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Pints, Pals and Pub History in Newcastle and Gateshead
I spent the day exploring pubs across Newcastle and Gateshead with Ben, Tony and Zac, starting at the Victorian Crown Posada before moving through places such as The Central Bar, Station East, The Bridge Hotel and Beer Street. Each stop offered its own charm, from restored railway arches and quirky touches to classic wood-panelled interiors and relaxed modern spaces. I tried a different beer at every venue, enjoying a wide range of cask and keg choices. We finished at the newly reopened Sandhill Arms under Wylam Brewery, ending a thoroughly enjoyable tour of some of the area’s best pubs today.
Newcastle and Gateshead basically grew up together on opposite sides of the Tyne. Newcastle started as a Roman fort, then got its name from the “new castle” built in 1080. It later became big in coal, shipbuilding, and engineering. Gateshead was first mentioned in the 7th century and went from a small riverside place to an industrial hub with ironworks, chemicals, and engineering of its own. Over time, the two places became so closely linked through bridges, trade, and work that they feel like one connected urban area today, full of culture, history, and energy.
Crown Posada
After meeting up with Ben from The Hop Knocker in Durham we headed down to Crown Posada for our first drink of the day, meeting up with Tony as well in here. The Crown Posada, one of Newcastle’s most historic pubs, was rebuilt in 1880 for local brewer John Sanderson, with W.L. Newcombe as the architect. Originally known simply as “The Crown,” it later took on the “Posada” — Spanish for “inn” — inspired by a popular story that a Spanish sea captain bought the pub for his mistress. Its roots likely stretch back to the early 19th century, serving dock workers and sailors along the nearby Quayside.
Inside the Crown Posada, it’s all rich wood, stained glass, and old-school charm. The pub has a narrow, three-room layout that’s classic Victorian, with a curved mahogany bar, ornate mirrors, and polished wooden panelling. The standout features are the stained-glass windows — one showing a lady serving a drink, the other a Tudor gentleman enjoying his pint. Much of the interior dates back to the late 1800s, and there’s even a working gramophone that adds to the old-world feel. It’s a beautifully kept piece of history that still feels warm, lived-in, and unmistakably Newcastle.
A great line up on the bar of 6 cask ales, alongside a range of keg options. I went with “Tyne & Space” from Turning Point Brew Co. A great American Pale Ale hopped with Galaxy, Riwaka, Cascade and Sabro.
Central Bar
A walk over the river to Gateshead brings me next to The Central Bar. The Central Bar in Gateshead, across the river from Newcastle, was built around 1854 by architect M. Thompson for Alderman Potts, a local wine merchant. It began as commercial premises before becoming a hotel in the late 19th century. The building, now Grade II listed, stands on a distinctive triangular site that has made it a local landmark for more than a century. After a long period of decline, it was carefully restored around 2010 and reopened to the public. The Central Bar remains one of the region’s most recognisable historic buildings, reflecting Gateshead’s Victorian heritage.
Inside The Central Bar, Gateshead, it’s full of character and a bit quirky thanks to its wedge-shaped layout. The main room still shows off early 1900s features like wood panelling, a curved wooden bar, and old decorative plasterwork. There are a few cosy corners to tuck into, a snug near the point of the building, and even a rooftop terrace with great views. It manages to feel both historic and laid-back, with a friendly atmosphere and a mix of spaces that make it easy to settle in, whether you’re chatting, watching music, or just relaxing.
5 cask ales to choose from on the bar, along with a range of keg options and a couple of hand pulled Real Ciders. “Day of the Dead” from Penning Brewing Co was my drink choice in here. A very easy drinking, sessionable Pale Ale.
Microbus
Around the corner to Microbus. Microbus sits in one of the old stone railway arches on Wellington Street, tucked beneath Gateshead’s High Level Bridge. The arch dates back to around 1849, when it was part of the viaduct leading to Gateshead East Station, once the town’s main stop before closing in 1981. Over the years the space’s been used for all sorts — small workshops, cafés and storage units — before finding new life in 2022 as Microbus. It’s a laid-back spot that keeps a bit of that Victorian railway charm, blending Gateshead’s industrial past with a modern, friendly atmosphere.
Inside Microbus, the vibe is relaxed, quirky and unmistakably local. The bar itself is built from the front of a VW camper-van, surrounded by travel-themed signs, fairy lights and the original stonework of the railway arch. One of its best-loved features is a full-sized replica bus stop installed inside the pub, created in collaboration with Go North East. It’s identical to the real stop outside, complete with the route map and sign, giving the space a playful twist that ties perfectly to the name. It feels like part camper hangout, part bus shelter — and entirely Gateshead in spirit.
