Mushroom as Dirty Murphy's.
Tokyo, in Westgate Road, has attracted crowds over the years with the five-floor building hosting popular DJ nights. Its outdoor terrace has always been a summer night hit.
Final day and farewell message
Sharing news of its closing date on Facebook, it said: "After holding an iconic place in the Newcastle nightlife scene for over two decades, 17th October will be our final day at Tokyo Bar." In its message to customers it added: "Thanks to all the staff, DJs, security, promoters and of course you guys, for making it happen over all these years.
"All good things must come to an end, and we plan on going out in style - with doors opening from 12pm, and your favourite DJs on to the early hours. Take to the terrace to toast old school Tokyo, new school Tokyo, or even Tiki-O for one last time."
The post ended with: "Keep an eye out on our socials for our DJ line-up. Free entry as always until close."
Reaction and future plans
Among the responses to the post was one tagging a friend and saying: "Ah it takes so many memories with it! We loved sitting upstairs in our fake fur coat." Others wrote "the best mojitos in Newcastle"; "always been a class place. Wish you well and hope the vibe continues at some point" as well as "sad times" and "end of a era".
One added: "Gonna miss the music vibes and the anime cocktails"; another included "had some belta times in there" and one remarked: "Sad times, some incredible DJs like Gareth Owen Gray and Ben Caldwell lit up that terrace!"
Paul Pringle, who has run Tokyo for the past decade, originally had a 10-year plan for it and is reported to be selling it to concentrate on his other venue, Alvino's on Pilgrim Street. Hymus group managing director Daniel Van Hymus has said of the Hymus Group purchase: "We're buzzing to take stewardship of one of Newcastle's most iconic spaces."
Referencing the group's other Dubliner bar in York, he added: "The acquisition takes us to four venues and opens new opportunities for the team, who continue to deliver special moments to thousands of customers every week."
