A new lease of life to be given to town pub
Pauline Robertson outside the Marina Arms in Amble.
A closed pub is set to be given a new lease of life – when it reopens as an arts and crafts venue.
Warkworth resident Pauline Robertson is planning to give the empty Marina Arms, in Amble, a major overhaul, transforming it into a hub for artists and antique dealers.
The 55-year-old hopes it will attract visitors from near and far and is aiming to open the doors just before Easter.
She said: “Everybody I have spoken to thinks it will be really good and I have had an unbelievable response.
“Hopefully there will be a range of everything, from antiques to paintings, quilts and bric-a-brac.
“Most of the people who are interested in having a space are local.
“I have also spoken to someone who wants to have a small cafe on site.
“I am really excited about this and I hope it will be successful.
“I love the building to be honest and I thought it would be brilliant for a centre for arts and crafts and antiques.
“I used to go to the pub years ago for Sunday lunches and it was a shame to see it closed and empty.
“The location is perfect for passing trade and the car park is an extra bonus.
“I am hoping it will bring in a lot of people, even people from outside the area. I think a lot of people are interested in this type of thing.”
Pauline wants The Wynd-based venue to be open seven days a week and she plans to be on site most of the time.
However, she would like to take on a couple of staff to help with the day-to-day running if the venture is successful.
Pauline’s husband Chris, 50, is a French polisher by trade.
She said: “I have always been interested in antiques and I used to help Chris when he was self-employed.”
The venue is to be called The Marina.
Mayor of Amble, Ian Hinson, welcomed the news and is pleased the empty building, which is on one of the main entrances to the town, is set to be brought back into use.
“It is a very innovative approach and it may well break the mould. I wish her well,” he said.
If anyone is interested in having a space at The Marina, call Pauline on 01665 711346.
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Weather for Northumberland
Wednesday 19 June 2013
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