A Newcastle estate pub has closed its doors - with gutted punters describing the loss as “a little part of the community vanishing”.

The Balloon, on Silver Lonnen, in the West End of the city, announced its closure on social media last week, telling drinkers it was shutting with “great regret”.

For decades the pub has drawn in customers from surrounding estates including Blakelaw, Fenham, and Cowgate.

Staff thanked generations of regulars who had supported the venue, saying: “We apologise to our loyal customers who have been here longer than us and still stuck around, as well as new customers we have met along the way.

"Hopefully, one day in the future, all customers from The Balloon past and present can sit around the same table again together and enjoy a drink, as well as remembering

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