Inside Wyvestow's - owners of South Shields bar and bistro hope to generate sense of excitement with new venue in Westoe Village

Plans to convert the former Workwear and Schoolwear Company shop space into a bistro were given the green light by South Tyneside councillors back in 2018.

The Dean Road development has, however, been set back by more than 18 months owing to delays brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.

But, with an opening date now in sight, Kerry Brown, a letting agent at the neighbouring Browns Estate Agents firm with her husband, Paul, said she hopes to be able to create a buzz and sense of excitement in the town through the venture.

Wyvestow’s will serve traditional fare and features a champagne booth in the restaurant space. It also includes an outdoor seating area “for those warm summer evenings,” Ms Brown said.

“It’s taken a long time to get this off the ground, but we’re glad to have finally got to a point where we’re just months from opening,” she told The Gazette.

With their letting agency next door, having relocated the business from its former site around 100 yards away, the South Shields pair will look to keep a close eye on the operation.

Ms Brown said she hoped the venue would bring a much-needed sense of positivity to the town and ‘something to look forward to’, after a year of Covid-induced doom and gloom.

"Everything’s been negative over the past 12 months,” she said.

"It’s not been a great year. I think the town needs something to get excited about – and somewhere new to go and socialise.

“We are really looking forward to eventually getting the doors open. It whole pandemic has been a blow to everyone and it’s been such a long time since we have been able to spend time with family and friends.

"Hopefully this will give people something to look forward to.”

Wyvestow’s is now beginning to advertise for staff. Ms Brown says she is on the lookout for experienced chefs, kitchen staff as well as prospective managers.

The bistro is soon to launch a new website and has recently set up several social media channels to help spread the word.

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