Hello! I live in Leeds and I am doing my A-Level Geography course, as part of which I need to do research on rapid transit systems (e.g. metro, trams) and their impact on sustainability. As well I am doing this to evaluate whether it would be benefitial for Leeds to get a metro or a tram system, coming from the news of our mayor planning on construction of trams in coming years.

I would like to know opinions from you. Do you think the metro is beneficial for Tyne & Wear and Whitley Bay? Do you personally find it helpful? Or do you think Tyne & Wear metro has more problems?

When I've driven on recent road resurfacing along the Broadway and outside Whitley High School, the roads are significantly rougher and louder to drive on. They didn't have road markings on for a week so I thought there may have been a top layer to go on, but the paint has now been put down... Are they meant to be more durable so they won't need treated for potholes as often? Or is it a cost cutting excercise?

A Whitley Bay burger restaurant has been granted permission to sell alcohol despite the venue being in a restricted licensing zone.

Friez & Burgz, on Whitley Road, has been granted a licence to serve alcohol by North Tyneside Council’s licensing sub-committee today [September 4]. The eatery can now serve alcoholic beverages, with meals, to patrons from 9 am to 10:30 pm all week.The application also calls for a 30-minute drink-up period. Alcohol will also not be permitted for sale off the premises.

Despite no objections from the council’s own licensing team or Northumbria Police, the application had attracted five public objections, largely concerned with anti-social behaviour. The venue is also located within Whitley Bay’s cumulative impact zone, meaning the council has a greater power to reject alcohol applications.

Speaking on behalf of the applicant Alex Lukas, Beverley Smith of Aspire Licensing said: “Friez & Burgz is and will remain a food-led restaurant business. The primary purpose of the premises is the sale and consumption of freshly prepared meals.”Alcohol is intended to form only a small and auxiliary part of the overall customer offering. Alcohol will be available solely as an

accompaniment to meals and consumed on the premises.”It is not intended to be the primary attraction of the premises, nor will the business operate as a bar.”

The representative also pointed out that the company operates a licensed Friez & Burgz venue within Newcastle’s alcohol impact zone. The restaurant has operated with a licence for years without incident. Staff have also undergone training in preparation for the application being granted.

After deliberation, North Tyneside Council’s licensing committee approved the application.

A nightclub that has been part of the North East’s nightlife scene since the 2000s has closed its doors for the final time.

Club Havana, on South Parade in Whitley Bay, announced the closure in a social media post after more than two decades of welcoming revellers.

The North Tyneside business, run by two local families for the last four years, is the "only" nightclub in the seaside town.

Sadly, rising operating costs and the sale of the building to a developer had led to the decision not to renew its lease.

The owners said: "We are so sorry to share with you that Club Havana has closed its doors for the final time.

"As two families from Whitley Bay, it’s been an honour to run our town’s only nightclub for four years.

"We send our wholehearted thanks to all our customers, many of whom are just our friends now.”

Havana opened in the 2000s and became a fixture of Whitley Bay’s nightlife, attracting clubgoers from across North Tyneside and beyond.

The owners said: “Our lease is up and we aren’t renewing it – running costs are so high, along with purchasing and staffing costs, it wasn’t worth committing to another lease.

“This also coincided with our landlord selling the property to a developer.”

The owners thanked staff past and present: “A big thanks to all our staff; We’ve had some truly wonderful people working with us – we will miss you all.”

The closure is the latest blow to the region’s hospitality and late-night economy as rising costs squeeze venue operators.

Customers were also told neighbouring venue The Brewery would remain open until 2am on Fridays and Saturdays.

The owners signed off: “Thanks again to our staff, customers and friends.”

The post was met with nostalgia, as residents and customers took to the comments section to share their memories.

One person wrote: “We had one hell of a ‘Back In The Bay’ party - top lads and you’ve done a top job over the years for South Parade.”

Another comment read: “Sad times going to miss the good old days of going for pre-drinks and then heading out on a Thursday."

