Popular Newcastle bar and celebrity hotspot closes suddenly as update given on its future

It's a bar that has been hugely popular since it opened right near the end of the Covid pandemic, but Bobby's Newcastle has suddenly closed down, with a statement given on its future on social media, as its owner assured 'this isn't the end.'

It's been three years since Bobby's threw open its doors on Scotswood Road in the city centre, going into the premises formerly occupied by the likes of The End and Secrets and it quickly became a huge hit with both revellers on Newcastle's gay scene and visitors to the city, thanks to its regular cabaret spots, opportunities for up and coming talent to perform, and welcoming atmosphere.

Bobby's is also a place that has become quite a hotspot for celebrities, with the likes of Scarlett Moffatt, Kim Woodburn, stars from The Traitors, Charity Shop Sue and Katie Price partying there, with Katie heading there after her stint in an adult pantomime in North Shields at the start of this year, as she made her first public appearance with Married at First Sight boyfriend JJ Slater.

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As well as attracting well known faces from the TV industry and hosting performances from Drag Race icons, Bobby's has also held several fundraisers for some important causes over the last few years and just last week welcomed former Big Brother winner Nadia Almada, meaning reaction to the announcement of its closure on Monday. sparked a huge reaction.

Breaking the sad news on Facebook, its owner wrote: "I wasn’t expecting to be writing this on a Monday morning. I’m very sad to have to say that Bobby’s Newcastle has closed it’s doors for the foreseeable future. Some of you will be aware of the health scares I have had recently but last week things developed to a point where I am no longer able to continue operating at the level I have been.

"Health is so important and I have to put myself and my family first. I have tried to put contingencies in place through recruitment to relieve some of the pressure but I haven’t been able to do so and I have run out of time to do it."

Explaining what will happen with Bobby's going forward, the statement added: "Bobby’s isn’t gone, it’s just having a break. When I started this 5 years ago I had no idea how amazing the ride would be. The Bobby’s family of staff, performers and customers is something I will cherish forever. I’ve made some friends for life and we’ve had some incredible shows and events. I wanted to support community projects and local performers, nurture talent and give people a platform to develop their art and creativity. I’m proud to say that Bobby’s did all of that.

"I want to thank absolutely everyone who has walked through our doors, every artist who has performed on our stage, every organisation or group who have allowed us to support them or worked with us and most of all the people who have worked so hard behind the scenes or on our bar to make Bobby’s what it is."

The post about Bobby's closure was quickly met with plenty of comments from both regular customers and acts who performed there, with all of them expressing their sadness at it shutting and thanking all involved for their hard work in making it a successful bar and a 'safe haven' to enjoy.