Tyne for Business Podcast hosted by Ashleigh King

About Tyne for Business Podcast hosted by Ashleigh King

Tyne for Business (TfB) (www.tyneforbusiness.co.uk) celebrates the independent businesses at the heart of the North East - stories of courage, creativity, and commerce. This is a place-based documentary podcast exploring the businesses, products, and people that make Newcastle upon Tyne and the surrounding cities special. Rather than a straight interview show, each episode steps inside a local business to capture its atmosphere, its history, and the real-world context of running it today. It's not just about the the inspiring owners, it's about the customers, supply chain, and the community around it. From centuries-old buildings with hidden histories to the challenges facing independent makers now, Tyne for Business (www.tyneforbusiness.co.uk)shines a light on purpose-led, socially conscious businesses across the region - helping listeners discover places worth visiting, and hopefully inspiring a few future entrepreneurs along the way. Hosted by Ashleigh King (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleigh-elizabeth-king/)and produced by Flamingo Heights Podcast Studio (https://www.flamingoheights.co.uk/). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

Publisher

Ashleigh King

Category

business · society & culture · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

8 Jul 2026

Latest episode

7 Aug 2026

Latest episodes

6 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   7 Aug 2026

   The Newcastle Bar Built From Family Memories | The Barn Door

   Step inside The Barn Door in Heaton, Newcastle, a slice of Northumberland country soul tucked into one of the city's busiest high streets, where the pints come with a side of yee-haw. In this episode of Tyne for Business, host Ashleigh King meets Tracy, the woman who opened a country and western bar at 60 because she wanted to bring the countryside to Newcastle. What begins as a story about country music soon opens up into something much bigger: a story about family, memory and the childhood barn that inspired it all. From Westerns watched with her dad and a whiskey raised in his memory, to an aunt's dementia that brought the whole dream flooding back, Tracy has built a space stitched together from secondhand treasures, gifts from regulars and a genuine open door for everyone. It's a bar where dogs get Sunday lunch, drag acts headline, Heaton Pride is sponsored, and a silent book club meets every Saturday. This is a story about heritage, courage and community, and proof that it's never too late to build the thing you've always dreamed of. What You'll Hear Why Tracy opened a country bar at 60, and refused to "slow down for retirement" The childhood barn in Lynemouth that inspired the whole space How family, memory and her aunt's dementia shaped The Barn Door Transforming a shocking-pink aesthetics clinic into a rustic country parlour Why The Barn Door is "a barn for everybody," from Pride to drag nights The dogs who get treats, rugs and even Sunday lunch How the space was furnished secondhand and co-created with the community Her son Adam on the pride, worry and family behind the bar Chapters 00:00 Welcome to Tyne for Business 00:27 A little bit country: introducing The Barn Door 00:45 Arriving in Heaton to meet Tracy 01:34 Stepping into a Western parlour 01:52 How The Barn Door came to be 02:56 Rediscovering childhood, and opening a bar at 60 04:28 "If I don't do this now, I'll regret it" 05:02 From pink aesthetics clinic to rustic barn 06:30 John Wayne, Westerns and memories of Dad 07:37 Country music hits the mainstream 08:50 A safe space for everyone (and every dog) 10:15 Heaton Pride, drag nights and community events 11:31 Northumberland friendliness and found family 12:30 Fundraising, Deal or No Deal and the Silent Book Club 13:45 Secondhand treasures and a co-created space 15:25 A whiskey in memory of Dad 15:50 Adam on watching his mum chase the dream 18:54 Final reflections from The Barn Door Special Thanks to The Barn Door A huge thank you to Tracy and everyone at The Barn Door for welcoming us into their space and sharing their stories. The Barn Door is a brilliant example of the independent businesses helping to shape culture, creativity and community in Newcastle's Heaton. Tracy — Founder Adam — Tracy's son and right-hand man Danny — Resident DJ Website: https://www.instagram.com/thebarndoornewcastle/?hl=en-gb (https://www.instagram.com/thebarndoornewcastle/?hl=en-gb) About Tyne for Business Tyne for Business is a documentary-style podcast and video series from Flamingo Heights Podcast Studio, celebrating the independent businesses, communities and people shaping the North East of England. Through conversations and place-based storytelling, we explore the stories behind the businesses that make our region unique. Connect with Tyne for Business Instagram — instagram.com/tyneforbusiness Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61591590248239 (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61591590248239) Website — tyneforbusiness.co.uk Credits Produced by Flamingo Heights Podcast Studio Executive Producer & Host — Ashleigh King Director & Editor — Joel Lowson Camera — Thomas Young Producer & Photographer — Chloe Fergie Graphics — Alistair Rolls (https://www.flamingoheights.co.uk/)https://www.flamingoheights.co.uk (https://www.flamingoheights.co.uk) If you enjoyed this episode, please consider following, rating and sharing the podcast episode. Every share helps us continue telling the stories of the people, places and independent businesses that make the North East special. If you're an independent business in the North East and would like to be featured on Tyne for Business, we'd love to hear from you. Get in touch at bookings@flamingoheights.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

