Social club saved from the bulldozers sees customer numbers soar

A pub saved from demolition has finally opened its doors to the public.
Patrick Cunningham owner of The Neon Social club, Nairn Street, Jarrow have opened their doors to the public after saving the building from demolitionPatrick Cunningham owner of The Neon Social club, Nairn Street, Jarrow have opened their doors to the public after saving the building from demolition
Patrick Cunningham owner of The Neon Social club, Nairn Street, Jarrow have opened their doors to the public after saving the building from demolition

The Neon Social Club was given a stay of execution from being knocked down to make way for 17 homes and six apartments.

Lease holders Patrick Cunningham and partner Rachel Allsopp have three years in which to turn the place around and make it a success, if it is to remain.

Patrick Cunningham owner of The Neon Social club, Nairn Street, Jarrow have opened their doors to the public after saving the building from demolitionPatrick Cunningham owner of The Neon Social club, Nairn Street, Jarrow have opened their doors to the public after saving the building from demolition
Patrick Cunningham owner of The Neon Social club, Nairn Street, Jarrow have opened their doors to the public after saving the building from demolition
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Thousands of pounds have been spent on the building, revamping the kitchen and turning the main hall into a soft play for children aged up to 10.

The doors have now been open to the public and Mr Cunningham says business could not be better as visitor numbers are increasing week by week. The venue, which also caters for functions, serves meals daily including Sunday lunches while the soft play, which includes a dedicated baby area, is open seven-days-a-week.

Mr Cunningham said: “There is nothing like this nearby and people are coming in and telling us how much they appreciate what we have done with the building.

“We have started doing Sunday lunches and after the first week we sold out, so we have had to increase the number of dinners week by week.

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“We have a lot of nursery groups and childminders coming in and using the soft play.

“It’s doing great. It really was a use or lose it situation with the club and people are standing by their word and are using it - it’s great.

“It’s nice to see the place well used and the smiles on the kids’ faces when they come in.”

The soft play is open Monday to Friday from 9am until 6pm, Saturday and Sunday 11am until 6pm. Sunday lunches are served noon until 4pm.

A weekly pass is available for the soft play. For details call 07764 840 039.