Closed South Shields pub The Riverside set to reopen with new vision for the future

New bosses at The Riverside have asked South Tyneside Council for an updated licence for the historic bar, which has been through several incarnations since its heyday as a real ale outlet in the 1990s, most recently as a short-lived steak house.

In March, plans were approved for renovations to the inside and outside of the building, which sits within the Mill Dam Conservation Area, just a few hundred yards from the Customs House theatre and the Shields Ferry.

A second application was also given the green light in April for new disabled toilets at the venue.

According to the application submitted to South Tyneside Council’s licensing department: “The premises will be operated as a public house/restaurant serving food and drinks.

“The service area will consist of two floors. The kitchen and main bar will be situated on the ground floor. The first floor will have a small bar and balcony area.”

If approved, the plans would allow the bar to serve alcohol between 10am – midnight, with the possibility of a further condition being added requiring the premises to be empty half an hour later (12.30am).

Paperwork submitted also claims the owners would have a ‘zero tolerance’ policy towards ‘substance abuse’ at the venue and that bottle bins would be emptied during the day to minimise disturbance to neighbours.

Members of the public have until Wednesday, August 14, to submit any comments on the application.

The pub, which had recently housed a branch of Longhorns Barbeque Smokehouse, has been closed for about a year.

It was once a key part of South Shields bustling riverside pub scene, and news of plans to reopen the watering hole will come as welcome news to bar-goers.

Recent years have seen a number of pubs close in the town, with some being converted into shops and other businesses.

News of plans for the Riverside come after news earlier in the week that the Mill Tavern in Hebburn is also set to reopen.