The restaurant and bar opened in Hunter Street in 2017, shortly before light rail works started outside the venue.

In July 2018 owner Noris Sciara spoke optimistically of the transport project, hoping it would "attract people to come in" to the city. But after selling the family home to prop up the business, it seems the promised influx in trade did not come to fruition.

"It is with sadness, frustration and despair that I announce that The Flying Tiger has shut it's doors for good," Ms Sciara announced on Facebook.

"We have fought long and hard to keep the doors open, but the odds were against us.

"I know many businesses have endured this difficult journey. We take solace and will be forever grateful in knowing that we have been deeply supported by our customers and fellow businesses.

"Our aim as a family run business was to create a unique space where memories could be made with friends and family. We believe in the time that we did have, we achieved this."

Ms Sciara echoed the sentiments of former Reserve bar owner Patrick Haddock who shut up shop in August due to the "deathly quiet" East End.

"The numbers don't stack up. But this isn't a doom and gloom story. We are just one of many venues are doing it tough," he told the Newcastle Herald earlier this year.

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