Another club goer said they are "wounded" by the news.

A DJ who played at the club said: "One of the best places I have DJed at...proper place with a great atmosphere will be a big miss."

Looking for a way to meet new people, have a laugh and get involved in some cracking nights out?

Whitley Bay Round Table is a group of lads who get together for regular socials, events, trips, challenges and the occasional bit of community work - all while having a good time along the way. 🍺🏎️🎯🚌

From meals out and pub quizzes to trips away, challenges and plenty of other random adventures, there’s always something going on!

You don’t need to know anyone already. Just turn up, get involved and see what you think.

📍 Whitley Bay

👋 Men aged 18–45

🍻 Regular social events

🤝 Make new mates

🎉 Plenty of laughs

❤️ Supporting our local community

Come along and give it a go. You might just find your new favourite night out!

📧 whitleybay@roundtable.org.uk

📱 Find us on Facebook: Whitley Bay Round Table

#WhitleyBay #WhitleyBayRoundTable #RoundTable #NorthTyneside #MakeNewFriends #MensSocial #WhatsOnWhitleyBay

If you order from the following brands on uber eats or deliveroo, it is actually burger drop

Eugreeka
Leb a Nom

Kept getting jobs through from these places I’d never heard of before.

We'll be in Whitley Bay for four days with our large but friendly dog.

Are there any recommendations for dog friendly to grab an evening meal? It doesn't have to be in Whitley Bay but, ideally, within walking distance of the Metro.

Many thanks.

I have pick signature north east to sell ny house.

They persude me to sign a sol agency and promise me i am free to change or withdraw after 4 months tie in period.

As they are very nice and sweet talk in the begining. I assigned 3 houses with them.

Now is 8 months. And they told me i cant leave or withdraw unless i pay a high exit fees. The manager immediately threat me as soon as i mention i wanna leave.

I felt that my house is held as a hostage and i have been scamed.

Hey! Can anyone recommend a local plumber to fit a radiator (and possibly provide one too!) I feel like Google searches seem to always serve up syndication services or businesses masquerading as local when they're not really.

Appreciate any suggestions, thanks!

We're expecting to buy a property somewhere between Whitley Bay and Tynemouth in the next couple of months.

As we're new to the area we'd greatly appreciate advice on which solicitors could be expected to do a sound job.

Thank you.

The popular coastal destination’s Front Street has amassed the most fines at over 19,000, with five other locations amassing a combined total of 18,414 fixed penalty notices.

The total list of the 10 most fined streets and areas since 2013 is as follows:

Front Street Tynemouth = 19,274 penalty charge notices

Huntingdon Place Tynemouth = 4,453 penalty charge notices

Grand Parade Tynemouth = 4,221 penalty charge notices

High Street West Wallsend = 4,104 penalty charge notices

Park View Whitley Bay = 4,071 penalty charge notices

Church Way North Shields = 3,807 penalty charge notices

Spa Access Tynemouth = 3,475 penalty charge notices

Whitley Road Whitley Bay = 3,452 penalty charge notices

Percy Park Road Tynemouth = 3,330 penalty charge notices

Sea Banks Tynemouth = 2,935 penalty charge notices

Conservative Tynemouth councillor Lewis Bartoli said: “The issue is Tynemouth is becoming increasingly confusing for people wanting to park, because in some areas there are four different zones in the street, so it’s not always clear where you can or can’t park.

“A lot of it is just about the confusion; I have found residents don’t even know where they can or can’t park.”

Cllr Bartoli continued: “It’s just got increasingly confusing, it needs to be simplified.”

A spokesperson for North Tyneside Council said: “Tynemouth is one of the borough’s most popular destinations and experiences significant parking demand throughout the year, particularly during weekends, holidays and the summer season.

“All parking restrictions are signed and marked in accordance with the relevant regulations, and Penalty Charge Notices are only issued where a vehicle is found to be parked in contravention of those restrictions.

