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Exploring Pubs in Whitley Bay, Monkseaton, and Tynemouth
I provide a detailed exploration of various pubs and breweries in Whitley Bay, Monkseaton and Tynemouth, highlighting their unique histories, décor, and beer selections. Starting with Whitley Bay Brewing Co, which features local ales, I move through several establishments, including Cafe Amsterdam, The Dog and Rabbit, and others, each offering distinctive atmospheres and delightful craft beers. Highlights include Platform 2’s transformation from a coffee shop to a craft beer hub and the welcoming vibe of newer spots like The Crafty Cold Well. Overall, I capture the local brewing culture and community spirit in these lively establishments.
Whitley Bay Brewing Co / The Brewery
My first call was to Whitley Bay Brewing Company, right in the heart of Whitley Bay. They kicked things off back in 2016 at a different spot but made the move here in 2018 to expand. By 2022, they grew even more, and you can now find their beers at several local places.
This pub used to be called Fitzgeralds, but it’s looking fantastic now! The interior features some stunning stained glass windows above the bar, loads of wood accents, and a bunch of cosy rooms to hang out in.
At the bar, there’s a solid selection of 5 cask ales, all brewed right on-site, so you’ve got some great options to choose from. I went with “Tropical,” a super tasty fruity pale ale that’s bursting with flavour and super smooth to sip on.
Cafe Amsterdam
My second call was to Cafe Amsterdam, which used to be the local spot called “Whitley Bean.” It just opened in April 2024, so it’s still fresh on the scene. The vibe here is all about giving you a true Dutch experience, where you can sip on top-notch beers right at your table instead of crowding around the bar like in many British pubs.
The bar’s design is cosy and has a nice touch of Dutch culture, featuring an eight-person table for games like Sjoellen (Dutch shuffleboard) and décor that showcases different brewery spots from the Netherlands. There’s even a big map on the ceiling!
They’ve got some fantastic beers on tap, with four drafts and a huge selection of bottles and cans. Plus, you can get a bottle pour from the “Tommie Sjef” brewery in the Netherlands. So many options to explore! I kicked things off with “Lactic Fantastic Apricot” from De Kromme Haring, which is an awesome sour wild ale packed with tasty apricot notes. Then, I moved on to a bottle pour of “Silhouet” from Tommie Sjef. This one’s a unique mix of wild ales that have been aged in oak barrels for 2 to 5 years, along with a rustic Saison. They used some 5-year-old Hallertau Mittelfrüh hops in the brew. It’s a fantastic ale!
The Dog and Rabbit
Next up is The Dog and Rabbit, an awesome Micropub that used to be a ladies’ dress shop called Gabrielle before it opened in 2016. They brew their own beers right on the premises, and you can usually find them on tap (including the one I tried when I visited).
The vibe here is all about that “old school” charm, with dark wood furniture and deep colours that create a warm and inviting atmosphere. It’s not just about the beer; this place has really become a hub for the community. For instance, a local artist even painted a cool picture of a dog and rabbit just for the pub.
You’ll find a solid selection of 4 cask ales and 9 keg beers, plus a variety of cans and bottles to pick from. I chose to try their own brew, “Doodle Fresh Hop Stout.” It’s a smooth and delicious stout that’s super easy to drink, made with hops they grew themselves.
The Ticket Office
A quick stroll to Whitley Bay Metro station takes me to The Ticket Office. This pub has a fascinating history that ties into the area’s past. It started out as a railway ticket office and played a key role during the peak of train travel in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Its location was crucial because it was close to the coast, making it a hub for both locals and tourists heading to the beach.
The Ticket Office pub showcases classic Victorian railway architecture, with its big windows and unique brickwork. These features not only reflect its historical significance but also add to its appeal as a neighbourhood spot. Inside, it’s super cosy and inviting, with two separate rooms and plenty of quirky décor scattered throughout.
They offer a nice variety of drinks, including 4 keg lines—three from local breweries, plus a lager. There’s also a great selection of bottled real ales and craft beers to choose from. I went with “Green” from Almasty Brewery in Newcastle today. It’s a single hopped pale ale featuring Mosaic hops, and it really delivers some awesome mango and passionfruit notes. Definitely a beer you can keep coming back to!
