Workmen have uncovered two pieces of Newcastle's history as they transform a former city centre jewellers into a new bar.
A hidden safe and the front page of a newspaper which both date back to the 19th Century have been discovered inside the Grey Street building that was once home to Davidson’s jewellers. Davidson’s, which dated back to 1898, closed its site next to the Theatre Royal three years ago amid tough retail conditions.
The fascinating finds, which are believed to be almost 200 years old, were found during extensive renovation work to turn the venue into a new bar and eatery called Grey Owl. The venue, owned by Viehard Limited, will be the sister bar of Newcastle's popular Hibou Blanc restaurant when it opens to the public his summer.
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Owner Stevie Pattinson, who runs leisure firm Viehard Limited, was delighted to discover the historical items in his new cafe bar.
"We found an original safe in the building that we think was built in 1830 or 1840," he said.
"It was locked when we found it so we had to get a locksmith down to open it, but it was just empty! It's quite a nice little thing to find in the building.
"We've also found the front page of an old newspaper from the 1800s. It is really old.
"When we took the ceiling down it was just stuck down the end of one of the original beams."
The locked safe was found upstairs near what is now the kitchen of the Grey Owl and looks set to be kept as a novel feature inside the bar.
The venue, which had been due to open over the Easter Bank Holiday before work was delayed, will offer coffee and brunch daily as well as an extensive drinks menu. Guests will also be able to enjoy a range of tasty sharing boards and oysters.
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