New tapas bar to open in former Stray’s building in Middlegate, Newark

A new bar in Newark is set to open this week with drinks and tapas, and the owners are hoping the business will be the town’s ‘biggest and most successful venue’.

Lee Haig, the operations director at new tapas bar Lock and Key in Middlegate, is preparing for the grand opening this Friday (March 21).

After weeks of anticipation, Lee confirmed that the license for the venue has now been granted and will be hosting a VIP pre-opening event on Thursday (March 20) to then open to the public the following day.

Lee, who has been working on the project for over 60 consecutive days, said he was very excited to see the venue come to life and to ‘finally have a day off’.

He added: “The community support has been overwhelming, 90% of the people in town, both the public and traders have been incredibly supportive.”

The bar will share the premises with Polly’s Kitchen, which opened in December last year in the premises formerly occupied by Stray’s.

The venue, which is hoped to become a community hub, will also offer a variety of entertainment, including gypsy jazz performances with Newark International School of Violin Making, Steampunks, and even a re-enactment from Colonel Overton's Regiment of Foot.

Working alongside Newark’s Civil War Centre and the castle, Lee is planning to expand events to include medieval-themed activities.

When asked what visitors can expect, Lee promised a welcoming space for all. “It will be a nice place to come, a safe space with music.

“We can divide the venue into two or three areas for different music styles, catering to everyone.”

Lee moved to Newark 14 years ago and when he went to the building, he fell in love with it and years later, adding to his dream of opening his own venue.

He said: “It is a dream come true.

“The support from Adam, the business owner and leaseholder, has been phenomenal.

“All the skills I’ve gained over the years have clicked together for this moment.”

The café is currently open 9am to 4pm and the tapas and bar space it to be open from 6pm to 11pm Monday to Thursday, and 6pm to midnight Friday to Saturday.

Already thinking ahead, a residential unit and a new bottle shop are set to open in the building.