A great selection on the bar with 6 cask lines, 14 keg lines, a nice selection of Real Ciders and a fridge full of cans and bottles. I chose to go with “Chocolate Stout” from Crooked River Brewing Co. A smooth, easy drinking and well balanced Chocolate Stout with hints of coffee.
Station East
A quick walk again brings me to Station East. Station East sits under the railway arches on Hill Street in Gateshead, on the old site of the Gateshead East railway station and its Railway Hotel. The station first opened way back in 1844 and was rebuilt in the 1880s with new platforms and a big trainshed. After years of falling use, it finally shut in 1981 when the Metro took over. The place then stood empty for decades with a stint as an Irish Bar until Hadrian Border Brewery bought it in 2015. They spent around £350,000 fixing it up, uncovering the original stonework and turning it into the cosy, railway-themed craft-beer pub it is today.
Inside Station East, it’s got that perfect mix of old and industrial. You can see the original stone walls and chunky steel beams, all showing off the building’s railway-arch past. There’s a mezzanine level that looks down over the main bar, and the lighting’s warm and inviting, bringing out the texture in the brickwork. The place feels easy-going and cosy — nothing fancy, just well put together. It keeps the raw character of the old station but adds enough comfort to make it a spot where you could happily spend a few hours chatting or just watching the world go by.
Another cracking line up of beers in here showcasing 5 cask ales, a couple of ciders, numerous keg lines and a selection of cans and bottles. I chose to go with “Slice of Heaven” from Five Kingdoms. A very refreshing and tasty New Zealand Pale Ale.
The Tynesider
Next was an extra call to The Tynesider . The Tynesider opened in the mid-2020s, turning a familiar spot on Gateshead’s High Street into a lively place to meet up. Before that, the building was nothing fancy — mostly a convenience shop and off-licence that people ducked into for snacks or a bottle on the way home. Over time it started leaning toward something more social, and when The Tynesider arrived it pushed things fully in that direction. With music nights, live sport and a friendly, everyone-welcome vibe, it’s grown into the kind of local hangout where people drift in for a chat as much as a drink.
Inside has a laid-back, welcoming feel. There’s plenty of greenery, warm lighting and those wood-slat walls that make the place feel fresh without trying too hard. You’ve got a mix of green booths, comfy chairs and high tables near the windows, so there’s always a spot that suits whatever mood you’re in. Big screens are dotted around for sport, and the bar’s bright, busy and full of bottles — exactly what you want to see. The chalkboard wall covered in people’s messages gives it a proper friendly touch.
Drinks wise a couple of Craft Keg beers, a selection of keg options and a few flat ciders. I went with “Groovy Juice” from Brinkburn St Brewery. A delicious hazy and hoppy New England IPA hopped with Azacca, Cascade, Simcoe, Olicana, Sticklebract, Wai-iti and Waimea.
Axis
Back down the hill brings us next to Axis. Axis sits beneath one of Gateshead’s old railway arches on Wellington Street, right by the High Level Bridge. The spot opened as a bar in May 2022, transforming what had been an unused archway into a lively local hangout. The arch itself dates back to the mid-19th century, part of the infrastructure built for the rail line connecting Newcastle and Gateshead. Founders Alice and Alex, who had spent time working abroad, came home to create something relaxed and welcoming in a bit of local industrial history—proof that even a stretch of old brickwork can find new life.
Inside it has a laid-back, welcoming vibe that makes the most of its old railway arch setting. The curved brick ceiling and exposed stone give it loads of character, but the warm lighting and wooden touches stop it feeling too industrial. There’s a mix of high tables for chatting over a drink and comfy spots by the front windows where you can just chill and watch the street outside. It’s the kind of place that feels bright and open in the day, then turns mellow and cosy once the lights dim — relaxed, friendly, and very Gateshead.
On the bar a choice of 9 keg lines showcasing a range of different strengths and styles, along with a fridge full of cans and bottles. I went for “Pale Ale – Eggers Special” from The Kernel Brewery. A fantastic Pale Ale packed full of flavour and very easy to drink.
The Bridge Hotel
Back over the river brings me to The Bridge Hotel. The Bridge Hotel on Castle Garth in Newcastle was built around 1899 for local publican J. Fitzgerald and designed by Cackett, Burns Dick. Sitting right next to the High Level Bridge, it’s a striking three-storey pub in Art Nouveau style, made from stone and red brick. It’s been a Grade II listed building since 1987, recognised for its character and design. The pub’s also famous for the Bridge Folk Club, which started there in 1958 and is still going strong — one of the oldest folk clubs in the UK. With great views over the Tyne, it’s been a proper Newcastle favourite for generations.
Inside it feels like stepping into a proper old-school pub with a bit of elegance. There’s polished wood everywhere — the bar gleams under soft lighting — and the walls are lined with dark panelling, brass fittings, and old photos of Newcastle’s bridges and quayside. The snug areas have leather seats and low tables, giving it a relaxed, intimate feel. You’ll spot stained glass above the bar and etched mirrors reflecting the amber glow of the lights.
