The Crossways, Newcastle under Lyme

SIR, Many drinkers will welcome the news that the Crossways pub in Newcastle is to reopen as a 'traditional pub'. However, the pink and purple exterior paint job as shown in one artist's impression hardly seems in keeping with a genuinely 'traditional' pub concept or indeed the fast-fading glories of Newcastle's once-proud Ironmarket.
The Sentinel article therefore pleased and confused me. It included a new artist's impression showing a more restrained buff and grey frontage, a rather more acceptable attempt at creating a traditional drinkers' pub on a key site in a historic town. Will the final version represent a 'pink palace' or will it be something which surpasses Wetherspoon's efforts to create a traditional pub across the road?
MERVYN EDWARDS - Spokesman, Potteries Pub Preservation Group
(Extract courtesy of Sentinel newspaper 7/05/2003)


"PUB OWNERS ASK LOCALS TO NAME THEIR LOCAL"
THE new bosses of a rundown pub are urging people to have their say on how a landmark town centre pub should be revamped.
Newcastle-based Ripinns Ltd is inviting the townsfolk of Newcastle to help decide the colour scheme and name of the town's Crossways pub, The announcement comes after criticism of some aspects of the plans from pub preservationists. The Crossways, which has been branded an eyesore, is undergoing refurbishment.
It had been planned to paint the outside of the pub pink and rename it The Corner- house, but bosses have decided to consult the public.
Robert Moore, director of Ripinns, said: "Having seen letters in The Sentinel expressing concern about the proposed colour scheme, we've decided it is only fair to let the people have their say on how the outside of the pub should look and what it should be called. It is a very prominent landmark in the town and I'm sure many people will have views on it.
"We're inviting Newcastle people to give us their views so that we get some local input into the refurbishment."
Last week Mervyn Edwards, spokesman for the Potteries Pub Preservation Group, criticised the colour scheme planned for the pub as inappropriate for a traditional inn and The Ironmarket in general. Mr Edwards said: "I think it's very healthy that they've opened up the debate. I think a more restrained colour scheme would be appropriate. As for the name, why not revert to The Compasses, which it was called right up until 1974?"
The pub in Nelson Place, Newcastle, has been empty and awaiting a new tenant since early last year.
(Extract courtesy of Sentinel newspaper 13/05/2003)