What had started off as a novelty soon became one of our best-loved night spots once Stack staked its claim to its prime city site.
Container village set-ups were in their infancy when Stack first opened in Newcastle but now that location in Pilgrim Street is set for redevelopment and its drinks, shops and food outlets soon will be closing for good. News that Stack will shut on May 2 came as a blow to both its many traders and customers; the social hub having become so popular that many forgot it was only ever supposed to be temporary.
There is, however, a little ray of light in the darkness with hints there may be an alternative future location found for the set-up. With fingers rossed for that, we here reflect upon what we will miss about Stack once it's gone.
Read more: traders' sorrow at Stack closure
Novelty factor
The idea of sitting inside what is pretty much a corrugated metal box had huge novelty value when Stack first opened. Container buildings, like food shacks, were just becoming a trend and Stack did it better than most with a convivial open bar area which appealed as much on post-shopping afternoons as it did on a proper night out-out.
Trying new food
An early lookaround of Stack's food outlets revealed a world of street food under one roof - albeit not really a roof - as we'd never experienced before. Although many came and went - then others came - this was a chance for inspired street food talents, who had been working from food vans, carts and stalls on the festival circuit, to spread their wings.
People spotting
When Stack rules first stated that you had to go upstairs to eat, you soon realised what a great vantage point you had on the upper level, being able to watch out for mates or nosing at some drunken antics without being spotted. You might even pick out a famous face, like the time Andy Carroll paid a visit.
Big screen atmosphere
The Euros coverage was a highlight of summer 2021, with fans mingling and that in-it-together atmosphere just electrifying. Stack's big screen showed all the games - and live commentary on the England matches - and you could chance a walk-in too.
Just 'one after work'
City centre workers setting off home for the day would invariably pass Stack with the best of intentions only to be diverted by the sight of the bar and sound of people having a good time. Then that spur-of-the-moment plan for 'just one' would then ... well you know, you've all done it.
Warm welcome
Just when you thought you weren't up to sitting outside in the cold you then remembered Stack had heaters. And not just any old heaters but whoppers which made you feel that you were actually getting a suntan. We'd brace ourselves as the inner burn kicked in and would be grateful for it.
Chilling out at the Ice Bar
We had temperatures too at the other end of the scale when this winter pop-up made its appearance, tucked at the far end of Stack where an inner frozen world of themed ice sculptures and other cool attractions awaited. We'll miss donning a furry cloak (who wouldn't want to do that) and sipping a drink nose-to-nose with the carved face of King Kong or a looming Statue of Liberty.
Kroud Karaoke
You might have sworn you'd never do it, that you're not one for joining in, but mass gatherings have an ability to draw you in and whip you up. These singalong events are legendary and before you know it you're belting it out with the best of them.
A Gill's special
It's gone now but an after-drink fuel-up at Gill's Fish & Chips outlet upstairs was not to be missed. And we do miss it: Proper chips, with halloumi and curry sauce was a thing and a great thing at that.
Hadrian's Tipi
Another seasonal addition to Stack, the tipi served us festive drinks, like mulled wine and chocolate, inside a cocoon of fairylights and fire pits. We loved that cosy fuzzy atmosphere and we'll miss it.
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Spending a penny
And we don't mean all the money we handed over at the tills. Stack was actually a very handy toilet stop-off for anyone caught short in the city centre. With public facilities hard to find, you could pop into Stack without anyone noticing.
Duck-loaded fries
Another food favourite, these unforgettable fries from Hatch 76 were always a huge temptation if you were hungry and you'd do your utmost to get in first to get your share.
Hard Rock Cafe shop
Newcastle has an actual Hard Rock Cafe now of course but before it opened there came this shop at Stack, selling coveted memorabilia. Ok, so that might be missed only by true Hard Rock fans (although they now only need go down the road to the quayside restaurant to stock up at the shop there) this is a reminder of the whole range of shops dotted through Stack - where we've had everything from gifts to bubble tea - that will be shutting in May.
The crossover hour
When the afternoon starts to morph into evening and the live music kicks in .... everybody is happy. food, drink, friends and entertainment all on one spot - and it's no wonder there's dancing. Everyone is going to miss that.
