The New Inn, on Yarm High Street, set to become barbershop

The New Inn, on Yarm High Street, first opened in the town in 2020 and was praised as both a “fantastic little pub” and a “cracking spot” for locally brewed ales during its three-year run. 

Sadly, last orders were called at the site in 2023 when its lease came to an end - with gutted customers saying they were “so sorry” to hear of the closure at the time. 

However, the unit - which was formerly a chocolate shop before becoming the miniature watering hole - is now set to be given a new lease of life, with fresh signs being erected on the front of the building for Prime Grooming. 

Prime Grooming, on Yarm High Street, is opening soon (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

Details regarding the new barbershop remain unknown, with details on the exterior of the building stating it will be ‘Turkish-style’ and offer a ‘superior service’.

While an exact opening date for Prime Grooming is not yet known, posters in the windows state the new business will be “opening soon”. 

The New Inn first opened to the public in February 2020 - with a capacity of roughly 30 people. 

How The New Inn used to look - including its tiny beer garden

But it was just four weeks before the first lockdown shut its doors for the first time.

In April 2021, owners Ross and Sally Buchanan managed to squeeze in a single table and two chairs in front of the pub - something that put the venue under the national spotlight. 

The tiny pavement drinking spot was crowned the ‘UK’s smallest beer garden’ by Capital Breakfast, with the duo even featuring on the radio with then-host Roman Kemp.

It continually garnered praise for its offering of beers and ales, with one reviewer saying: “Brilliant wee pub. Always a great atmosphere, good drinks and excellent service. Give it a go, you won't be disappointed!”

How the interior of The New Inn used to look

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But now it's all change for the former boozer as construction crews move in to transform the site into its new space as a barbershop. 

Prime Grooming will be the latest in a long list of barbers and hairdressers to open on or near the town's High Street. 

This includes the likes of Rude Grooming, EFES Turkish Barbers, Head Quarters, The Wynd Barbershop, Hairtek, and many others.