Bonbar was based at the Assembly Rooms in Newcastle

Memories of Newcastle's Bonbar and its five-year cocktail party

The chic city centre night spot lasted five years then closed five years ago this autumn

by · ChronicleLive

When Bonbar opened in Newcastle, in the historic Assembly Rooms in Fenkle Street, it billed itself as a premier late lounge and private hire bar- and it delivered on that promise with some top-notch cocktails, stylish cuisine - including afternoon teas, plus a gentleman's version - and a flurry of special events such as party nights and Tanqueray Terrace Takeovers.

There the cool city centre crowd soaked up the vibes and sipped those cocktails in what seemed a dark and mysterious environment. But it was definitely the place to be.

However, in September 2019 it closed its doors - although not until the bitter end, as it packed in a last busy weekend with a Saturday night of partying followed by a final chance to enjoy its 'famous Bonbar Sunday lunch'. Then it was all over.

In a farewell message on Facebook to its customers, it said: "All good things must come to an end", adding: "It’s been an incredible journey over the past five years." Here, with a trawl through the photo archives, is a reminder of its happier days.

A night-time shot of Bonbar which attracted a late crowd at the Assembly Rooms in Newcastle
Bonbar lasted for five years before closing its doors
The Osmonds' star Merrill Osmond and son Justin went to Bonbar during a 2015 visit to Newcastle for a fund-raiser organised by Jo Milne
The North East Blogger Awards took place at Bonbar