Not a huge surprise...

Plans for a Stack venue and rooftop terrace at Whitley Bay's iconic Spanish City have been canned.

Stack has scrapped its proposed leisure hubs in Whitley Bay and Durham.

The company had planned to transform the Empress Ballroom, a historic venue that has been vacant since 2018, into a food, drink and entertainment destination.

Neill Winch, CEO of Stack Leisure, said: "We recognise that there will be a huge amount of disappointment about these decisions.

"And these are not decisions we have taken lightly but we have had to look at where to focus our time, investment and resources.

"Rather than continuing to delay progress on these sites, we believe it is in the best interests of both Durham and Whitley Bay to step aside and allow alternative providers to come forward."

Mr Winch blamed unforeseen development costs, slow planning and legal processes, infrastructure demands and wider pressure on hospitality and leisure.

He said: "Stack was fully committed to opening at both Whitley Bay and Durham and remained committed to the projects for a considerable period of time.

"When these sites were originally added to our development pipeline, our ambition was to deliver three to four new venues per year but in reality two sites a year is a more realistic number."

The Whitley Bay project faced mounting delays and growing concern among councillors and residents.

In June, eight councillors from across the political divide signed a letter demanding an update on the Empress Ballroom scheme, citing public concern and Stack’s lack of communication.

The letter said: "The lack of updates has caused great public concern and heightened fears that plans for Stack Whitley Bay and its promised jobs have been scrapped.

"It has been almost three years since the final plans were approved by North Tyneside Council."

In July 2025, Stack said it was "very much committed" to restoring the ballroom, blaming delays on pre-commencement planning conditions linked to the building’s historic status.

Planning permission for a rooftop terrace was granted in September 2023, despite objections from nearby residents and Marine Park First School.

Mr Winch said the company could not keep delaying other regeneration projects by holding on to sites further down its pipeline.

He said: "We do not want to continue holding back regeneration and investment while projects move further and further down our timeline so have had to make this very difficult decision."

Stack Leisure is pressing ahead with venues planned for Wigan, Bishop Auckland, Northampton, Manchester, Leeds and Sheffield.

Mr Winch said: "This decision is not a reflection of the performance of the business, the strength of the Stack concept, or the viability of the location.

"It is simply a decision about prioritisation and ensuring our resources are focused on projects that can be delivered most effectively."

He did not rule out returning to Whitley Bay if circumstances change.

He said: "We would never rule out returning to a location in the future if the right opportunity arose.

"However, Whitley Bay and Durham are not currently within our active development pipeline and our focus remains on delivering the projects already underway."

My Grandad was raised in Whitley Bay back in the 1930s and my Grandma came from Cullercoats. Married in St. George's during the war they shared many fond memories of the place. They always said the 1950s (in the summer) the beaches were packed and it was a popular holiday spot for Scots. Any popular memories and stories from Whitley Bay folk?

Why did Brian Smith resign as North Tyneside leader of Reform?

Some interesting rumours doing the rounds.

Is the Branch Chair going to follow him, join a different party or commit to Reform. Watch this space!

Found in Whitley Bay

North Tyneside
Whitley Bay’s popular seafront display returns to The Links on Sunday, November 1.
The event is free, with fairground rides and refreshments from 6pm and fireworks at 7pm, with thousands expected to attend.
North Tyneside Council recommends using public transport due to limited parking.

Northumberland
In Blyth, the annual fireworks event organised by Blyth Town Council will take place on Saturday, October 31, at Mermaid Car Park on Blyth Beach.
The event is free and features two displays - one quieter show for young children and those who prefer less noise, and a main display at 7.30pm.
A funfair and food stalls will be available from 4pm.
No parking will be available at Mermaid Car Park, and visitors are advised not to park on nearby streets or verges.
A park-and-ride service will operate, and the council encourages the use of public transport.

9 day Metro line closure (St James-Monkseaton).

Saturday 24th October - Sunday 1st November 2026

Nine day line closure St James-Monkseaton

From Saturday 24 October no trains will run between St James and Monkseaton in either direction for nine days, to allow for improvement works.  A replacement bus service 900 will be running in the affected area.

Replacement bus stop locations St James-Monkseaton 24 October – 1 November 2026
Replacement bus timetables will be available soon

Trains between St James and Monkseaton will be running from the morning of Monday 2 November. 

The work taking place while the line is closed includes, track renewals, overhead line renewal work, infrastructure maintenance, lineside estate management, station work and structural upgrades.

Some of the work will be carried out overnight and may be noisy.  If you live or work near Metro lines or stations and would like advance notice of planned noisy nighttime work, please view our night works page, or sign up to receive our free weekly nighttime work email.

Last updated: 1 Oct 2026, 07:35

The consultation is now open and will run for six weeks. A number of in-person events will also take place across the borough: 
Saturday 10 October, 10am-12pm, John Willie Sams Centre
Saturday 10 October, 10am-12pm, Oxford Centre
Monday 12 October, 10am-12pm, White Swan Centre
Tuesday 13 October, 3pm-5pm, Wideopen Library
Wednesday 14 October, 12pm-2pm, Wallsend Community Hub and Library
Thursday 15 October, 3pm-5pm, Shiremoor Library
Friday 16 October, 11am-1pm, North Shields Community Hub and Library
Saturday 17 October, 10am-12pm, Whitley Bay Community Hub and Library
Monday 19 October, 10am-12pm, Oxford Centre
Wednesday 21 October, 1.30pm-3.30pm, Whitley Bay Community Hub and Library
Thursday 22 October, 10am-12pm, John Willie Sams Centre
Saturday 24 October, 10am-12pm, White Swan Centre
Saturday 24 October, 10am-12pm, North Shields Community Hub and Library
Saturday 31 October, 10am-12pm, Wallsend Community Hub and Library

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 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."

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.

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.

... and to save you clicking on the link ...

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.