Staff seek cash to buy much-loved music pub

Former staff and regulars at one of Newcastle's oldest and most-loved music pubs are bidding to buy the freehold in an attempt to rescue it from "corporate" buyers.

Callum Costello, a former barman at the Cooperage, and a "host of people who love the pub" are hoping to raise enough money to run the venue as a co-operative.

The idea came as the result of a Facebook campaign​, which has already seen more than 10,000 people join up.

"We would not have even considered this if the response on Facebook had not have been so massive," said Costello.

"We will keep going as long as there's a chance we can keep it away from corporate types."

Costello is aiming to set up a website allowing people to pledge money for a year's membership, giving them a vote on how the business is run.

The Cooperage was shut by owners Enterprise Inns this week.

Prior to that Newcastle City Council had issued a noise abatement order on the pub after complaints from residents in nearby flats.

The council said sound proofing needed to be installed at the pub, but Enterprise opted to close the pub instead.

A statement from Enterprise said: "We are considering our options with the building.

"However in the meantime we felt that we had no other option but to close the premises in order that the premise licence could be retained thus preserving the Cooperage's ability to operate as a licensed premises in the future."

A council spokesman said the pub "in its current state is unsuitable for use as a live music entertainment venue."

According to Sanderson Weatherall, the agent handling the sale, the pub has been on the market since June for £650,000 and has received one formal offer, which has been declined.