Raise a glass to £400,000 quick refurb
IT MAY be on Newcastle High Street, but managers say their new-look bar would not look out of place in New York or Paris.
The former Edwards bar reopens to the public tomorrow as Lakota, after a three-and-a-half week £400,000 refit.
It is set to be the first of a new chain of upmarket bars, offering both dinner and dancing.
The bar will serve more than 30 different cocktails, along with a menu, including unusual dishes such as Japanese Wagyu burgers.
In the evening, drinkers will be able to use the venue's dance floor, where Ministry of Sound DJs will supply sounds.
Operations manager Alex Shepherd says bar owner Mitchells and Butlers is confident the rebranding will pay off, despite the tough economic conditions.
He said: "If you're not already in the value market, you shouldn't try to get into it, as there are already places like Wetherspoons and Yates's. But if you go for quality, people will still want to treat themselves.
"There might be a credit crunch but Rolls-Royce is still selling cars.
"We are offering something different. We're the first bar in Newcastle to serve Kirin beer from Japan, and I think we are the first to serve Peroni on draught."
Mr Shepherd added: "Lakota is a tribe of North American indians, famous for their pottery, which we thought was quite appropriate considering the location."
As well as changing the internal decor, the refit has created an outdoor heated seating area at the back of the bar.
Twenty-five people will work at the bar, with around half transferring from Edwards.
Lakota manager Judy Evans said: "Lakota would not appear out of place in New York or Paris.
"It pushes the boundaries with its bar design and sheer variety of drinks.
"We think the bar is a bold and inspiring space where people can enjoy themselves. It offers a combination of dancing and dining – whatever the occasion."
As well as its extensive range of beers, Lakota will offer nine types of vodka, eight types of rum, five types of whiskey and a huge variety of other spirits.
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4 Comments
by Victoria, Newcastle
Friday, September 26 2008, 10:08AM
“Looks brill - will be heading on down there tonight I think!
Edwards fan - there's surely nothing wrong with taking pride in where you live!”
by Michelle, Stoke Area
Thursday, September 25 2008, 9:35AM
“I am so glad that this has opened.
It is about time we had somewhere nice to go like this, where you can go out with your partner or friends have a nice meal and a drink and have a boogie, without all the young drunks slogging about all over you and causing trouble because they cant handle their drink. Its a fantastic idea well done.”
by Rachel, staffs, Staffordshire
Thursday, September 25 2008, 8:52AM
“I went last night and I loved the tunes. Make mine a pornstar martini!!!”
by edwards fan, stoke on trent
Wednesday, September 24 2008, 11:37AM
“why refurb a busy good pub into a upmarket bar when there is no need. I am really disappointed by the discription of the bar it is not some where i would go to. The article says it would fit in in new york or paris but we are in Newcastle under lyme it is such a shame.”