There were clear signs of disharmony on Pudding Chare this month, as established bar Fleet Street responded to the opening of a new neighbour. The former Nice bar has been acquired by the owners of the Telegraph, and re-branded as 'Clear'. No problem there: Nice went bust after a few months, while Fleet Street continues to thrive. However, brash claims that Clear will be the 'best bar this lane has ever seen', haven't gone down too well next-door. Fleet Street boss Dan Hindson hit back at their impudent poster campaign with one of his own, adding that Revolution, a couple of doors down, isn't too bad either. Newcastle Stuff likes this kind of thing - we'll keep you posted on developments, while stirring things up ourselves where possible. Watch this space.

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ONE LICENSEE who has contributed more than most to the council's coffers is Keith Crombie (pictured, right), owner of the Jazz Café, on Pink Lane.
He recently challenged their decision to stop him handing out flyers for his business - and lost, paying a fortune in costs.
Crombie has been leafleting outside both Universities for several years, which he reckons drums up a substantial amount of his trade. But a new council by-law aimed at reducing rubbish on the streets means he can no longer do this, which has seen business slump in the past three months.
Under the Newcastle Act, businesses are prevented from distributing free literature on Northumberland Road, College Road, Ellison Street and Sandyford Road, all former haunts of Crombie.
He says that countless foreign students as well as those from around the UK have been introduced to a civilised alternative to the Bigg Market and Quayside flesh pots as a result of his efforts.
"It's barmy that as the council is bidding to become the European Capital of Culture, that they should stop me promoting my own contribution to the city's culture," he told Newcastle Stuff.
"I'll give them 'European'. This could go all the way to the European Court of Human Rights," he added, ominously.

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