Image by Daniel Finch
If I was as successful as Jade Thirlwall, I would have my own bar too.
If you ever find yourself with a free weekend consisting of no plans, I urge you to run – do not walk – to your nearest Metro stop. Head to South Shields and find Arbeia on Ocean Road. Just like that, I can assure you will never be stumped for what to do on a Saturday night again.
The cocktail and live music bar was opened by former member of Little Mix, Jade Thirlwall, in October 2019. A true VIP launch saw the likes of her former bandmates and Joe McElderry in the centre of Thirlwall’s hometown to celebrate the venue.
Image credit: North News & Pictures Ltd.
Formerly named Red Door, the bar has since been given a rebrand to honour the nearby Roman fort of the same name. As traditional of a cocktail bar, Arbeia serves an array of favourites and yet, the offerings do not stop there. There is a supplementary coffee menu as well as their latest addition of pizzas (of which you will practically always secure a deal on).
I first visited this place with a friend in February of 2022. Needless to say, we were both hardcore Little Mix fans during their prime so we couldn’t exactly give it a miss. All biases aside, we loved it.
Drink prices were extremely reasonable and that is coming from two students, might I add. The friendly service behind the bar also enhanced our initial experience; our only downside being the lack of customers in the venue. In my opinion, there was no reason for every table not to be occupied.
I have no doubt that if this spot was located in Newcastle city centre, it would have been an instant smash. However, setbacks of the COVID-19 pandemic and a subsequent temporary closure resulted in the bar’s loss of £220,000 in its first year of business.
It seems, however, things have been looking up since. With Thirlwall having established herself as an undeniable paragon of queer allyship throughout her musical career, it is not at all surprising that her bar is inclusive alike. In fact, it appears that an emphasis on pride events and LGBTQ+ celebration has been instilled by the landlady across the last year. Simultaneously, the approach seems to be bringing in bigger crowds too.
Let me tell you about Northern Pride Weekend 2023 for example. The miserable, grey conditions of Saturday’s parade were only worsened when the entirety of Sunday’s scheduled events were cancelled by organisers of the festival. And yet, the silver lining of this storm came in the form of Arbeia x Stonewall’s Pride Day event.
A community fair which featured a variety of local independent business covered the early afternoon. The evening only surpassed this with performances from Drag Race stars, Black Peppa and Tia Kofi, as well as a DJ set from Mr Theo. Entry to the event was completely free and 100% of proceeds were donated to the Stonewall charity, alongside local LGBTQ+ causes. It’s true, Miss Thirlwall saved the whole weekend.
Video credit: Dan Finch
Image credit: Dan Finch
Such acts are hardly surprising when taking into account the singer’s consistent work with the charity in the past. Her commitment to the community is undeniable, whether it is shown through her attendance at Pride events or the drag-themed birthday party she hosted, also in aid of Stonewall. Please, name someone more deserving of the GAY TIMES Honour award for Allyship she received in 2021.
Her commitment to the community is undeniable
Earlier this month, on Saturday, December 2, Arbeia launched ‘PANACHE’, described as “the new LGBTQ+ celebratory event coming to South Shields” on their Instagram page. The first of these events consisted of live drag performances from renowned names, Cheryl Hole, Bailey J Mills, and Bella B Campbell. These nights will certainly be one to watch, delivering a refreshing taste of pride in the town of South Shields.
Arbeia is open every Friday and Saturday from 5pm-2am and on Sundays from 5pm-11pm.