A POPULAR bar is set to close after 10 years of trading, with its heartbroken owner blaming “unsustainable” rising costs.
The retro venue in city centre, inspired by speakeasies and cabaret bars of , will shut its doors for the final time in just months.
Prohibition was first built in a converted railway arch in neighbouring in 2015, attracting large numbers of followers for its classic feel.
It then moved across the river in 2018, taking up the location of the famed former Jazz Cafe on Pink Lane.
However now, owner Mitch Mitchell has shared the sad news that his iconic venue will be in July.
He explained that “upcoming ” have meant the business was “no longer sustainable” in the format it was running.
Faced with the tough choice of having to on the bar's “core principles”, Mitch felt it was better for the venue to close but be able to hold its head up high.
In a lengthy heartfelt post on , Mitch and his team wrote: “We've filled this last decade with so many amazing memories and fun times and we will cherish those dearly.
“Lately though, we have been up against it financially, we have been for some time, but thanks to the tremendous support and generosity we’ve always treasured from our wonderful customers, as well as, of course, the talent and dedication of all the acts that have brought so much to the bar, we’ve been able to defy the odds and keep going – until now.
“From the very beginning we insisted that we’ve never been about profit or ‘in it for the ‘ and we have proudly and rigidly stuck to our mission of being the home of free live performance here in Newcastle, believing that the culture and joy that live entertainment brings to us all should be for everyone, regardless of their circumstance.”
Mitch added that the had “only ever just about “, due to its commitment to keeping the outlet affordable for people in the bustling city.
He continued: “But with the many recent and upcoming rises to our running costs, we would never have been able to continue and keep our heads above water.
“We are no longer sustainable in this format and would not work or would have had to compromise our core principals in any other, therefore, we accept that it is time to wrap this show up and lower the final curtain knowing we did our absolute best and have had an incredible ten years doing so.”
The iconic venue found itself in the spotlight after musician played an impromptu piano track from his new album in 2023.
Prohibition had been a platform for countless musicians, singers, and bands from across the North East over its 10 years of operation.
Mitch said fixtures and fittings in the bar, including the piano Sam played on, would be sold off in a bid to cover costs for the “good old fashioned liquor joint”.
The venue will close for good on July 31 with the “heaviest of hearts”, Mitch added.
In a touching tribute to the fans “devastated” by the closure, Mitch said: “Thank you, all of you, for all the love and support you’ve shown for Prohibition over the last ten years – this place would have been nothing without the live and performances and of course, your much treasured and always appreciated custom.
“All I ever wanted was to make great memories and create something unique that will be remembered with love and fondness for years to come – I think I managed that.
“I don't think I could have given much more, that's for sure, I'm mentally and physically exhausted and definitely look and feel ten years older.
“But for all the stress and worry it's been, I honestly wouldn't change it for the world.
“I've learned so much and can look back on this chapter of my life and career with a great sense of achievement and a heart full of pride – for that, I am truly thankful.”
Nearly 300 emotional comments have been left underneath the bar's closure post, with many saying how “heartbroken” they were at the news.
One fan of the bar wrote: “Gutted to read this Mitch.
“Prohibition has been my favourite place, and I’ll miss you all. Crying now.”
Another added: “So sad. Devastated for you.
“You’ve done such an amazing job with an incredibly lovely team.
“Thank you for making my life and the lives of so many people so joyful. Much love.”
A third issued a lengthy tribute, saying: “I feel I've just heard about a relative handed a terminal diagnosis.
“This is such a unique part of the city you've all been part of.
“From the amazing hound clubs, to the unique and talented acts you've all had on and the laughs we've all shared with Bunty.
“We all know guys and how hard this must have been to reach the conclusion.
“Thank you all for some amazing memories that will last forever.
“My thoughts are with you all at this time.
“Hope the future holds something bright in these dark times.”