A fantastic line up of 9 cask ales on the bar along with a range of keg options. “Lost in Mosaic” from Loch Lomond Brewery was my selection in here. An American IPA with a delicious citrus flavour, very enjoyable.
Newcastle Tap
Heading round towards the Railway Station brings me to Newcastle Tap. Newcastle Tap opened on 25 August 2017 on the ground floor of Baron House, right across from Newcastle Central Station and the Royal Station Hotel. It’s run by the Pivovar group, who turned what used to be an office space into a relaxed, open bar that got a new mezzanine in 2024. The pub was part of Baron House’s big revamp in the mid-2010s, and even though it’s only been around a few years, it’s already a go-to spot in the city centre and a neat example of Newcastle’s modern regeneration.
Inside Newcastle Tap, you’ll find a big, airy space with an easy-going vibe. The place mixes industrial style—exposed concrete, glass panels, and metal fittings—with warm wooden touches, leather booths, and herringbone floors that make it feel cosy rather than cold. The long bar grabs your attention as soon as you walk in, and there’s a mezzanine upstairs that gives you a great view of the main floor. It feels modern but relaxed, the kind of spot that works just as well for a quick pint as it does for a long, chatty evening with friends.
A fantastic mix of cask and keg beers, with even more choices available in their great range of cans and bottles. The pizzas they make fresh are certainly worth trying as well. “Limon” from Bang The Elephant Brewing Co was my beer choice. A delicious Pale Ale fruited with fresh lemons.
Mosaic Tap
A short walk brought me next to Mosaic Tap. Mosaic Tap opened in 2021 under a restored railway arch on Forth Banks in Newcastle. It was started by Isaac Vernon, who was just 21 and had come back home after studying graphic design in London. With help from a start-up loan from Transmit Funding in Gateshead, he turned the old archway into a relaxed, welcoming spot for locals. The name “Mosaic” was chosen to reflect the mix of people, creativity, and community that he wanted to bring together. Since then, Mosaic Tap has become a small but proud part of Newcastle’s growing independent scene.
Inside, Mosaic Tap has a cosy, down-to-earth feel. The décor blends exposed brick and soft lighting with simple wooden tables and plants dotted around for a homely touch. It’s got that mix of industrial style and warmth that makes it feel relaxed rather than polished. The walls often feature creative artwork and colourful details that nod to its name, “Mosaic.” There’s a clean, open layout that still manages to feel intimate, with a few quiet corners perfect for conversation. Overall, it’s a small, stylish space that feels modern, welcoming, and unmistakably Newcastle.
A great line up of keg options on the bar along with a real ciders and a couple of fridges packed full of cans and bottles to choose from. I chose to go with “Hollow Core” which is a collaboration between Garage Beer Co and Vault City Brewing. A very easy drinking and refreshing Lime IPA.
Beer Street
Round to Beer Street. Beer Street sits in Arch 10 on Forth Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, under the old railway arches built during the city’s 19th-century railway boom. Forth Street was first laid out in 1811 and later reshaped to fit the growing rail network. The arches were once part of the North Eastern Railway’s goods facilities, with workshops and storage linked to the nearby Forth Goods Station from around 1910. Now part of the historic Stephenson Quarter, named after engineer Robert Stephenson, the brick arches keep their Victorian character while serving modern uses that reflect the area’s industrial past.
Inside Beer Street, it’s laid-back and welcoming, with the old railway arch giving it loads of character. You can still see the curved brick ceiling and bits of the original structure, which adds to the charm. There’s a mix of wooden tables, mismatched chairs, and artwork inspired by Hogarth’s “Beer Street and Gin Lane.” A small mezzanine gives extra space without losing the cosy feel. The vibe’s relaxed and friendly — more about good chat than loud music — and it fits perfectly with the easy-going, slightly quirky atmosphere of the Stephenson Quarter around it.
On the bar 5 cask ales along with a range of keg options, and fridges full of cans and bottles. I went with “Sycamore Gap” from Twice Brewed Brewing Co. A light, refreshing and tasty English Pale Ale with some great Citrus flavours from the Cascade hops.
The Wobbly Duck
Up next is Wobbly Duck. The Wobbly Duck sits tucked under a Georgian terrace at 4 Eldon Square, right in the middle of Newcastle. The building goes back to the early 1800s, when the square was filled with grand old townhouses from the city’s Georgian days. Over time, the basement’s been used for all sorts, but in 2021 it was given a full makeover and turned into the cosy, brick-walled spot people know today. The Wobbly Duck opened on 23 July 2021, breathing a bit of new life into the old cellar. Its quirky name and “Wobbly Garden” out back add to the easy-going, tucked-away charm.
