A popular North East live music bar has unexpectedly closed its doors and bid a sad farewell to its patrons.

Those running the Clover & Wolf bar in South Shields have confirmed that they have been forced to close venue - adding that they were “locked out of the business” unexpectedly.

They said they had “struggled” to make the business a success during the pandemic but believed they had built the best bar for live music in the area.

Those running the venue said the situation had left them “broken” and they thanked their staff and customers for helping make the venue “an amazing place to be”.

A spokesperson for the Clover & Wolf said: “We never expected to have to write this, but here it is

“Yesterday, our beloved staff lost their jobs and we lost our business (it was very unexpected).

“With no notice, we were locked out of the business we have struggled to make a success of all throughout Covid and other problems, but we built it up to be the best bar for live music in Shields.

“(We) have loved our four-and-a-half years at The Clover and Wolf, but for it to have been taken away from us so suddenly has broken us.

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“We would like to thank all of our staff, customers and bands for making the Clover an amazing place to be.

“We don't know what the future holds for The Clover if it will re-open or not.

“We will miss you all.”