A new cafe bar is set to open in Newcastle that aims to uncover the next generation of regional music talent.
Tapyard Studios is poised to open at Byker business village Hoult’s Yard, offering a leisure and meeting space with a cafe during the day, while operating as a relaxed bar with a performing space by night. The venue, which has a strong focus on music, will offer three studios and a 300-capacity performance space which can hold live gigs for performers from across the North East.
Tapyard Studios is being officially opened on Saturday by entrepreneur Sam Roberts, who is relocating to Newcastle to establish the venture after managing a bar and music venue in Leeds. Committed to helping to develop the next generation of musical talent, Mr Roberts also owns We Are Heard, a venture which enables schools to generating funding though recording and selling their own albums of songs.
The organisation works with thousands of pupils across the country. Through Tapyard Studios, Mr Roberts – who is financing the venue himself – hopes to add to both Newcastle’s leisure and music scenes with the creation of his first venue.
He said: “The place I used to work in Leeds was amazing, unfortunately it closed despite its rapidly increasing popularity with a really diverse crowd. I saw the potential for a model which brought a bar and cafe together with music studio and rehearsal space. It was a really magical combination.
“I looked all around Leeds and in various other cities to find the perfect venue. I found this place at Hoult’s Yard and it ticked every box and decided to go for it, so I have now moved to Newcastle. I have played in bands my whole life and care about music and creating opportunities, so I am really excited to open Tapyard Studios and help support existing and future talent.”
He has been supported with his opening by Sarah Smith, head of licensing at Sintons, who secured the licensing of the premises.
He added: “I’m not from Newcastle and wasn’t sure where to go, but Sarah was recommended and I am so pleased to have met her. She has been so dependable and is so knowledgeable, and I’m really grateful for the support from day one.”
Ms Smith added: “Sam is absolutely committed to music and to creating opportunities for the next generation - the success of We Are Heard shows his ethos and values, and it’s fantastic he is now creating a venue to take this commitment even further. Tapyard Studios will bring even more diversity to Newcastle’s vibrant leisure scene, with an informal bar/cafe offering combining with the music aspect to create something really exciting for the city.”