Ryan sees an opening as Aperture fits the frame

A NEW bar which has transformed a former antique shop in North Tyneside has welcomed its first customers.

- BARBARA HODGSON

Aperture Alehouse, a neighbourhood bar and bottle shop, has been taking shape in North Shields, where it will add a new vibe to the street following its official opening on Thursday, with a range of craft beer, natural wines and local spirits on sale.

It's a first bar for Ryan Simpson, who has worked in the trade for years and has long harboured hopes of opening his own venue.

The 34-year-old from Gateshead, who most recently worked as manager of The Town Mouse ale house in Newcastle, had been keeping an eye out for the right place when he heard of a property becoming available in Shields.

He wasn't familiar with the area but when he went in March to have a look he found "it had a nice feel about it" and he immediately thought that the building in West Percy Street which had been The Pie Shop before becoming an antiques business would fit the bill.