New bar and bistro planned in former WH Smith in Berwick

A new bar and bistro could soon be opening in a prominent spot on Berwick’s high street.

A licensing application has been lodged for Sammy’s Bar and Kitchen in part of the former WH Smith unit on Marygate.

Part of the former WH Smith in Berwick is being turned into a bar restaurant.

placeholder image — Part of the former WH Smith in Berwick is being turned into a bar restaurant.

The application indicates plans for a 47-cover venue with opening hours from 12pm until 10pm every day.

A licence is being sought for the sale of alcohol within those hours.

The application also states that CCTV will be installed, it will be seating only and music will be kept at low levels.

The property, empty since the closure of WH Smith in spring 2025, has been undergoing refurbishment by GJR Construction in recent months.

Gary Robertson is splitting the former WH Smith into separate commercial units, again with residential use on the upper floors, after purchasing it from a pension fund.

His firm has already redeveloped units now occupied by Northern Edge, Junk and Disorderly and The Book Loft, along with their upper floors for residential use.