Memories of Newcastle's iconic Egypt Cottage Pub, known for its vibrant history and celebrity encounters, remain cherished among locals even after its closure. This once-popular establishment, located on Newcastle's City Road, served as more than just a drinking spot; it was the heart of the music scene during its heyday.
The pub officially closed its doors in 2009, marking the end of an era for its loyal patrons and the countless pop stars who graced its bar. It was famous among the regulars and visiting artists alike, having served as the go-to stop for performers appearing on the groundbreaking live music show, The Tube, which broadcast from the Tyne Tees Television studios next door.
When The Tube launched on November 5, 1982, it transformed Newcastle's cultural scene, drawing both rising names and established stars. Artists such as Paul McCartney, Tina Turner, Elton John, and even Madonna—a debut attended by millions—made appearances. The Egypt Cottage was affectionately dubbed “Studio Six” because it was just steps away and offered performers the chance to unwind between rehearsals.
“It was such a happy place,” Caroline Zeldon, the landlady at the time of the pub's closure, reflected on the cherished memories associated with the venue. With such richness surrounding it, it’s no wonder why the closure impacted so many. Regular customers would often encounter their music heroes enjoying their favorite drinks, creating unique memories of casual celebrity encounters.
Jools Holland, who co-presented The Tube, was known to frequent the pub, which served as a backdrop to his spontaneous moments. It was here he hosted the now-legendary INXS singer Michael Hutchence, who met Paula Yates for the first time over drinks. The essence of the pub's importance can be summed up by Chris Phipps, assistant producer on The Tube, who described one particularly bizarre incident when Ozzy Osbourne insisted on conducting an interview from inside a coffin propped at the bar—a spectacle both unsettling and unforgettable for the patrons present.
The pub traces its origins back to the early 1700s, originally known as the Egypt Tavern. Its unique name derived from the grain stores nearby, their structures leading to nostalgic comparisons with ancient Egypt. Sailors who dealt with spices frequented the establishment, contributing to its vibrant history. The Egypt Cottage survived numerous trials, including fire damage on New Year’s Day 1832, only to succumb eventually to modernity as development plans proceeded.
By the time its closure was announced, the Egypt Cottage had become intertwined with Newcastle's music history, serving as both local watering hole and venue for rock royalty. Many were left bewildered when news of demolition emerged alongside plans to take down the adjoining Tyne Tees Television studios, which closed due to financial difficulties. Despite efforts made by dedicated locals who fought to preserve the storied pub, all were to no avail as the bulldozers rolled in.
Those who had shared countless nights laughing, singing, and reminiscing within its walls were left with only memories. The Egypt Cottage was not just any pub; it symbolized familial connections among regulars and visiting stars. Its significance extended beyond drinks or live music; it represented a form of community now sadly lost. It was, as many have echoed, like losing part of the family.
For newer generations who may only know the site as rubble, the pub's vibrant legacy alongside its hosts remains alive through shared recollections. Celebrated not only for its historical importance but also for embodying the spirit of Newcastle, the Egypt Cottage carries forward tales of warmth and nostalgia. And as time passes, the stories of interactions with music legends will fuel conversations well beyond its physical space.
Though no longer standing, the Egypt Cottage remains emblazoned within the hearts of those who knew it, serving as a reminder of the music, the laughter, and the sense of togetherness it provided. Novocastrians will continue to share their tales, celebrating what once was, acknowledging the indelible mark left by this beloved fixture, and mourning its loss as deeply as one would for family.