Jesmond residents have expressed their discontent about student discounts at bars and restaurants, demanding their own on the basis that establishments will benefit more from their business.

Home to trendy restaurants and bars, Jesmond has a large student scene, but also an often-forgotten group of non-student residents.

Permanent residents make up fourth-fifths of Jesmond’s population, aiming to build futures in the suburbs of Newcastle, while students are temporary assets to the local businesses.

Many have questioned the distribution of discounts, sparking debates on online forums, including the one hosted by the Jesmond Residents Association.

When discussing the introduction of more inclusive discounts, resident Sarah E Hall said: “Good idea as some residents are poorer than their student neighbours!”

Considering their student counterparts to be wealthier, residents have reported 20% dissatisfaction in housing, according to the Newcastle City Council 2017 Residents Survey.

Jonathan Wright, former Jesmond resident, said: “Everyone in Jesmond is poorer than students. They’re the only ones that buy the champers in Tesco and Waitrose.”

Despite this, students are offered countless discounts from local bars and restaurants, whether in-store or through platforms such as Unidays and Student Beans, or simply through NUS cards.

In spite of the resident complaints on various forums, popular restaurants and bars have not experienced any complaints.

Tony Simpson, manager of the student-friendly Bar Blanc, explained that other than students, the only customers are regulars who have never expressed disconcert with pricing.

“We do also offer discounts for large groups, like stag and hen dos from the hotel next door,” he said.

Similarly, restaurants such as Pizza Express and El Paso have reported that other promotional discounts are as commonly in use as student discounts. Both restaurants receive an equal amount of student/resident customers.

However, business along Osborne Road falters in the summer months, when students exchange Jesmond for home, leaving the remaining residents to maintain the local economy.

“There is most definitely a lull in summer, and business does suffer,” said Simpson. “There’s always a need to attract people into the bar.”

Emily Tetley, manager of Pizza Express, partially agreed, saying: “During the summer business doesn’t necessarily suffer, but there is a noticeable decline.”

With the exception of bank holidays, student-less Jesmond serves as a financial black hole for the food industry, prompting the frequently asked question – should residents be getting the same privileges to discounts and loyalty cards as students?

The perceived financial differences between students and residents have caused extreme tension, as Jonathan Wright said: “I don’t live there now and I’m relieved that I don’t have to suffer the backlash of the excesses anymore”.