2. 

   7 Aug 2026

   A Natural Wine Bar With a Living Room Feel | House

   In this episode of Tyne for Business, host Ashleigh King meets John, the entrepreneur behind House (and The Town Mouse), to explore natural wine, the realities of running multiple hospitality businesses, and why nurturing people matters as much as pouring good drinks. What begins as a conversation about accessible wine soon opens up into something bigger: a story about family, community and building a fairer industry. Along the way, Ashleigh meets the team who make House what it is, from manager Ethan and his community-first events programme, to Rosie, the bartender moonlighting as an international DJ, to Ailsa championing women winemakers and Becky, whose Table Project is fighting for women in hospitality. Together, they’re pouring natural wine, spotlighting local art, combating climate change and challenging the industry’s stigmas. This is a story about hospitality with heart, and a bar built on wine, community and doing things differently. What You’ll Hear: Why John opened a natural wine bar with no gatekeeping or snobbery What "natural wine" actually is, and why it's better for the planet The realities of juggling multiple businesses and being a present parent Why House became one of the North East's first Living Wage employers How the team's events introduce people to underrepresented wine regions Rosie's double life as a House bartender and international DJ Becky's Table Project and the fight to support women in hospitality Ailsa on natural wine, sustainability and championing women winemakers Chapters 00:00 Welcome to Tyne for Business 00:28 Introducing House on Heaton Road 00:56 Meeting John and the story of House 01:22 Why a specialist natural wine bar 01:54 Wine without the snobbery 02:38 The Town Mouse and building in Heaton 04:03 Juggling businesses, parenthood and a great team 05:36 Mental health and the reality of self-employment 06:56 Paying a Living Wage and growing people 07:20 The look and feel of House 08:25 A parent-friendly, welcoming space 09:05 Meeting Ethan and the events programme 09:15 Wines and food from underrepresented regions 11:04 Spotlighting local art and local talent 12:25 Rosie: bartender by day, international DJ by night 14:12 Grape picking in Barcelona and women in wine 15:49 Becky and The Table Project 17:32 Support, sexism and women in hospitality 19:15 Ailsa on natural wine and championing women winemakers 21:38 Final reflections from House Special Thanks to House A huge thank you to John and everyone at House for welcoming us into their space and sharing their stories. House is a brilliant example of the independent businesses helping to shape culture, community and hospitality in Newcastle's Heaton. John — Founder Ethan — Manager Rosie — Bartender & DJ Ailsa — Wine Manager Becky — Founder, The Table Project Website: https://linktr.ee/housebarheaton (https://linktr.ee/housebarheaton) About Tyne for Business Tyne for Business is a documentary-style podcast and video series from Flamingo Heights Podcast Studio, celebrating the independent businesses, communities and people shaping the North East of England. Through conversations and place-based storytelling, we explore the stories behind the businesses that make our region unique. Connect with Tyne for Business Instagram — instagram.com/tyneforbusiness Facebook — www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61591590248239 (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61591590248239) Website — tyneforbusiness.co.uk (http://tyneforbusiness.co.uk) Credits Produced by Flamingo Heights Podcast Studio Executive Producer & Host — Ashleigh King Director & Editor — Joel Lowson Camera — Thomas Young Producer & Photographer — Chloe Fergie Graphics — Alistair Rolls www.flamingoheights.co.uk (http://www.flamingoheights.co.uk) If you enjoyed this episode, please consider following, rating and sharing the podcast episode. Every share helps us continue telling the stories of the people, places and independent businesses that make the North East special. If you're an independent business in the North East and would like to be featured on Tyne for Business, we'd love to hear from you. Get in touch at bookings@flamingoheights.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

