Cashmere nightclub is on the market for £895,000 and the Queen's Head Hotel has been put up for auction with a starting bid of £675,000.

Zafer Saygilier, who opened Cashmere at Golden Square five years ago, said: "We are just testing the market.

"We aren't desperate to sell but if the right offer comes along we would have to consider it.

"In the meantime, we are still committed to Berwick."

The 550-capacity venue is being sold on a long leasehold by agents Sanderson Weatherall.

"The original owners have developed business from new, converting this former garage into Berwick's premier nightclub venue on the licensed circuit," states the agent's literature.

The Queen's Head Hotel on Sandgate has carved a fine reputation as one of north Northumberland's top restaurants since Garry and Joanne Greenaway took over nine years ago.

Garry said: "There have been lots of rumours flying around but the truth is that I want a career change so that I can spend more quality time with my wife.

"Working in the hotel trade involves very long hours and looking after the restaurant business on top of that is extremely demanding.

"There's a huge amount of legislation and bureaucracy these days and when you are hands-on, as we have been, it all becomes unsustainable."

They have taken the decision to put the business up for auction, in Newcastle on February 23, because of the 'saturated' nature of the open market.

"I can assure customers that in the meantime we will do everything to maintain the standards people have come to expect from us over the last nine years," said Garry.

He took the opportunity to thank his customers for their support over the years and their help in establishing the business's reputation.

"Quite a few people have told us they're disappointed we're selling up which, in a way, is nice to hear," he said.

"It's lovely that people still think highly of us and I'd like to thank them for their support."

The six-bedroom hotel and restaurant, which had annual sales of £524,717 in the year up to January 2009, is being offered with the freehold by agents Keith Pattinson.

The main ground floor restaurant was refurbished last year, a new menu was introduced and there has been a major overhaul of the kitchen.

Planning permissions also exist to extend the dining space, create a new bar area and add five more bedrooms.

Garry said: "Considering the recession we've done okay and although our overheads and business rates are increasing I'm confident we'll get a sale."

Although he has nothing concrete lined up, Garry says he is weighing up several options and hopes to stay in his home town.

"I'm now 40 years old so if I'm going to have a career change it has to be now," he explained.

"I know it could be difficult to get another job when I'm 50 or 55."