Platform 2
Just a quick Metro ride from Whitley Bay to Tynemouth, and I found myself at Platform 2. This craft ale bar has really changed the game for local drinks. It used to be Porters Coffee Shop, which had been around for almost 25 years serving up hot drinks. Platform 2 was Tynemouth’s first spot dedicated to craft beer.
The place has a modern vibe but still nods to its history. With exposed brick walls, wooden beams, and big windows, it feels both spacious and cosy. The décor features some cool railway-themed touches that really add to the atmosphere, making it a great hangout for locals and tourists alike. Plus, there’s a fantastic outdoor seating area that gives you even more room to enjoy.
They’ve got a solid lineup of 4 cask ales, 9 keg beers, and a still cider, along with plenty of other choices to keep everyone happy. Check out “Chakk De Phatte” from Brew Toon! This tasty sweet and fruity pale ale is inspired by the classic Indian yogurt drink. It’s loaded with fresh mangoes, a touch of malty sweetness, and plenty of lactose, giving it that smooth, creamy feel you love in a Lassi.
NORD Bottle Shop
I hopped back on the Metro to Whitley Bay and took a quick stroll to NORD Bottle Shop. It’s an awesome bottle shop and tasting room that I checked out a few years back, nestled on a street brimming with independent shops and local businesses. The welcome here is super friendly!
Once inside, you’ll find a lovely, chill vibe with cosy seating by the windows where you can people-watch, plus several tables to hang out at. There’s also a nice outdoor seating area on the side street, perfect for those sunny days.
At the bar, there’s a fantastic selection of 6 keg lines featuring a mix of styles and strengths. Plus, there are plenty of fridges stocked with a wide range of cans and bottles, so there’s definitely something for everyone! I ended up choosing “Can I Pleo It?” from DEYA Brewing Company after debating over a few beers. It’s a juicy, full-bodied pale ale packed with Citra, Superdelic, and Motueka Hop Kief.
Gilbert & Smith’s
Just a short stroll down the street led me to Gilbert and Smith’s, a fantastic micropub that opened its doors in 2018 after transforming from a charity shop. It quickly became a beloved spot in the community and has been thriving ever since. This year, they expanded into the space next door, which used to be Namaste restaurant, adding plenty of room and even a shuffleboard for some fun.
As soon as you step inside, you’re hit with a great vibe. The place has a cool mix of modern furniture and traditional touches that really showcases the local culture. The layout is impressive, and the bar at the back definitely catches your eye.
On the bar, there are three cask lines, all from the local Whitley Bay Brewery during my visit, plus a few rotating keg lines to choose from. Tonight, I went with “Uncle Sam” as my beer choice—it’s a smooth, flavourful American pale ale that’s super easy to sip on.
Hazy Daze
I made my way to the front to check out two spots in the iconic Spanish City. First up was Hazy Daze, which opened its doors in May 2021. This place not only has a fantastic vibe but also boasts some amazing sea views from the taproom.
Inside, it’s all about that cool, bright, and welcoming atmosphere, split into two areas. The first part is the bottle shop and bar, featuring a bunch of smaller, independent breweries, plus options like mead and local spirits. The other half is the seating area, where you can find plenty of tables and some awesome window seats to soak in the view. A great painting/mural on the wall looks fantastic and adds to the feel.
Today, the bar has four keg lines, including a special collaboration beer with the local Two by Two Brewery, and you can enjoy any bottle or can right there. So many choices! I tried this collab beer called “In Search of Haze,” and it was awesome! It’s a super juicy, hazy pale ale that’s bursting with flavour and really fun to drink.
The Split Chimp Ale House
Just a few doors down, I found The Split Chimp Ale House. It was their second location to open, following Newcastle’s debut in 2015, with this one launching in 2019. The Newcastle spot has since shut its doors, but you can check it out in one of my earlier blogs.
