The Jungle returns: a 1970s photo experience recreates the old Northumberland Arms

Few North Shields pubs have a reputation quite like the Northumberland Arms. Better known as The Jungle, the old hotel on New Quay closed in 1989, but it is being brought back to life for one day this month as a 1970s-style photography set at the autumn I Love North Shields Vintage Market.

The story of The Jungle

New Quay was built by the Duke of Northumberland in 1806, and the Northumberland Arms began life there as a first-rate hotel, with bars, dining rooms, smoke rooms and a billiard room. Over the decades it became notorious as a haunt for sailors. According to I Love North Shields, the nickname probably came from the stuffed animal heads and hunting trophies displayed inside, although some accounts link it to the fights that occasionally broke out there.

The pub closed in 1989. The building still stands on New Quay, now converted to apartments under the name Collingwood Mansions, as the photograph above shows.

Step onto the set

The Jungle Immersive Photography Experience is being created by Harriott and Solomon, the partnership of Mark Harriott and Emma Solomon, with I Love North Shields. Each session lasts around 20 minutes: you choose from supplied 1970s costumes, get some period styling, then step onto a specially built set inspired by the old pub for your photographs.

Sessions must be booked in advance, and booking details are on the I Love North Shields event page. No price for the session had been published at the time of writing.

The vintage market

The photo experience is part of the I Love North Shields Vintage Market: Autumn Edition, on Sunday 25 October from 10am to 7pm at Salt Market Social on the Fish Quay. Entry to the market is free, with more than 50 independent traders across two floors selling vintage clothing, antiques, records, collectables and interiors, plus live music, food and drink through the day.

Best for: Sunday 25 October, 10am to 7pm, Salt Market Social, Fish Quay. Market entry free; photo sessions by advance booking.

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