A former Boots branch in Newcastle could be transformed into an upmarket wine bar.

The site in Jesmond’s St George’s Terrace has been vacant since the pharmacy giant moved out in October 2023, but could be set for a major overhaul if a new vision for the building is given the green light by Newcastle City Council.

Blackrose Pubs, which runs venues including the Lochside in Cochrane Park, has applied for permission to turn the empty chemist’s into a bar that promises to be a haven for wine connoisseurs.

Operating under the name Angel’s Share, a term referring to the liquid lost to evaporation over time when a wine is aged in a barrel, Blackrose’s website describes the proposed bar as an “alternative and relaxed place to catch up with friends and family” where customers will “soak in the lounge-style ambience whilst indulging in an exciting range of wines, small plates and sharing boards”.

A licence application lodged with the city council by husband and wife team Daren and Kate Knipe outlines plans to spend £250,000 renovating the premises, pledging to create a business that would be “very different” to either Jesmond’s array of cafes or the student bars of Osborne Road.

They say that Angel’s Share would seek to promote English wines and stock labels not available in the supermarket.

It would also feature self-dispense machines allowing patrons to try more expensive wines not usually available by the glass and offer some of the region’s best local produce, such as bread from the Pink Lane Bakery and cheeses and meats from Northumberland farms.

The application adds: “Through the day the premises will cater to shoppers, tourists and meetings. It’s likely that the premises won’t open until 11am. We have applied for earlier opening hours for flexibility, but we don’t want to trade as a cafe. There are five different cafe venues within 30 steps of this site and we don’t want to compete with them. We are not doing baked goods or cooked breakfasts. There are enough cafes in Jesmond.

“After 5pm, we will attract more users out with friends or partners, looking for something different, exciting, in an environment where they can enjoy some ambient music whilst they talk and enjoy each other’s company. We are also looking to offer something to office workers. The target clientele of the premises will be 30-plus. 

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“This is not a student venue or anything competing with Osborne Road. Our desired clientele will be the type of customer who uses Pleased to Meet You, Tiger Hornsby, Banyan or The Alchemist, but wants to explore wine.  “Customers who are prepared to pay for quality, want to learn about wine and maybe experiment with different tastes and flavours.”

Members of the public and neighbouring businesses have until September 5 to share their views on the plans via a public consultation.