Newcastle United legends who used to frequent an iconic West End pub have shared their shock and sadness at its closure.
Steve Burns, the former landlord of the Black Bull on Barrack Road, Newcastle, says he was "forced out" in November last year after three decades of serving crowds of Magpie fans and locals. The 60-year-old from Benwell said he was informed by the owner of the building, Trust Inns, via e-mail that he had 10 days to exit the premises otherwise he would be chased for dilapidation costs.
Following the closure, Steve said a number of the Newcastle players who used to drink there have reached out.
"I am still friends with a lot of the players and a lot of them couldn't believe the way it was done," Steve said.
"They were surprised because I have been there for 31 years and had to just leave like that. Quite a few of them have wished me well.
"I keep in touch with Alan [Shearer], Rob Lee, John Beresford, and John Carver, who is now the assistant manager of Scotland. They all sent me messages wishing me all the best for whatever I do in the future.
"It was also nice to hear from some of the comments from the matchday customers saying they appreciated what I had done."
Steve said he had approached Trust Inns on several occasions since 2019 with plans to convert the manager's flat above the pub into hotel rooms to "ensure the longevity of the business." He said that in return for this personal investment, he had asked for a long-term contract.
However, he claims he was refused, with Trust Inns saying they could only give him a three-year contract. He said the Trust looked into financing the investment themselves, but ultimately decided that neither they nor he would be able to go ahead with the transformation.
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Now, five months on from leaving the business where he spent half of his life, Steve says a "sour taste" remains in his mouth as he debates his future.
Although he stressed "never say never," the former landlord believes the closure of the Black Bull marks the end of his time in the pub trade.
"I haven't a clue what I am going to do now," Steve said.
"I have been involved in the pub game in excess of 40 years, but I think the pub trade to me is dead because I have lost interest and trust. I feel let down.
"[What has happened with Trust Inns] has left a sour taste in my mouth. I don't know what direction I am going to go in.
"I'm thinking about going to Spain and sitting in the sun for a while. The pub trade is long hours and hard work and with the price increases there is very little reward."
Steve said he often thinks about the staff he had to let go with just 10 days' notice and wonders if there was any more he could have done.
"I feel I let the staff down as well by having to let them go," he said.
"They had been there for a lot of years. They didn't deserve it.
"It was only four weeks before Christmas. At times I sit and think, 'could I have done any more?' but my hands were tied."
In November last year, a Trust Inns spokesman responded to the allegations made by Steve, claiming; “Mr Burns chose to leave the Black Bull of his own volition".
The spokesman said Trust Inns understood it was an upsetting time for Mr Burns but said they vehemently denied his allegations.
The spokesman added: "Should Mr Burns wish to continue with legal proceedings then Trust Inns would defend its position with confidence."
"As a national and long standing pub estate company, Trust Inns adheres to an industry approved Code of Practice for all its lease and tenancy agreements. The company is proud of its 27 year history and continues to work hard, supporting and working together with its lessees and tenants at creating great local pubs across the country.”
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