ONE Novocastrian has taken a romantic gesture to new heights.
The move represents a bold evolution in modern dating, graduating from Tinder to a very public proposal on the billboard atop the Mary Ellen Hotel.
The simple question: "Jack will you be my BF" has left Merewether locals demanding an answer: did Jack say yes?
Mary Ellen Hotel bartender Ollie Raymond said not even the staff know the identity of the inquirer.
"We were just talking about it before, we hope he says yes," Mr Raymond said.
"If he doesn't, everyone's seen it. I think everyone's hedging their bets on him saying yes now.
"The pressure is on, the pressure is definitely on."
The pub has displayed birthdays, funny anecdotes and the weekend line-up for at least five years, with regulars phoning in on Mondays to have their names added to the billboard.
Mr Raymond said it's a bit of fun for the community.
"We've had some funny ones, I think we went a bit viral for the Valentine's Day last year that said something like, 'Come in, the beer is as cold as your ex is hot'," he said.
"Another one we had said, 'Private sign, do not read'.
"It's just something we do for the community spirit."
The Newcastle Herald understands residents are keeping an eye out for what many hope will be the next chapter.
After all, surely the answer deserves equal publicity.