3. 

   24 Jul 2026

   What Happens When a Whole Valley Throws a Party? | Ouseburn Festival

   Step into the Ouseburn Festival, the weekend when Newcastle's most creative valley turns into one big celebration of music, makers and community. In this episode of Tyne for Business, host Ashleigh King heads into the Ouseburn to experience one of Newcastle's only free cultural festivals, run by the Ouseburn Trust as they mark 30 years of protecting and regenerating the valley. From parades and pop-up shops to alpacas, hay bales and live music, it's a day that brings the whole community together and shines a light on the independent businesses at the heart of it. Along the way, Ashleigh meets the volunteers, creative producers, makers and shop owners who make the Ouseburn what it is, and asks the bigger questions about why free culture matters, what it takes to run a small business in a tough economy, and why buying local has never been more important. From the Victoria Tunnel and 36 Lime Street to Ouseburn Farm's 50th birthday, this is a story about heritage, creativity, community, and a village in the middle of the city worth protecting. What You'll Hear How the Ouseburn Trust created the festival, and what 30 years in the valley means Why Ouseburn Festival remains one of Newcastle's only free cultural events The real impact of free culture on wellbeing, careers and community What the festival means for independent shops and makers Honest conversations about running a small business in the current economy Why "buy local" matters more than ever Ouseburn Farm celebrating 50 years as a working farm in the city Chapters 00:00 Welcome to Tyne for Business 00:28 Introducing Ouseburn Festival 00:40 Arriving in the Ouseburn 01:10 The Ouseburn Trust and 30 years in the valley 01:51 Why a free festival matters 02:19 Meeting Pete, Victoria Tunnel volunteer 03:14 What the Ouseburn Trust does 03:31 Maria on why the arts matter 05:26 Inside 36 Lime Street and the Creative Foundations investment 06:15 Laura from Flaura Rose on festival weekend 06:53 Jess from The Find on community and independents 07:23 Running a small business in a tough economy 08:19 Why buying local matters 09:01 The Ouseburn business map 09:52 Ouseburn Farm's 50-year milestone 10:32 Final reflections from Ouseburn Festival Special Thanks to Ouseburn Festival A huge thank you to everyone who welcomed us into the Ouseburn Festival and shared their stories. Ouseburn Festival is a brilliant example of the independent businesses, makers and volunteers helping to shape the culture, creativity and community of Newcastle's Ouseburn Valley. Ouseburn Trust — Festival organisers Pete — Victoria Tunnel Volunteer Maria Baranovska — Volunteer Laura — Founder, Flaura Rose - https://flaurarose.square.site/ Jess — Founder, The Find - https://www.thefindouseburn.com/ Ouseburn Farm - https://www.ouseburnfarm.org.uk/ Ouseburn Trust: https://ouseburntrust.org.uk About Tyne for Business Tyne for Business is a documentary-style podcast and video series from Flamingo Heights Podcast Studio, celebrating the independent businesses, communities and people shaping the North East of England. Through conversations and place-based storytelling, we explore the stories behind the businesses that make our region unique. Connect with Tyne for Business Instagram — instagram.com/tyneforbusiness Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/profile.php? id=61591590248239 Website — tyneforbusiness.co.uk Credits Produced by Flamingo Heights Podcast Studio Executive Producer & Host — Ashleigh King Director & Editor — Joel Lowson Camera — Thomas Young Producer & Photographer — Chloe Fergie Graphics — Alistair Rolls https://www.flamingoheights.co.uk If you enjoyed this episode, please consider following, rating and sharing the podcast episode. Every share helps us continue telling the stories of the people, places and independent businesses that make the North East special. If you're an independent business in the North East and would like to be featured on Tyne for Business, we'd love to hear from you. Get in touch at hello@tyneforbusiness.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

