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Pints, Pubs & Proper Good Beer in Newcastle
On my trip to Newcastle, I spent the day hopping between brilliant breweries and old-school pubs, trying loads of different beers along the way. I started with fresh, hop-packed pours at Two by Two and Full Circle, then mixed it up with cosy, characterful spots like The Free Trade Inn and The Tyne Bar. Around Ouseburn, places like Brinkburn Street Brewery, The Cumberland Arms, and The Cluny were perfect for relaxed pints. Later, I found great little bars in town like The Town Mouse and Mean Eyed Cat. Great beer, friendly people, and a cracking day out for me too.
Newcastle upon Tyne began as a Roman fort called Pons Aelius, built to guard a crossing over the River Tyne nearly 2,000 years ago. After the Romans left, the area grew slowly until the Normans built a “new castle” in 1080, which is where the city gets its name. Over time, Newcastle became a major centre for coal mining, shipbuilding and heavy industry, helping drive Britain’s Industrial Revolution. It officially became a city in 1882. Today, while the heavy industry has faded, Newcastle is known for its universities, culture, sport, music and friendly locals.
Two by Two Brewery
My first visit in Newcastle was out in Byker to Two by Two Brewing. Two By Two Brewing Co got started in 2014, brewing on a small scale and, like plenty of new brewers back then, making use of other brewery spaces (including Darwin Brewery) before fully setting up on its own. It quickly became known for bold, hop-driven beers and a rotating line-up of seasonal releases. After steadily expanding its kit and reputation, the brewery made a big move in 2022, relocating to Byker in Newcastle upon Tyne. That move also brought the long-awaited bonus of its own taproom, meaning people could finally enjoy fresh pints right where the beer is brewed.
The taproom is bright, relaxed and easy to enjoy. Long wooden benches and shared tables make it great for groups, while smaller spots let you settle in with a pint. The working brewery sits right alongside, with rows of shiny tanks reminding you the beer is made right here. Overhead skylights and warm string lights keep the space feeling open and welcoming. A huge, colourful mural adds loads of personality against the industrial backdrop, and the timber bar brings a bit of warmth. With fresh beer pouring and a steady hum of chat, it feels friendly, casual and full of character.
Drinks wise a great selection of 8 keg beers and 2 cask beers to choose from, alongside a range of cans in the fridge. I had “Blackcurrant Tart” by Two By Two Brewing — it’s a tart, fruity sour beer with big blackcurrant flavour and a sharp, refreshing finish.
Full Circle Brew Co
A short walk in Byker brought me next to Full Circle Brew Co. Full Circle Brew Co kicked off in March 2019 in Hoults Yard, Newcastle upon Tyne, started by beer lovers who wanted to make proper craft brews with interesting flavours. They began small but soon grew because people really liked what they were doing. From day one, the founders focused on creating bold, tasty beers rather than copying the usual stuff, and that approach helped the brewery get noticed not just around Newcastle but by people across the UK too. It’s become a well-liked part of the local craft beer scene and still keeps growing.
Inside the taproom at Full Circle Brew Co, the atmosphere is relaxed, friendly and easy to enjoy. There’s a cosy brick-walled area with soft lighting, wooden tables and comfy mixed seating, great for small groups or quiet chats. The main space is bigger and brighter, with high ceilings, skylights and long shared tables that give it a lively, social feel. You can sit along the windowed ledge and look straight into the brewery. A separate room with bench tables suits parties and events. Shiny tanks, stacked kegs and the canning line show beer being made on site every single day.
On the bar a great line up of 18 keg lines, featuring their own beers alongside guests. On top of that 2 cask ale lines to enjoy. I had Waves of Citra by Full Circle Brew Co — a juicy, citrusy IPA with bright tropical hop flavour and a crisp, refreshing finish.
The Free Trade Inn
Next up was The Free Trade Inn. The Free Trade Inn on St Lawrence Road in Newcastle has been around since the 1830s, when it first opened as a beerhouse for local dock workers. It was rebuilt in 1896 and revamped again in 1919 after Scottish & Newcastle took it over. The pub shut briefly in 1947 for a licence transfer and got its full drinks licence in 1963. Since then, the Free Trade’s become a proper Newcastle favourite – a relaxed spot with a cracking view of the Tyne and its bridges.