The vibe inside is super cosy and inviting. They’ve got comfy seating that really encourages people to mingle. Plus, there are some awesome window seats for taking in the views, along with a spacious outdoor area out front.
At the bar, you can pick from four cask ales, a still cider, and a variety of keg beers. If you’re looking for more options, the fridge is stocked with a nice selection of craft beers in cans. I went with “Wild Steamer” from Wildcraft Brewery, and it was a solid pick. This amber ale has some awesome flavours and is super smooth, making it really easy to enjoy.
Left Luggage Room
Just a quick 15-minute stroll from my last visit at Spanish City takes me to Monkseaton Metro Station. I checked out Left Luggage Room while I was there. The place got a makeover in 2016, and they went for a DIY vibe that kept a lot of the building’s original features. They left things like the bare walls and an old ticket window, which really gives the pub a nice historical feel. There’s also a big heated seating area on the platform, perfect for busy times or those sunny days.
At the bar, you can pick from a solid selection of 6 cask ales, plus a wide range of keg beers. The spirit boards above the bar are packed with different options and look great under the spotlight at night. Tonight, I’m enjoyed a local brew from Flying Gang Brewing called “Chain Shot.” It’s a tasty extra pale ale made with Mosaic and Azacca hops, which really brings out a fantastic citrus flavour and a nice smooth finish.
Front Street Tap House
Just a quick stroll from the station leads me to Front Street Tap House, a Micropub that opened its doors in December 2018, taking over a former florist shop. Right from the start, I’m greeted with a warm and friendly vibe.
As you walk in, there’s a spacious area with the bar on the left and plenty of seating around it. Towards the back, there’s a raised section that offers even more seating. The place has a cosy feel with an industrial flair, thanks to the clever use of scaffolding poles for wall tables. The wooden floors paired with cream walls create a really nice atmosphere.
At the bar, you’ll find a fantastic selection with 4 cask lines, 8 keg lines, and even more choices in bottles and cans. I had a sour beer from Vault City in Edinburgh. It’s called “Raspberry Clouds,” and it’s an awesome mixed fermentation sour that’s been aged with loads of fresh Scottish raspberries, giving it a vibrant, fruity taste. The addition of cinnamon and vanilla brings in some warmth and sweetness, perfectly balancing the tartness of the fruit with a hint of nutty almond. Plus, a nice dry-hop with Citra rounds it all off, adding some citrus and tropical fruit aromas.
The Crafty Cold Well
A quick 5-minute walk uphill takes me to The Crafty Cold Well. This opened in October 2022. The name “Crafty Cold Well” is inspired by the rich history of the area. Located on Cauldwell Lane, this spot has seen many changes over the years. The owners wanted to pay tribute to that history by naming their pub after the local well, which was a key part of the community. This well served not just as a water source but also as a gathering place for locals.
As soon as you step inside, you’re greeted by a cosy and inviting vibe, along with a friendly welcome from the staff behind the bar. The seating is split-level, with the front area for sitting and a raised section at the back where the bar is located. Plus, there’s a fantastic outdoor beer garden that adds a nice touch.
At the bar, you can find a great selection of 5 cask ales, a still cider, and a wide range of keg options to choose from. I went with the “Well Hopped Pale Ale” from Darwin Brewery, and it was a great pick! It’s a light and refreshing pale ale that I really enjoyed.
The Crafty Wilson
My last stop of the night was just across the street at The Crafty Wilson Ale House Monkseaton. It’s a new spot opened by the same folks behind The Crafty Cold Well. The name “The Crafty Wilson” is a nod to its history, as it used to be Wilson’s Garage. This connection to the past really shapes the vibe of the pub.
When you step inside, you’ll notice a cool décor featuring a mural that shows what Cauldwell Lane looked like years ago, plus some garage tools and tables made from oil drums that remind you of its previous life. This mix of history and modern pub life is designed to make everyone feel welcome, whether you’re a local or just passing through.
At the bar, you can choose from four cask ales, along with a variety of keg options and other drinks. My final beer of the night was “Golden Void” from Wensleydale Brewery. It’s a light pale ale that’s super tasty and perfectly balanced.
Micropub Adventures 