We might all still be in lockdown but that doesn’t mean our favourite local hospo venues have stopped working behind the scenes. One venue in particular, the Union St drinking hole, The Rogue Scholar, recently shared a progress pic of their much-anticipated rooftop views!

Since opening late last year, Rogue Scholar has quickly become a staple amongst the Newcastle West hospitality scene with their live music and all-round good vibes bringing people in night after night.

“The lockdown has taken its toll on everyone, but I always like to take some positives out of anything negative. We’ve pushed our beers to online sales through WOWAPPS and open Thursday to Saturday 4pm to 7pm for takeaways from the venue. We have a great bunch of locals and they have kept showing up and supporting the business,” Owner, Adam Hardy shared.

When we first sat down to chat with the owners, they mentioned their sneaky hidden door and plans to open up a rooftop seating space, and with COVID lockdowns keeping people from heading into the bar, the team took that as an opportunity to get working on the upstairs space.

“There has been more time to work on the building. It’s a great space with lots of areas that most wouldn’t realise are there. Our hidden bookshelf will come into play a lot more when we reopen and work on the rooftop has continued almost every day with massive progress in the last two weeks.”

Whilst we’re all still waiting on when we get to experience the new space ourselves, beers lovers can still head on in and get their hands on the local business’ takeaway beer, cocktails, and more each Thursday through to Saturday or tune on into their weekly virtual gigs (live from the rooftop) each Saturday night from 8.30pm via Instagram and Facebook.

 “Live music is the soul of the venue (beer is the heart) and we’ve continued to support live musicians with our virtual gigs every Saturday. It’s been well received and great to see the musician and those who join online.”

Like most hospitality venues, Adam and the rest of the crew behind The Rogue Scholar are equal parts excited and nervous for the upcoming reopening of Newcastle.

“Excited to be trading again and to see all the great humans of Newcastle, but worried about restrictions, the way people react as a result of restrictions, and everyone’s motivation about being in lockdown for so long. Luckily, I have a lot of dad jokes to lift everyone’s spirits and the awkward silence is always awesome too.”

Whilst we await the news on official reopening rulings, get around this local joint that has nothing but positive vibes and treat yourself to some locally crafted beer &cocktails and remember to log on for this weekend’s live virtual gig!