Inside the Free Trade Inn, everything feels warm and easy. Golden walls, wood panelling, and framed pictures give it a cosy, well-loved look. There’s a fireplace, sturdy tables, and a mix of chairs and benches that have clearly seen years of good company. The bar is lined with hand-pulls and chalkboards showing beers and spirits. From the main bar area, you can look down into a lower seating space, adding to the snug, tucked-in feel. Outside, a tiered beer garden has plenty of picnic benches, and beyond it all sits that wide, open view of the Tyne.
Lots of choice on the bar to choose from in here. 12 keg lines and 5 cask lines on the bar on my visit. I had Echelon by Almasty Brewing Co — a fresh, hoppy pale with light citrus notes and an easy, smooth finish.
The Tyne Bar
Another short walk brought me to The Tyne Bar. The Tyne Bar, situated where the River Ouse meets the Tyne, stands on a site first occupied by a tavern in about 1850, later rebuilt around 1895 after a fire. Originally known as The Ship Tavern, it developed a colourful reputation, reportedly operating as a brothel during the 1960s. Following refurbishment, it reopened in November 1994 as The Tyne Bar, becoming a cornerstone of Newcastle’s independent scene. Renowned for its riverside setting beneath the bridge, the venue embodies the city’s blend of industrial heritage, creative energy, and enduring love of community gathering.
Inside The Tyne Bar, it feels relaxed and friendly from the moment you walk in. Exposed brick walls, stained glass windows, and warm lights give the place a cosy glow. Wooden tables, bench seating, and little snug corners make it easy to settle in with a drink. The walls are covered in photos, posters, and local artwork, so there’s always something to look at. Just outside, it sits right beside the Ouseburn Tidal Barrier, with the river and old brick arches adding to its character. It’s welcoming, laid-back, and a proper Newcastle upon Tyne favourite for locals and visitors all year round.
On the bar a range of 6 cask ales along with a selection of keg options to choose from. I had DDH Simcoe by Almasty Brewing Co — a juicy, hop-forward beer with big fruity and piney flavours from the Simcoe hops.
Brinkburn Street Brewery, Bar & Kitchen
A few minutes walk brought me to Brinkburn Street Brewery, Bar & Kitchen. Brinkburn Street Brewery Bar & Kitchen was founded in January 2015 at Hoult’s Yard on Brinkburn Street, Byker, before relocating in November 2017 to Ford Street in the Ouseburn Valley. Its current home occupies part of the former Maling Pottery factory, an early-19th-century industrial site once central to Newcastle’s ceramic trade. Brewing began the same year as its founding, quickly earning a reputation for creative ales. The move to Ouseburn allowed expansion into a full tap-house, kitchen and events venue.
Inside Brinkburn Street Brewery Bar & Kitchen, it feels warm, relaxed, and full of character. Exposed brick, big metal air ducts, and soft hanging lights give it that old factory look, but it’s still really welcoming. There are comfy leather sofas, long wooden tables, and shelves packed with art, records, and quirky bits to look at. The walls are covered in pictures and local touches, and the bar is lined with a great range of beers on tap. It’s busy but easygoing — a place where you can settle in, have a drink, and stay longer than you planned.
3 cask ales and 12 keg lines available on the bar featuring a fantastic variety of styles and strengths. I had Baby Framboise Acide by Brinkburn St Brewery — a tart, fruity sour beer with bright raspberry flavour and a sharp, refreshing finish.
The Cumberland Arms
A bit on an uphill walk brought me onto The Cumberland Arms. The Cumberland Arms in Newcastle started out around 1871 as a house at 30 Byker Buildings, home to John Lightfoot and his family. Lightfoot began selling beer under the Beer Houses Act 1830, and by 1889 the place had a wine licence, then a music one soon after. In 1897 it officially became The Cumberland Arms, with a bar, tap room, bagatelle room, cellar and a few living spaces. During some cellar work, a collapse sadly killed a labourer named Matthew Fitzgerald. When the rest of the terrace was knocked down in 1932, the pub stayed standing — one of the few bits of old Byker left.
Inside The Cumberland Arms, it’s all wooden floors, dark panelling, and a proper old fireplace with a real fire glowing away. Chalkboards cover the walls with beers, ciders, and gig listings, and there are bookshelves, board games, and little tables tucked into every corner. The bar is classic polished wood with hand pulls lined up, and the windows have lovely stained glass panels. Out front, two plaques mark local history, including one for Chartist William Parker and another remembering publican Jocker Wood. It’s relaxed, friendly, and easy to settle in for a long, cosy pint.
