The family of a man who tragically took his own life have cut the ribbon to reopen the pub where he was a regular following a two-week refurbishment.
Staff and locals at the Brockwell Seam in Cramlington celebrated the pub's roepening following a major remodel.
The pub was a favourite spot of 21-year-old Kyle Dilks, who took his own life in 2020.
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His death left the community devastated and his half-brother, Corey Douglas, paid tribute to his best friend and said: "Everybody loved him."
Kyle's friends and family were unaware of his struggles with mental health. Since his death, his family and friends have made it their mission to raise awareness of the importance of mental health.
His half-brother Corey and mum Kelly were on hand to cut the ribbon, with the Brockwell Seam now featuring beer mats illustrated with messages urging those who may be struggling to reach out.
It follows a campaign spearheaded by Kyle's cousin, Holly Horsley, which saw tens of thousands of the beer mats distributed across pubs, bars and cafes across the North East.
General manager, David Embleton, said: "It was a real honour to have special guests, Corey Douglas and Kelly Dilks, cut the ceremonial ribbon for us.
“After Kyle Dilks, who was a regular at the pub, tragically took his own life in 2020, his family and friends have made it their mission to raise awareness of the importance of talking about mental health and encourage others not to suffer in silence.
“In order to do this, they’ve created beer mats illustrated with messages urging those who are struggling to reach out for help, which are featured prominently at the new look Brockwell Seam.
"With a QR code on the back, the mats can be quickly scanned and will direct to an urgent national and local mental health helpline page."
The two-week refurbishment has transformed the interior of the pub, and David is delighted with the results.
He added: "“Bringing the new look Sizzling Pub & Grill to Cramlington is really exciting for the whole team. At the Brockwell Seam, we want to offer great food and great value for all our guests, and we’re thrilled to be providing the area with a new look dining destination that does that in a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere.
"We can’t wait to welcome back our regulars and the people of Cramlington to see what the new look Brockwell Seam is all about, and we’re proud to be able to raise awareness for such an important cause at the same time.”
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