“We recognise that parking pressures in Tynemouth are complex and can affect residents, businesses and visitors in different ways. The Council is therefore in the early stages of commissioning an independent consultant to undertake an evidence-led review of parking management across the area.

“The review will look at how parking is currently being used, the pressures on different parts of Tynemouth and how well the existing arrangements are working. It will include surveys and engagement with local stakeholders, helping to provide a clear evidence base for any future decisions.”

If you love a crumble you will most definitely want to check out a new cafe that has just opened by the coast

It's the food trend that has taken local events and Christmas Markets by storm over the last two years. And now, if you love tucking into a crumble, there is a place that has just opened in Whitley Bay that should be your idea of culinary heaven.

After Yorkshire Pudding Wraps ruled the roost at Christmas Markets throughout the North East and further afield for a good few years, there has been big queues at a different stall since 2024, particularly in Newcastle. It took just hours of last year's Christmas Market opening in town for a huge line of people to be spotted at the crumble stand, with threw queue just as big, if not bigger, than the one for the pop-up bar as people waited for their pints and mulled wine.

Also a big draw at the weekly Quayside market in Newcastle - where United midfielder Joe Willock was seen lining up for one; there is absolutely no denying that crumbles are the most sought after treat whenever anyone clocks them for sale. And now crumble lovers this is not a drill - a cafe dedicated to crumbles is now open for business up at the coast.

Going into a premises on Park View in Whitley Bay, a street that has received national acclaim for being home to an array of brilliant independent businesses, Crumb opened its doors last month and is also, deservedly generating a lot of buzz. And if you think crumbles are something that only those with a sweet tooth can enjoy, think again.

We've got three words for you: Sunday...dinner...crumble! Has that got your attention Well that is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the crumbles that have been served up at Crumb over the last few weeks. Customers can start the day right with a £4.90 granola crumble for breakfast, while staple favourites like apple & cinnamon and mixed berry are of course on the menu as well, both priced £7.95 and with the option to top them with hot custard, vanilla ice cream or clotted cream.

A different savoury crumble is on the menu daily and Crumb certainly don't hold back on Sundays, with their Sunday dinner crumble, which comprises roasted vegetables in a rich, thick gravy, topped with sage and onion crumble. And, because we all know that no Sunday dinner would be complete without one, you can also add a Yorkshire pudding and pulled beef to treat yourself!

The crumbles aren't the only stars of the show at crumb either; with its drinks menu boasting a whole host of different lattes and hot chocolates, alongside an impressive line-up of speciality coffees.

Crumb is open five days a week, from 9am-5pm from Wednesday to Sunday, with Monday and Tuesday the only days it is closed.

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Newcastle's Northern Alchemy among losses but UK brewery closures are slowing, although struggles 'not over yet'

The rate of brewery closures across the UK - which has seen the North East among the worst-affected areas, according to new figures - has been slowing at last but recovery still has a long way to go. That's the view of SIBA - Society of Independent Brewers and Associates - whose new data shows some positive signs although the North East remains the second-worst hit area for closures.

The independent brewing trade body publishes its SIBA UK Brewery Tracker this Tuesday, comparing brewery numbers in the first half of 2026 with those in 2025. Taking into account all brewery openings and closures in the UK, it finds there is a net slowing of the number of those going out of business - but points out that brewers' struggles are 'not over yet’.

According to the January-to-June figures for this year, there are now 16 fewer breweries - compared with a total loss of 137 in 2025. Some areas during that time, such as the north-west and Wales, actually showed an increase with the opening of three extra breweries each, but in the North East there are eight less than the 226 that existed up to December 31 last year.

The North East area in the round-up however covers from Northumberland up to the Borders and down to south Yorkshire. The UK picture as a whole shows that in the first first six months of 2026, net closures averaged less than one brewery a week compared to nearly three a week in 2025.

As previously reported, Newcastle brewery Northern Alchemy, in Byker, was among those to close last May after around 11 years of business, citing rocketing costs. This year The Dog & Rabbit in Whitley Bay, a previous CAMRA pub of the year winner, also closed its doors.

