Newcastle city centre 1920s-themed speakeasy Prohibition is to close after a decade of trading, after its owner cited unsustainable costs.
Mitch Mitchell was instrumental in reviving the spirit of the American prohibition era in the North East, having first launched Prohibition in a repurposed railway arch in Gateshead. The venue quickly amassed a following, with its mix of cabaret, vaudeville, and music-hall shows rooted in the aesthetic of the '20s and '30s.
In a significant move in 2018, Prohibition moved to Newcastle city centre, inhabiting the old Jazz Cafe on Pink Lane. However, escalating operational costs have led Mr Mitchell to announce the venue's closure this summer.
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The announcement marks a sombre day for the region's music and entertainment industry, as Prohibition has played host to countless musicians, performers vocalists and bands from the North East and beyond, reports .
Acclaimed singer-songwriter Sam Fender performed a new track from his latest album on the venue's piano two years ago. Now, that very piano, along with other fixtures and fittings, is set to be auctioned off as part of efforts to cover costs for the establishment, which owner Mr Mitchell regretfully announced will shut its doors on July 31 with "the very heaviest of hearts".
Mr Mitchell said: "We've filled this last decade with so many amazing memories and fun times and we will cherish those dearly. Lately though, we have been up against it financially, we have been for some time, but thanks to the tremendous support and generosity we've always treasured from our wonderful customers, as well as, of course, the talent and dedication of all the acts that have brought so much to the bar, we've been able to defy the odds and keep going. Until now.
"From the very beginning we insisted that we've never been about profit or 'in it for the money' and we have proudly and rigidly stuck to our mission of being the home of free live performance here in Newcastle, believing that the culture and joy that live entertainment brings to us all should be for everyone, regardless of their circumstance. This approach has meant that we've only ever just about broken even (at times by the very skin of our teeth and often with sacrifices along the way) but with the many recent and upcoming rises to our running costs we would never have been able to continue and keep our heads above water.
"We are no longer sustainable in this format and would not work or would have had to compromise our core principals in any other, therefore, we accept that it is time to wrap this show up and lower the final curtain knowing we did our absolute best and have had an incredible ten years doing so!"
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Mr Mitchell expressed his determination to "keep the good times rolling until the very end on July 31" and reassured that all bookings, shows, and events up to that date will proceed as scheduled.
He said: "We hope to raise vital funds before we go to help us settle up and leave with as little financial baggage as possible, so will set up a fundraiser and in the closing weeks we will be holding an auction to sell off all our fixtures and fittings. Everything will be up for sale: furniture, pictures, rugs, mirrors, lamps, glassware, fridges, ornaments, plants, books, CDs, sound equipment and tech and of course the beautiful, bespoke bar counter and backbar itself will be up for grabs.
"We also hope the house piano, (made famous by Sam Fender's exclusive performance that went viral) might find a new home too, it has been a central piece to the bar aesthetic throughout and we've had some fantastic knees ups gathered around it with our house pianist Merlin and the amazing Jenni Winter over the years! But rest assured, every single pound raised will go towards paying off as much as we can before we go and you get the chance to take a piece of Prohibition home with you to remember us, and all the good times by.
"All I ever wanted was to make great memories and create something unique that will be remembered with love and fondness for years to come. I think I managed that. I don't think I could have given much more, that's for sure, I'm mentally and physically exhausted and definitely look and feel ten years older!"
"But for all the stress and worry it's been, I honestly wouldn't change it for the world. I've learned so much and can look back on this chapter of my life and career with a great sense of achievement and a heart full of pride. For that, I am truly thankful. For now, though, the stage is still lit and the bar is still serving, so let's do this the Prohibition way and go out with a bang!"
This announcement follows closely on the heels of the recent closure of Newcastle's Horticulture bar and restaurant, along with its sibling venues El Guapo and Horticulture Coastal, as the proprietor contemplates the future of these locations. The city has also seen the shuttering of other establishments including The Earl of Pitt Street, Leila Lily's, and the Hard Rock Cafe.
Several factors have been influencing some of the sites, such as soaring commodity prices, heightened National Insurance contributions and other escalating costs. These are coupled with diminished consumer confidence, resulting in fewer individuals spending on eating and drinking out.