New bar The Novelist set to open in South Shields at site of former coffee shop Aldermans

The Novelist pub is due to open in the former Aldermans coffee house building, Market Square.

Aldermans Coffee House in the Market Place, sadly ceased trading after coming to the difficult decision to not sign another 10 year lease.

The business, which was run by husband and wife team Ewan and Louise Murray for 12 years, served its last meals and drinks to customers on Friday, October 4.

And now the premises are being in the process of transformed into a pub called The Novelist, with a sign displaying its new name now placed onto the front of the venue.

It comes after the building was bought by its landlords EI Publican Partnerships, who then passed it onto Craft Union pub company.

The news of the closure attracted a wave of disappointment from loyal customers on social media, who were sad to see the business leave the town.

But Aldermans has since confirmed that it has no plans for a new venture.

Thanking the public for their support over the years, owners Ewan and Louise Murray said: “We’re very sorry to have left all our friends and customers after more than 12 happy years in there.

“The decision was to sell while we still had a few years left on the lease, as we didn’t want to sign for another ten years.”