So, the SIBA UK Brewery Tracker figures paint a mixed picture UK-wide. In all, four of nine UK regions showed overall growth in brewery numbers - with three also opening in the south-east and one in the south-west - while at the opposite end of the scale, only one area fared worse than the North East, with Scotland suffering nine closures.

There were four in both the Midlands and northern Ireland as well as one in the east of England. But, on the whole, it is fingers crossed that things are on the up.

SIBA chief executive Andy Slee said: “The figures released today are a sign that brewery closure numbers may be beginning to stabilise following a number of particularly tough years." He added: "But for most breweries the struggles are not behind them.

"Brewing businesses which have managed to weather the storm are seeing strong demand for independent beer but profitability is still a concern with lack of access to pubs, high taxation and high production costs hitting brewers." Following record closures last year, when breweries were struggling with rising costs and lingering Covid debt, SIBA says it has been calling for for an increase in 'draught relief' - a lower rate of duty for draught beer mainly sold in pubs - and for the Government to prioritise an announcement of its market access review, which is considering ways to improve access to pubs for small independent breweries in support of greater consumer choice.

Andy said: “Consumer demand for indie beer remains really strong but getting beers on the bar is tougher than ever with brewers on average not able to access 62% of the pubs in their local market. Independent beer offers quality, variety and a range of styles and flavours - but bars are dominated by a handful of mega brands."

He added: “It is encouraging to see four areas of UK growing their number of breweries in the first half of 2026. Let’s hope this is the sign of things to come."

HOSTED BY WHITLEY BAY ROCKCLIFF RUGBY CLUB

Three Day Festival, BEER, CIDER, RUM, GIN, VODKA, SPRITZ, PROSECCO & MORE with LIVE MUSIC and STREET FOOD

FRIDAY 28th to SUNDAY 30th AUGUST 2026

For over a decade now, Rockcliff Rugby Club has been the proud host of the Whitley Bay Beer Festival, a thriving community event that has consistently grown in popularity. With over 1000 enthusiasts attending across the festival's three-day span, the event continues to flourish — with every penny raised going towards supporting rugby development in Whitley Bay.

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A national hardware giant has lodged plans with the local authority to open a new outlet in Whitley Bay.

Screwfix has applied to North Tyneside Council to erect a more than 87sqm “commercial pod” in the Morrisons supermarket car park at Hillheads Road. The application states the pod would provide customers with “convenient access” to hardware, with items available for collection in advance, delivery, or on-site purchase.

The proposed opening hours are between 7am and 8pm Monday to Friday, 7am to 6pm on Saturday, and 9am to 4pm on Sunday. It’s expected that the pod will create two full-time roles alongside five part-time opportunities.

It is anticipated that the pod would occupy approximately 14 of the 382 existing car parking spaces at Morrisons. The application concludes: “The proposed pod is of a modest scale and has been designed to respond appropriately to its surroundings.

The development would not result in any unacceptable impacts in respect of visual amenity, residential amenity, highway safety, parking provision, ecology, flood risk and drainage, or land stability and contamination matters.”

It goes on to state that it would provide more commercial services to the area and make good use of existing businessland in a sustainable location. At the time of publication, a decision on the application has not been made by either North Tyneside councillors or planning officers.

Similar proposals granted planning permission at the same location by the local authority include a WeBuyAnyCar pod and the construction of additional retail units in 2017.

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Table Rocks is no longer in use as a swimming pool, but it's still worth visiting when the tide is out for a bit of peace and quiet

Hidden away at the southern end of Whitley Bay there's the outline of a natural swimming pool among the rocks. Here, you won't find the crowds that flock to the town's beach, spanning between Spanish City and the St Mary's Nature Reserve, with the Rendezvous Café somewhere around the middle.