5 cask ales, 5 keg beers and a brilliant selection of ciders available on the bar. I had Blue Willow by Burnt Mill Brewery — a tart berry sour with lots of blueberry flavour and a sharp, fruity finish.
The Cluny
Down the steps and a short walk brought me to The Cluny. The Cluny, tucked away on Lime Street in Newcastle’s Ouseburn Valley, has quite a story. Built in 1848 as a steam-powered flax mill designed by John Dobson, it later became a flour mill and then a bonded whisky warehouse under the “Cluny” name in the 1920s. After years of industrial use, the Bruvvers Theatre Company bought the site in 1982 and turned it into an arts hub. By 1999, The Cluny opened as a bar and live music venue, quickly earning a reputation as one of the North East’s best spots for gigs — all inside a Grade II-listed former mill.
Inside The Cluny, it’s relaxed and full of proper Newcastle character. The old building still feels real, with chunky stone walls, warm low lighting and big metal air ducts across the ceiling. There’s bold artwork, fairy lights and small tables where people chat over drinks. It’s friendly and easygoing, with no fuss and no posing — everyone’s just there for a good night.
Drinks wise a selection of 3 cask ales to choose from along with a great range of keg options. I had Wylam Gold by Wylam Brewery — a smooth golden ale with light citrus notes and a clean, easy-drinking finish.
The Ship Inn
Opposite lies The Ship Inn. The Ship Inn on Stepney Bank is one of the oldest pubs in the Ouseburn Valley. It shows up in local records from at least the 1820s, serving workers from the busy industrial valley around the River Ouse. Back then the area was full of glassworks, mills and heavy crafts, and the pub was part of a terrace of buildings at the bottom of the steep Stepney Bank road. Most of those houses were cleared in the 1930s and later decades, but the pub stayed put. Its front was rebuilt around 1905, and it’s lived through the big changes in the valley ever since, surviving when many other old pubs disappeared.
Inside it’s all dark wood, exposed brick and chunky old beams, with small tables and snug bench seats tucked into corners. The walls are dotted with old signs, pictures and random pub bits that make it feel friendly and well used, not polished. Plants line the windowsills, softening the light through patterned glass. One window really stands out: a stained-glass panel for George Younger’s Alloa Ales. It’s an old brewery advert built into the glass, a rare survivor that links the pub to Scotland’s historic brewing trade and the era of brewery-owned pubs.
On the bar a selection of 3 local cask ales, along with a wide variety of keg options.I had Dead City by Anarchy Brew Co — a hazy NZ-style IPA with juicy citrus and soft tropical hop flavour, smooth and easy to drink.
Donzoko Brewing Company
Along the road again brought me onto Donzoko Brewing Company. Reece Hugill kicked off Donzoko Brewing Company back in 2018, fuelled by his love for brewing and his time spent in Germany. After studying chemistry at Newcastle University, he realized that a lab coat wasn’t for him; he wanted to craft amazing beer instead. His brewing adventure really took off after an unforgettable trip to Munich’s Oktoberfest, where he caught the beer bug. He started small with just one fermentation tank in a quirky spot in Hartlepool, near Middlesbrough—specifically, the old changing rooms of a school. To make his brews, he often used pilot equipment at Cameron’s Brewery and then brought the wort back to his place for fermentation. As the brewery expanded, it moved around a bit before finally landing in Ouseburn.
The taproom is awesome, featuring unique doors, a long wooden bar, and church-style seating that gives it a lot of charm. Inside, big shiny brewing tanks line the walls, so you can see where the beer’s made while you sip. Warm string lights hang across the high ceiling, making the whole space feel cosy and relaxed. There’s a cool mix of old and industrial touches, from exposed brick to copper brewing equipment. Bright stained-glass style artwork and bold red curtains add colour and character. It’s lively without feeling crowded, and perfect for settling in with friends and a fresh pint.
Drinks wise a choice of 9 keg lines to choose from along with a fridge packed full of cans. Don’t forget the free popcorn (as long as you ask nicely). I had Smog by Donzoko Brewing Company — a hazy pale ale with tropical fruit aromas and juicy flavours like pineapple and mango, easy and refreshing to drink.
