The Living Room micropub at 20 Station Road, opened this summer, is a finalist for Best New Business in the UK Small Business Awards; ceremony 19 December.
The Living Room, the independent micropub that opened at 20 Station Road, Whitley Bay, this summer, has been shortlisted for Best New Business at the UK Small Business Awards 2026.
The finalist certificate, dated 17 September, records The Living Room as “a business taking part in representing Whitley Bay” in the Best New Business category. The winners will be named at a ceremony in Birmingham on 19 December.
Who is behind it
The micropub was founded by Paul Hughes, who lives locally. It serves craft beer, wine, spirits, soft drinks and alcohol-free drinks, and runs a quiz every Sunday at 5pm alongside what it calls community activities.
He described the thinking behind the place in the business’s announcement:
“When we created The Living Room, the idea was simple: give people somewhere they feel comfortable walking into, whether they come with friends or on their own.”
And on being shortlisted within a few months of opening:
“Building a small business takes a lot of hard work, and being recognised nationally means a great deal. This is also a thank-you to everyone who has popped in, brought a friend, joined the quiz or spread the word. They are helping us build something special here in Whitley Bay.”
Writing to us, he said the aim had been “a welcoming neighbourhood venue where people can come together”, and that being named a national finalist was “a proud moment for us and an opportunity to celebrate the customers who are helping us build that community.”
What happens next
According to The Living Room, the UK Small Business Awards ceremony takes place on Saturday 19 December at The Eastside Rooms in Birmingham, where a National Top 10 will be revealed. The ceremony will also be live-streamed for anyone who cannot be there.
The awards describe themselves as a celebration of small businesses across the UK. The Living Room says the shortlist puts it alongside businesses from around the country.
What it means for you
- Where it is: 20 Station Road, Whitley Bay.
- The quiz: every Sunday at 5pm.
- Opening times and events: posted on Instagram at @livingroomwb.
- The result: due on 19 December; we will report it.
Another Whitley Bay independent picked up a national award this month: Nicholsons butchers won gold for its sausage and pie, and on Park View Hamiedog Menswear is marking ten years.
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