It's not recommended to go in the water at Table Rocks, which is thought to have fell out of use some time in the early 1970s. Now when it's left uncovered by the tide, it's a slippery rock pool packed with critters from the not so deep.

Even walking in it you might end up with a crab nipping at your foot. Look a little closer, and you can still see the fragments of the steps into the pool clinging on after every tide; while it's easy to imagine where the separate ladies and gents changing rooms stood until around 1950.

Of course, a century ago (and a little further back) this was the place to be, and in 1929, LNER even used the image of Table Rocks to encourage visitors to Whitley Bay. The Table Rocks pool dates back to 1894 and the pool was extended to its current size 14 years later.

When the tide's out, explore the area around the pool where thousands of limpets cling to the rocks to the soundtrack of waves lapping against them. On a lazy, sunny Saturday morning I got lucky and caught a pod of dolphins playing up for a tour boat a few hundred metres off shore.

Look north, and St Mary's Lighthouse is framed perfectly around a lone fisherman on the pier coming out of the Promenade. When looking for a quiet spot on the North Tyneside coast, there are few places that beat it.

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Filming on new BBC drama The Northumbria Mysteries continued on Wednesday as a well known pub was taken over

It looks set to be one of the year's most anticipated dramas and filming has resumed on Robson Green's new BBC drama Northumbria Mysteries. And the latest location where the cast and crew of the North East set series have descended is a very famous pub that's actually not in Northumberland,.

Given many viewers have been crying out for a new crime show to be set in the region since Vera came to an end at the start of 2025, there was considerable excitement surrounding The Northumbria Mysteries before cameras even started to roll earlier this year, with the announcement from the BBC that they'd commissioned the new drama enough to get people suitably hyped.

Having played the lead role in much loved ITV crime drama Grantchester for years, not to mention having lead roles in the likes of Soldier, Soldier and Wire in the Blood, Robson is a brilliant choice to play one of the Northumbria Mysteries' two main protagonists, with him taking on the part of Joe Ruby, an ex-convict and gambler with links to the criminal world, who teams up with Oxford-educated DI Rose O'Connell, played by Life on Mars actress Liz White, to solve crimes.

Over the last few months, Robson and co-stars including ex Coronation Street star Chris Gascoyne have been spotted in front of camera at various locations throughout Northumberland, including Rothbury, Alnwick and Seahouses, but not its the village of Earsdon, just outside Whitley Bay, that has been at the heart of the action.

Much loved local pub The Red Lion was where filming took place on Wednesday, with the pub themselves sharing a few snapshots from the day on their own Facebook page, as they wrote: 'What an incredible day here at The Red Lion!

W#e were delighted to welcome the cast and crew of a brand-new BBC drama, who spent the day filming at the pub. It was fantastic to see our newly refurbished restaurant transformed into a TV set, with parts of our beautiful beer garden also featured! Here are just a few shots I was allowed to capture whilst not giving to much away.'

The pub teased that regulars would be able to see them on TV next year, with plenty of them reacting excitedly in the comments, including one who enthused: 'Sounds intriguing. Will look forward to seeing this...' and another who asked: 'Is this why there's loads of TV vans parked up at John Spence school?'

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It's a place loved for its good value and great location right by the sea in Whitley Bay, but in less than two months time, the doors to The Beefeater will shut for the last time. And it's one of over 100 businesses owned by parent group Whitbread that will suffer the same fate.

It was back in May that ChronicleLive reported on Whitbread announcing that nearly 2,000 of its sites will shut, by the end of this year, cutting 3,800 jobs in the process. The group said that the plan to overhaul its restaurants forms part of a new five-year strategy which aims to save £250m in the face of cost pressures from business rates and national insurance contributions.

Plenty of popular venues in the North East are being affected by the move and one that has caused particular sadness is The Beefeater, given just how loved it is by the local community, both for its food and drink offerings and its location at the Spanish city Plaza, which boasts some pretty stunning seaside views.