4. 

   24 Jul 2026

   The North East Festival Where Nobody's Too Young to Rave | Rave & Play

   Step into the world of Rave & Play — a family-first festival where toddlers trade nap time for dance time, and parents get to enjoy proper music without a single nursery rhyme in sight. In this episode of Tyne for Business, host Ashleigh King meets Holly Irving, founder of Rave & Play, to explore the story of an independent, inclusive festival built from a simple idea: that becoming a parent shouldn't mean giving up live music, dancing and a social life. What started as a "brainchild" during Holly's first pregnancy has grown into a genuinely accessible event where families can play, move and let loose together. From mums-and-baby dance classes and the meaning behind the word "rave," to learning to DJ at 40, the realities of funding independent creative work in the North East, and the loyal community of local families who keep coming back — this is a story about movement, connection, and one mum's courage to build the event she wished existed. What You'll Hear How Holly turned a pregnancy-era idea into an independent family festival What "rave" really means — and the wide range of music on the line-up Why Holly created dance and movement classes for parents, not just children How props and play break down people's barriers to dancing Movement, mental health and the people who inspire Holly's work Learning to DJ at 40, and doing the things you want to do at any age The challenges of funding independent, accessible creative events in the North East Everything happening at the festival — stages, workshops and live music at West Benridge Farm Chapters 00:00 Welcome to Tyne for Business 00:28 Introducing Rave & Play 01:06 Meeting Holly and the story behind Rave & Play 01:38 Finding the gap: dance and movement for parents 02:38 What "rave" really means — the music line-up 03:04 Dance, props and playful movement 04:04 Movement, mental health and inspiration 04:39 Learning to DJ at 40 05:34 Being a creative in the North East (and the funding gap) 06:28 Why Holly started Rave & Play 06:45 A co-organiser's view: ravers with kids 07:22 A local family's story 09:07 A family-first festival 09:20 Inside the festival: West Benridge Farm 10:03 Courage, support and ticket sales 10:48 Giving back to the community 11:11 Final reflections from Rave & Play 11:25 Thanks for listening Special Thanks to Rave & Play A huge thank you to everyone at Rave & Play for welcoming us in and sharing their stories. Rave & Play is a brilliant example of the independent businesses helping to shape creativity, community and family life in the North East. Thank you to the Rave & Play Team Holly - Founder and Creative Producer Peter - DJ Sophie - Rave & Play Supporter https://raveandplay.com/ (https://raveandplay.com/) Buy Your Tickets to Rave & Play at Benridge Farm https://www.tickettailor.com/events/raveandplay/2038112 (https://www.tickettailor.com/events/raveandplay/2038112) About Tyne for Business Tyne for Business is a documentary-style podcast and video series from Flamingo Heights Podcast Studio, celebrating the independent businesses, communities and people shaping the North East of England. Through conversations and place-based storytelling, we explore the stories behind the businesses that make our region unique. Connect with Tyne for Business Instagram — instagram.com/tyneforbusiness Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61591590248239 (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61591590248239) Website — tyneforbusiness.co.uk (http://tyneforbusiness.co.uk/) Credits Produced by Flamingo Heights Podcast Studio Executive Producer & Host — Ashleigh King Director & Editor — Joel Lowson Camera — Thomas Young Producer & Photographer — Chloe Fergie Graphics — Alistair Rolls https://www.flamingoheights.co.uk (https://www.flamingoheights.co.uk/) If you enjoyed this episode, please consider following, rating and sharing the podcast episode. Every share helps us continue telling the stories of the people, places and independent businesses that make the North East special. If you're an independent business in the North East and would like to be featured on Tyne for Business, we'd love to hear from you. Get in touch at bookings@flamingoheights.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

5. 

