Inside Hartlepool’s ‘biggest sports bar’ Eskimo Joe’s - opening at former Popworld club this week

A new bar promising quality time out without breaking the bank is set to welcome its first customers in time for the World Cup start.
By Pamela Bilalova
Published 18th Nov 2022, 15:32 BST
Updated 19th Nov 2022, 10:33 BST
The new bar will offer affordable food and drinks./Photo: Joe FranksThe new bar will offer affordable food and drinks./Photo: Joe Franks
The new bar will offer affordable food and drinks./Photo: Joe Franks

Bosses at Eskimo Joe’s, at the former Popworld and Yates pub, have confirmed the new bar will open its doors on Friday evening, November 18.

Plans to transform the venue were announced by Open Jar owner Joe Franks at the start of the summer.

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The site has been refurbished and will feature 11 screens where fans can watch the latest sports action, including the football World Cup.

Workmen were still applying the finishing touches to the outside of Eskimo Joe's, in Victoria Road, Hartlepool, ahead of its opening on Friday. Picture by FRANK REID.Workmen were still applying the finishing touches to the outside of Eskimo Joe's, in Victoria Road, Hartlepool, ahead of its opening on Friday. Picture by FRANK REID.
Workmen were still applying the finishing touches to the outside of Eskimo Joe's, in Victoria Road, Hartlepool, ahead of its opening on Friday. Picture by FRANK REID.

Customers will also be able to enjoy home-made burgers, pizzas and drinks at affordable prices, with pools tables and arcade machines on offer as well.

Although the bar will start welcoming customers from 7pm on Friday evening, it will mark its opening the following day with a fire breathers’ performance at 9pm.

Director Joe Franks has said he hopes the bar will help people enjoy a fun night out and tasty food without spending a fortune.

"It’s good value, with a friendly touch,” Mr Franks said.

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There are pool tables and arcade machines at the new bar./Photo: Joe FranksThere are pool tables and arcade machines at the new bar./Photo: Joe Franks
There are pool tables and arcade machines at the new bar./Photo: Joe Franks

"It’s got a personal touch, but it’s got a franchise value to it. The staff in here are really attentive.”

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The bar will be sports-led during the week, turning into a night club on Fridays and Saturdays, when it will be open until 2am and DJs will play a variety of music, including clubland.

"I think we have the best set up in town. We’re Hartlepool’s biggest sports bar. You can see a screen from everywhere in the venue. There isn’t bad seat in the house,” Mr Franks said.

The bar opens in time for the football World Cup./Photo: Joe FranksThe bar opens in time for the football World Cup./Photo: Joe Franks
The bar opens in time for the football World Cup./Photo: Joe Franks

He added: "We’re all ready for the World Cup.”

It is hoped Eskimo Joe’s will mirror the success of The Open Jar and grow into a local franchise, with a second venue potentially coming to Teesside.

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The Open Jar opened its first restaurant in Hartlepool back in 2017 followed by a site in Norton and an upcoming third venue in Northallerton.

Eskimo Joe’s will be open from 12pm until midnight between Sunday and Thursday and from 12pm until 2am on Friday and Saturday.

Related topics:HartlepoolNorton