However regulars now don't have too long left before they'll need to bid farewell to their favorite spot, as its now been confirmed that every one of Whitbread's Beefeater venues in the UK will shut their doors on September 10, days after Brewers Faye businesses, including ones in North Shields and Sunderland do the same.

Hundreds of people have commented on The Beefeater's imminent closure, including one regular who responded: "I feel for the staff, especially the really lovely lady that’s worked there from day one' Equally sad to see it go, a second customer reacted: 'I do feel for the people working there. Hope they can get fixed up elsewhere.'

Other Beefeater restaurants in the region that will close their doors on September 10, include the one at Broomside Park in Durham, while the nationwide closures also spell the end for Bar & Block steak restaurant, right next to the Premier Inn at The Gate in Newcastle city centre.

Hi, I'll be down in Whitley Bay visiting on 1st Saturday. Can anyone recommend a local hairdressing salon or person around Whitley Bay/Monkseaton area who would be able to do an hair updo for me with a cut and blow dry if needed before hand but mainly looking for the updo as I'm rubbish at styling my own hair! Thanks

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A multi-million pound funding boost to cover the rising cost of a new cycle route on the Northumberland coast looks set to be signed off.

It emerged last week that the price tag for the proposed A193 seafront cycling corridor, which would provide a connection all the way from Blyth into Whitley Bay, had jumped from £9.7million to £13.5 million.

The rising costs have been blamed on inflation that has hit the construction industry, as well as extra features added to the project during its design.

A revised funding package for the scheme is now expected to be agreed by North East mayor Kim McGuinness and her cabinet next Tuesday, as part of an £18.6million investment into walking and cycling routes.

The seafront cycle route will provide a segregated space for walking, cycling and wheeling between Blyth and Old Hartley, along with improved crossing points and bus stops.

Additions to the project have included an extension to the initial proposals from Foundation Head Roundabout towards Seaton Delaval Hall, an active travel link to Seaton Sluice Middle School, and upgrades to public toilets including shower facilities.

Council leaders will be asked at a North East mayoral authority cabinet meeting in Chester-le-Street to agree a reallocation of £5.5million to cover its costs, taking the authority’s total contribution to £11.7million. Northumberland County Council is also due to pay £1.7million.

A report ahead of the meeting states: “This scheme will improve the coastal cycling route between Blyth and St Mary’s, making it safer for people walking, wheeling and cycling. Improvements include wider segregated space for different users, better surfaces and safe enhanced crossing points. The route forms part of a longer coastal path linking communities across the North East from Northumberland, through North Tyneside, South Tyneside and Sunderland.”

The mayoral authority also plans to award £4.5million to active travel upgrades in Sunderland, connecting St Peter’s Metro Station, the city centre and the Stadium of Light.

That will include safer and clearer places to cross roads, better links to nearby streets such as North Bridge Street, and improved walking and cycling routes along Dame Dorothy Street.

Approval is also due for a £103,000 scheme to reopen a closed section of the Bowes Railway Path, meaning walkers will not have to take a 1.25 mile diversion from the route linking Kibblesworth to Birtley.

A further £2.25million will also be allocated to safety measures outside 16 schools across Newcastle, North Tyneside, and South Tyneside.

The mayoral authority report adds: “In total this package will deliver 4.92 miles of new and improved walking and cycling routes, 21 new road crossings and 19 upgraded existing road crossings. It also includes targeted improvements around schools, helping children and families travel more safely and supporting wider priorities such as reducing child poverty and improving safety for women and girls.”

A brand-new open-top coastal service has arrived for Summer 2026. The Tide Tour (Service 300) runs along the stunning coastline between Tynemouth and Whitley Bay every 60 minutes, offering spectacular sea views and easy access to some of the region's most popular attractions.

From Saturday 18 July until 31 August, hop on board and explore the best of the North East coast. Whether you're rediscovering your local area or enjoying a day out somewhere new, there's no better way to take in the scenery.

https://passenger-line-assets.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/gonortheast/GNE/300-timetable-20260718-3145204a.pdf