The traditional pub night out is at under threat from an invasion of expensive 'style bars', according to new research.

The growth in style bars in Newcastle is threatening not only the Georgie night out, but also squeezing out local entrepreneurs and choice, warn researchers from Newcastle University.

The research, part of a two-year £117,000 national study funded by the Government's Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) looking at youth culture and urban change in English cities, warns that the growth of style bars driven by national chains will exacerbate social exclusion.

Dr Chatterton from the Centre for Urban and Regional Development Studies (CURDS), University of Newcastle, says urgent attention is required to make sure that there will be something for everyone in the city centre at night and not just flashy cocktail bars.

Those with families, on lower incomes or under 18 have very few options. The night-time economy could be a great opportunity for many young local entrepreneurs, but at the moment most development activity is from people and companies outside the region.

The researchers, who are publishing separate studies into Leeds, Bristol and Newcastle, say the growth of style bars owned by national chains was evident in all three.