FROM PRINT WORKS to a pint-pulling, in-house distillery, Newcastle leisure company Vaulkhard Group is set to open its doors to its latest offering.
Home to the City’s only working in-house gin still, Bealim House will be open to the public from early September following staff training.
Set on the site that was formerly Fluid Bar and Kitchen, the bar will reveal its new look following an extensive £590,000 redevelopment.
Honouring the history of the building which was established in 1896, Bealim House pays homage to what was formerly Bealim Print Works for over 100 years – a move which has lent itself to the inspiration of the design.
Director Ollie Vaulkhard said: “With such a magnificent building and history in Gallowgate, we wanted to honour that history throughout the design of the bar.
“The theme includes printing blocks and historical printing memorabilia along with some amazing original features we discovered as we stripped it all back.
“We have turned the interiors on its head in the sense that the stair cases and the main entrance are in different places, we have incorporated features like wooden flooring that was once table tops and a bar top that was a wooden floor.
“That, along with so many other quirky features, creates not only a relaxed environment but something that aesthetically gives it the ‘wow’ factor and a bit of talking point.
“We are delighted with how the venue has turned out and look forward to welcoming customers through the doors.”
Bealim House which spans over two-floors incorporates antique leather seats, vintage tiles, varnished brick walls and an open-plan kitchen on the first floor serving bar tapas, sharing platters and a unique twist on classic bar food.
Along with Bealim House’s own brand of on-site distilled ‘hibiscus’ gin, the impressive drinks menu will also comprise fine wines with tasting glasses, an extensive cocktail menu and a beer table complete with self-pouring pumps where private parties or groups can pre-order a keg of beer of their choice.
The refurbishment formed the first of Vaulkhard Group’s £4million development plans across several of its city centre bars over the next three years, and the six-figure investment for Bealim House was supported by NatWest and Sintons.
Relationship director for NatWest Mike Cross specialises in supporting businesses within the leisure sector. He said: “The team at Vaulkhard Group have a strong history of creating leisure establishments that thrive and they ensure these businesses develop as the sector changes.
“The Group’s directors have a clear focus on their long-term business aspirations and I wish them every success for the future.”
Head of real estate at Sintons, Mark Dobbin, who advised on the funding deal for Bealim House added: “We have been advisor to the Vaulkhard family for many years. This refurbishment is the first of many exciting projects being undertaken by the Vaulkhard Group and I am confident this will lead to further success for the business, which is already held in such high esteem across the North East.”
Bealim House on Gallowgate will be open to the public from early September.