“Jarrow will become a good drinking scene again” - support for new landlords of Johnnie’s pub and the Albion Inn

New landlord of the Albion Jess McConnell and Johnnie's pub co-owner Jean Murray are hoping to revive the Jarrow pub scene.

Gazette readers have sent messages of support to the new landlords of two historical Jarrow pubs.

The once-booming Jarrow pub scene could be set for a revival, as the Golden Lion on Walter Street reopened after a major refurbishment, renamed in honour of its longstanding former landlord Johnnie Ingles.

It came after former brewery boss Jess McConnell took over his old pub the Jarrow Gin and Ale Bar just down the road at the end of last year.

In a move that harks back to the good old days, the pub has now been restored to its Victorian roots - including reverting back to its original name, the Albion Inn.

The former Golden Lion has been renamed Johnnie's after its longstanding former landlord

It is hoped the new ventures will draw punters back to the town, which once boasted a boozer on every corner.

And Gazette readers were quick to send their messages of support for the new landlords, keen to see their locals bustling again.

Here’s what you said:

Janine McConnell: “Jarrow will become a good drinking scene again which it always was.”

Jess McConnell is back behind the bar of the former McConnells Gin and Ale House and has reverted back to its original name the Albion Inn.

Gavin Felton: “That’s great to see”

Janet Smith: “Good luck Jean it looks lovely.”

There was also plenty of support for Jess McConnell, a well-known face on the South Tyneside pub scene, who is delighted to be back behind the bar.

Gladys Linsley said: "Best wishes Jess pub looks fab.”

Paul Heslop added: “This guy is a legend.”

While Keith Hemmer shared his fond memories of the old pub, he commented: “I used to help my nana clean there when I was a nipper, 50 odd years ago.”