Inside The Wobbly Duck, it’s warm, relaxed and full of character. The old brick walls give it a rustic feel, with simple wooden tables, soft lighting and just the right amount of quirky touches. There are a few cosy corners to tuck yourself away in, plus open spots if you fancy chatting or people-watching. It’s got that laid-back, slightly lived-in vibe that makes you feel comfortable straight away. Nothing fancy, just a cool old cellar space that’s been brought back to life — the sort of place where you end up staying longer than you meant to.
Drinks wise a fantastic line up of 10 keg lines, 5 cask lines and a range of real ciders. A great mix of styles and strengths. I went with “Adversarial” from Ill Will Brewing. A super super thick Chocolate and Peanut Butter sour smoothie style beer. Fantastic!
Mean Eyed Cat
Mean Eyed Cat was up next. The Mean-Eyed Cat opened in 2018 in a tiny old newsagent’s on St Thomas’ Street, just across from Haymarket Bus Station. It was started by Dave and Julie Campbell — Dave had worked at The Cluny, Head of Steam and The Central before deciding to open a place of his own. They named it after Johnny Cash’s song Mean Eyed Cat, a nod to their love of Americana. Since opening, it’s become a well-known part of Newcastle’s small-bar scene, known for doing things its own way and adding a bit of character to the city centre.
Inside the Mean-Eyed Cat, it’s small, bright and full of character. The walls are covered in posters, artwork and random bits of music memorabilia, giving it a fun, slightly chaotic charm. The colours are bold and warm, and there’s always good music playing — anything from Johnny Cash to old-school reggae. It feels relaxed and friendly, the kind of place where you can chat to anyone at the bar. Even though it’s tiny, it never feels cramped, just cosy and welcoming. It’s got that mix of personality and comfort that makes people keep coming back.
A great mix of cask and keg options here featuring lots of different breweries. “Victoria Seam” from Spenside Stables Brewery was my beer choice. A smooth, creamy and easy drinking English Bitter.
The Town Mouse
Into The Town Mouse next. The Town Mouse Ale House sits in the basement of 11 St Mary’s Place, one of a row of elegant townhouses built in 1829 and designed by local architect John Dobson for developer Richard Grainger. The buildings, made from sandstone with slate roofs, were part of Newcastle’s big nineteenth-century makeover and were designed to match St Thomas’ Church across the road. The area replaced older medieval buildings once linked to the Hospital of St Mary Magdalene. These days, 2–14 St Mary’s Place, including the Town Mouse, is Grade II listed, recognised for its historic and architectural charm.
Inside the Town Mouse, it’s all about cosy, laid-back charm. Tucked below street level, the place feels like a friendly hideaway with low ceilings, soft lighting, and a warm buzz of conversation. There’s a mix of wooden tables, benches, and stools, giving it that relaxed, easygoing vibe where you can chat without shouting. The décor’s simple but welcoming — no frills, just a comfortable space that feels lived-in and local. It’s the kind of spot where you quickly feel at home, whether you’re popping in for a quiet moment or catching up with friends.
A fantastic line up of 6 cask lines, 7 keg lines, real ciders and a couple of fridges full of cans and bottles. “Under A Tree” from Ideal Day was my beer choice. A super tasty, refreshing and easy drinking IPA.
Sandhill Arms
Last up was to Sandhill Arms. Sandhill Arms has just reopened under Wylam Brewery, and it’s great to see the doors back open at 40 Sandhill on the Quayside. They kicked things off at 7 pm on Friday, 14 November 2025, and the place already feels lively again. Sitting right on one of Newcastle’s oldest riverside streets, it’s got that mix of old-building charm and easy, modern pub vibes. Wylam’s touch gives it a fresh feel without losing the character of the spot, so it still feels properly connected to the city. All in all, it’s a relaxed, welcoming return for a place people have been waiting to see open again.
Inside, Sandhill Arms has a really warm, lively feel, mixing its old timber beams and stone walls with a clean, modern setup from Wylam. The bar area is bright and busy, with a long row of taps and a big, simple menu board. Further in, the rooms feel cosy, with dark panelling, soft lighting and a mix of cushioned benches and stools made from chunky timber. One space is lined with shelves of colourful books, giving it a relaxed, lived-in charm, while another has big black-and-white music portraits that add a bit of attitude. Overall, it feels atmospheric, welcoming and full of character.
A fantastic line up of both cask and keg beers with a mix of permanent and rotational lines, including their own house pale. I chose to go with “Surrender To Immaturity” from Wylam Brewery. A fantastic smooth, hoppy and tasty New England IPA. Packed with Krush, El Dorado and Nelson Sauvin hops.
Micropub Adventures 