Amber Taverns puts £3m into Newcastle's Gander and up to 30 jobs

Amber Taverns is putting £3m into the former Magpie near Haymarket and reopening it as The Gander, a sports and live music pub, in early December. Get Into Newcastle reports the fit-out is timed for the festive season and a busy run of fixtures, with between 25 and 30 full-time and part-time roles on the way.

The site: it sits in the Haymarket area, a short walk from St James' Park and close to Bigg Market. Operators David and Donna Molloy will take the helm. The interior is being stripped and rebuilt, with new sound and vision for matchdays, a stage for live bands and regular music nights, three darts areas and a pool table.

The extras: a soundproofed karaoke room for up to 20 comes with its own bar and toilets, for private hire or as a VIP room. A Wednesday student night is planned. Toilets and drainage across the pub are being overhauled.

The investment: Alex Ozobia, business development manager at Amber Taverns, said the group has wanted a Newcastle city-centre site for a long time and is investing heavily in technology, entertainment and facilities, particularly on matchdays. He wants The Gander to become a proper local. David Molloy said Amber's investment gives them a chance to create something special, with a Gander-style spin on student nights.