A new cocktail bar with a name paying homage to local folklore is set to open in Newcastle this month.

Opening on July 25, Vampire Rabbit is situated on Collingwood Street and named after a statue located above the rear door of the Cathedral.

Oliver Knox, the director of Vampire Rabbit, is a familiar face in the local bar scene, having previously managed bars such as Filthy’s, Passing Clouds, and The Points.

(Image: Amelia Read Photography)

He said: "I couldn’t think of a better place to open Newcastle’s latest cocktail bar.

"Encapsulating a twist of history, fun and our bold design, we have paid homage to both the city and the building’s heritage throughout Vampire Rabbit, from the name choice to the interior design and menu curation."

Master mixologist Connor Hughes and his specialist team have crafted a cocktail menu that features a Rhubarb and Custard Martini, Brûlée White Russian, Strawberry and Peach Paloma, Ginger Sidecar, and Pear Drop Martini.

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(Image: Amelia Read Photography)

The story of Vampire Rabbit is tied in with local maritime history.

The venue's first known use was as a shipping office and headquarters of Captain Black Bob Douglas.

Local folklore tells of the captain sighting red eyes on the rabbit statue which, according to legend, foretold the sinking of his favourite ship.

The venue's past as a shipping office used for storing valuables is kept alive with a visible vault on site.

Vampire Rabbit opens from 12 noon until 2am on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and until midnight during the rest of the week, starting from its launch on July 25, 2024.