Newcastle bar back in business after flood as staff work 'round the clock' to re-open

Having seen its big plans for Restaurant Week thwarted by a burst pipe that flooded the whole building, a Newcastle bar is back in business, after a team worked 'round the clock' in order for it to re-open.

For 15 years, 36-38 Mosley Street was home to Bijoux, the Newcastle city centre bar that became a big hit with locals and plenty of visitors to Tyneside, thanks to its many appearances on Geordie Shore, with cast always filming there back in the MTV show's hey-day in the 2010s.

Well, after a huge transformation and with a very different feel, the same building became Motel Mexicana in the spring of 2024, with it quickly becoming a very popular place to go, whether it be for some tacos, a few margaritas or a boozy bottomless brunch. This week marks the first time that Motel Mexicana has taken part in a January Restaurant Week; however, what was meant to be a very busy period for the venue and its staff, took an unexpected and unwanted turn, when a pipe burst on its top floor and caused havoc in the whole building out of use as water leaked.

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Devastated at having to shut and cancel bookings, Motel Mexicana vowed to try their hardest to re-open by the end of the week, as well as announcing that their Restaurant Week offers would be extended for the rest of the month. And now, sun-drenched vibes are back on Mosley Street, with Motel Mexicana able to re-open on Friday afternoon.

Breaking the good news on Instagram. Motel Mexicana said: "We've had people in drying, cleaning and fixing, all so we can re-open this weekend. We deeply apologise for any bookings we have been unable to fulfil this week. We thank you all for being understanding and supporting."

The bar's Restaurant Week deals are available for £15, £10 and £25, depending on how many tacos you want and if you think you'll have room for a few churros after.