   9 Jul 2026

   The Newcastle Brewery Hiding a WWII Air Raid Shelter | Brinkburn Street, Ouseburn

   Step inside Brinkburn Street Brewery (https://brinkburnbrewery.co.uk/) in Newcastle's Ouseburn Valley — a working craft brewery, bar and kitchen housed in a building with nearly 200 years of history, from a Victorian pottery works to a WWII air raid shelter. In this episode of Tyne for Business, host Ashleigh King (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleigh-elizabeth-king/) meets the team behind Brinkburn Street Bar, Brewery and Kitchen (https://brinkburnbrewery.co.uk/) to explore small-batch brewing, the pub as a community hub, and how heritage and hospitality come together in one of Ouseburn's most distinctive venues. From Victorian tunnels and wartime stories to weddings, drag bingo, opera and local art, this is a story about the people keeping an independent Newcastle business, and its community, thriving. 🎧 What You'll Hear 🎧 💛 How Brinkburn Street brews small-batch craft beer in the heart of Ouseburn 💛 The remarkable history of the former Maling Pottery building 💛 Why community sits at the heart of Brinkburn's identity 💛 The role pubs still play in connection, belonging and wellbeing 💛 How art, creativity and culture shape the venue today 💛 Weddings, performances, drag bingo, opera and community events under one roof 💛 The stories, memories and hidden corners that make the building so unique Skip to chapters: (00:00) Welcome to Tyne for Business (00:29) Arriving at Brinkburn Street Brewery (01:02) Brewing beer on a small scale (05:41) The care behind every pint (07:01) Building community through hospitality (08:19) A building with nearly 200 years of history (11:09) Victorian tunnels and wartime stories (12:37) Art, sustainability and creative reuse (16:01) Why pubs still matter (17:36) Personal history and family memories (19:40) Inside The Maling Hall (20:51) Weddings, events and community programming (24:30) Final reflections from Brinkburn Street Brewery Special Thanks to Brinkburn Street Brewery A huge thank you to everyone at Brinkburn Street Bar, Brewery and Kitchen (https://brinkburnbrewery.co.uk/) for welcoming us into their space and sharing their stories. Brinkburn Street is a brilliant example of the independent businesses helping to shape the culture, creativity and community of Newcastle's Ouseburn Valley. Thank you to: Lee Renforth — Founder Michael Ogilvie — Events Manager Evan Renforth — Lead Brewer Charlotte Woodcock — Chef Carl Winter — General Manager About Tyne for Business Tyne for Business is a documentary-style podcast and video series from Flamingo Heights Podcast Studio (www.flamingoheights.co.uk), celebrating the independent businesses, communities and people shaping the North East of England. Through conversations and place-based storytelling, we explore the stories behind the businesses that make our region unique. Credits Produced by Flamingo Heights Podcast Studio 🎤 Executive Producer & Host - Ashleigh King (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleigh-elizabeth-king/) 🎬 Director & Editor - Joel Lowson (https://www.linkedin.com/in/joellowson/) 🎥 Camera — Thomas Young 📸 Producer & Photographer — Chloe Fergie (https://www.linkedin.com/in/chloe-fergie/) 🎨 Graphics — Alistair Rolls If you enjoyed this episode, please consider following, rating and sharing the podcast. Every share helps us continue telling the stories of the people, places and independent businesses that make the North East special. If you're an independent business in the North East and would like to be featured on Tyne for Business, we'd love to hear from you. Get in touch at hello@tyneforbusiness.co.uk (mailto:hello@tyneforbusiness.co.uk) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

6. 

