THE region's first Hard Rock Cafe looks set to open within the next few months as signs go up and work is reportedly almost complete.

The new venue, which has taken over The Guildhall on Newcastle's Quayside, is set to schedule an open date once lockdown restrictions are lifted.

The worldwide chain will be set over two floors within the 13th century venue, with space for up to 170 customers and a raised mezzanine floor overlooking the river.

It had originally been intended to open in 2020, but a statement posted by the franchisees on social media confirmed this had been put back.

The Northern Echo: Picture: JIM SCOTTPicture: JIM SCOTT

Back in November, at the time the statement said: "To all Hard Rock fans, we know the excitement is building for the eagerly-awaited arrival of Hard Rock Cafe Newcastle, we have been closely monitoring the ongoing Covid developments across the UK and Europe - stay safe and see you in 2021."

According to the official website, customers will be treated to a venue which will offer a "touch of history and class to any meal," in a site which is keeping inline with the "former grandeur" of the venue.

Franchisees David and Penny Tilly told ChronicleLive last week that work on the cafe is "just about complete," adding it would be scheduling an opening date in 2021 as soon as restrictions are lifted. 

The delayed opening came as pubs, clubs and restaurants have remained closed in the North-East for the past three months following continued lockdown restrictions.