New lease of life as landmark Jarrow pub set to re-open

A landmark pub in South Tyneside which has stood empty for months is re-opening thanks to a familiar face.
Norman Scott behind the bar at The Robin Hood before it closed down.Norman Scott behind the bar at The Robin Hood before it closed down.
Norman Scott behind the bar at The Robin Hood before it closed down.

Well-known landlord Norman Scott has taken a seven-year lease on The Robin Hood, in Jarrow, which closed last year when owner Jess McConnell’s business, Jarrow Brewery Limited, went into administration.

Mr Scott is currently giving the pub a complete makeover - and plans to finish off by renaming the watering hole, The Robin.

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The pub, in Roman Road, is a landmark building on the A194 Leam Lane road.

Mr Scott said: “It’s going to be called The Robin now, as in the bird. Everything inside is being completely overhauled. We’ve ripped it out and started again.

Mr Scott previously ran the pub while it was under Jarrow Brewery’s ownership.

He said: “I’m taking The Robin back on because I’ve been in the pub game for 30 years and, since it shut down, people have been asking me about bringing it back.

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“I’m giving it a complete refurb and it’s going to be open plan, no more pushing past people having a drink to get to the dining area.

“We’re also going to have all the proper beers in, and I’ll also be re-launching Rivet Catcher, which was always a very popular real ale with the customers.”

The new-look pub is also going to have a big focus on food.

Norman, who used to run The Clock, in Hebburn, said: “We’ll be serving food from 11am seven days a week and we’ll be bringing back our famous carvery with top-class chef Graham Young, who was well-known for his carvery at Dougie’s Tavern.”

The pub will be opening to the public on Friday, August 26, with a VIP reception the night before.

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Norman is also looking for staff to work behind the bar and in the kitchen.

Anyone interested in a job can drop a CV off at the pub at any time, and can also attend a recruitment day on Thursday, August 4, from 11am.

Norman has big plans for the pub.

He said: “We’re putting a new cocktail bar in, and a dining area, and making a new outdoor area, including a play area for the kids – we’re going for a real family feel.

“I’m not going to focus on sport as much as I have in the past, but we’re still going to be all about the music, and I’ll be bringing back my mini music festivals.

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“It’s going to be a really good, traditional pub, and I’m really excited about opening it up again and welcoming everyone back inside.

“All the old customers are knocking the door down already and I’m excited to open the pub up to them once again.

“We’ll have all the top brands, Rivet Catcher, music and a proper traditional family environment.”