   8 Jul 2026

   The Newcastle Facial Studio Built on Something Deeper Than Skincare | VISO Facial Bar, Heaton

   Step inside VISO Facial Bar (https://www.fresha.com/en-GB/a/viso-facial-bar-newcastle-upon-tyne-307-chillingham-road-i04jj2qm?pId=1202917)in Heaton, Newcastle, a holistic facial massage studio tucked just off one of the city's busiest high streets, offering a moment of calm in the chaos of Chillingham Road. In this episode of Tyne for Business, host Ashleigh King (https://uk.linkedin.com/in/ashleigh-elizabeth-king) meets Zara, the founder behind VISO, to explore holistic facial massage, the emotional side of skincare, and how a small independent studio has become a space of genuine sanctuary for its community. From building a business through lockdown to "resetting the mask" and holding space for tears, laughter and everything in between, this is a story about slowing down, reconnecting with yourself, and the woman creating that space for others. 🎧 What You'll Hear 🎧 💛 How Zara built VISO from a maternity-leave idea into seven years in business 💛 The difference between a typical facial and holistic facial massage 💛 Why community and connection sit at the heart of VISO's identity 💛 How lifestyle, stress and emotion show up in the skin and face 💛 The tools and techniques behind Zara's treatments, including Gua Sha 💛 Zara's approach to skincare, sustainable products and "less is more" 💛 Why she believes people don't need to be fixed, just held Skip to chapters: (00:00) Welcome to Tyne for Business (00:29) Arriving on Chillingham Road, Heaton (01:11) Meeting Zara and the story of VISO Facial Bar (01:50) From maternity leave to facial therapist (02:24) Finding the shop and building the dream (03:21) Creating a calming, plant-filled space (04:17) A space filled by the community (05:48) Skincare, lifestyle and honest conversations (06:55) What community means to Zara (07:31) Raising a daughter in a filtered world (08:33) Holding space for emotion (09:08) A treatment in action (10:49) Stillness, tools and technique (11:32) Do people cry during treatments? (12:20) Feeling seen: "resetting the mask" (13:45) Products, skincare and sustainable choices (15:39) Being a good human, healing from within (16:05) Ending a treatment with grounding breaths (16:37) Rebecca's reaction after treatment (17:02) Final reflections from VISO Facial Bar Special Thanks to VISO Facial Bar A huge thank you to Zara at VISO Facial Bar for welcoming us into their space and sharing their stories. VISO Facial Bar is a brilliant example of the independent businesses helping to shape wellness, self-care and community on Newcastle's Chillingham Road. Thank you to: Zara Pascale - Founder Rebecca Moura Lowson - Face Model About Tyne for Business Tyne for Business is a documentary-style podcast and video series from Flamingo Heights Podcast Studio, celebrating the independent businesses, communities and people shaping the North East of England. Through conversations and place-based storytelling, we explore the stories behind the businesses that make our region unique. Credits Produced by Flamingo Heights Podcast Studio (www.flamingoheights.co.uk) 🎤 Executive Producer & Host - Ashleigh King (https://uk.linkedin.com/in/ashleigh-elizabeth-king) 🎬 Director & Editor — Joel Lowson 🎥 Camera — Thomas Young 📸 Producer & Photographer — Chloe Fergie 🎨 Graphics — Alistair Rolls If you enjoyed this episode, please consider following, rating and sharing the podcast. Every share helps us continue telling the stories of the people, places and independent businesses that make the North East special. If you're an independent business in the North East and would like to be featured on Tyne for Business, we'd love to hear from you. Get in touch at hello@tyneforbusiness.co.uk (mailto:hello@tyneforbusiness.co.uk) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

Contact Tyne for Business Podcast hosted by Ashleigh King

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.