Luckies
The first of 2 new additions to the days plan from Tony, Luckies. Luckies on Jesmond Road in Newcastle began life in 2024 when the old Patricia restaurant site was transformed into a tiny brewery and taproom. The team behind it started brewing in April 2024, putting in a small 2.5-barrel brewing kit that had previously been used by King Aelle Brewery at the Delaval Arms in Seaton Sluice. Rather than being a long-standing pub, Luckies is a fresh project that turned a familiar Jesmond Road address into a place where new beers are made and served, carrying on a bit of local brewing history with equipment that’s been part of other breweries before.
Inside feels warm, cosy and a bit eclectic, like a front room that happens to serve excellent beer. Fairy lights criss-cross a dark ceiling, casting a soft glow over mustard-yellow and teal walls. Mismatched stools and small round tables fill the space, with candles, little lamps and vases of flowers adding to the homely feel. Quirky vintage signs, mirrors and bits of artwork cover the walls, giving you something new to spot each visit. Tucked just off the main seating area, shiny stainless-steel brewing tanks and hoses are visible, a constant reminder that the beer is brewed on site in a compact working microbrewery.
On the bar a fantastic line up of 4 cask ales and 8 keg lines. Lots of choice! I had Horse Shoe by Luckies — an easy-drinking beer with a light malty taste and a smooth finish.
The Town Mouse
Back into Newcastle brought me to The Town Mouse. 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 selection of 5 cask ales, 7 keg lines and a huge selection of cans and bottles in the fridges, along with ciders. Lots and lots of choice! I had Double Mangonaut by Holy Goat Brewing — it’s a strong, mango-packed sour ale with big tropical fruit flavour and a tangy, juicy finish.
Mean Eyed Cat
Next up in Newcastle was to Mean Eyed Cat. 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.
On the bar a brilliant selection of 5 cask ales, 8 keg lines, 4 ciders and a great variety of cans. I had Cramped by Almasty Brewing Co — a punchy, hop-forward beer with bold citrus and piney flavours and a crisp finish.
Wobbly Duck
Next up in Newcastle was 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.
A fantastic beer selection featuring 10 keg lines and 5 cask lines, showcasing a variety of styles and strengths. I had Totem of Skulls by Holy Goat Brewing — a golden sour beer with Morello cherries, so it’s fruity, a bit tart and packed with juicy cherry flavour.
Blackfriars Restaurant / St Dominic’s Brewery
Another new venue for me next. This was to Blackfriars Restaurant and home to St Dominic’s Brewery. Blackfriars Restaurant in Newcastle upon Tyne is set inside a former friary founded in 1239 by the Dominican Order. After the monasteries were closed by Henry VIII in the 1500s, the buildings were reused by local trade guilds and later restored, eventually becoming the restaurant seen today. In 2024, the site added St Dominic’s Brewery in the old Chapter House, bringing brewing back to a place where monks once made ale. Together, the restaurant and brewery blend everyday dining with centuries of food, drink, and shared history under one medieval roof.
The Chapter House bar feels warm, busy, and full of history. Thick stone walls and low, dark wooden beams make the room feel old and cosy, like a medieval hall. Lighting is soft and golden, with chandeliers shaped like candles adding to the atmosphere. The bar runs along one side of the room beneath a large wooden canopy supported by carved pillars. The canopy is lined with candle-style lights and finished with a gold Latin inscription, adding a strong monastic feel. Terracotta floor tiles and sturdy wooden seating complete the relaxed, historic setting where people gather to eat, drink, and talk.
On the bar a selection of 3 of their own brewed beers (Pilsner, IPA and Porter) with others available in bottles. I had Blackfriars IPA by St. Dominic’s Brewery — a classic English-style IPA with balanced hops and a bit of citrus and floral flavour, easy and drinkable.
Mosaic Tap
Another short walk in Newcastle brought me 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. The new station shortcut now makes walking down here very quick. And this taproom is moving in Spring so I wish them all the best and look forward to visiting their new premises.
On the bar a fantastic line up of 10 keg lines with a great variety of styles and strengths alongside fridges packed full of cans and bottles to choose from. I had Clemonbalm Sour by Pilot — a tart, fruity sour with bright citrus and a hint of herbal lemon-balm flavour that’s refreshing and fun to drink.
Gunner Tavern
My last call in Newcastle before my train home was to Gunner Tavern. Gunner Tavern opened in July 2019 in Gunner House on Neville Street, right across from Newcastle Central Station, taking over the long-standing city centre site of the nightclub Gotham Town. The name comes from Gunner Tower, part of Newcastle’s medieval town defences whose remains lie nearby as part of the old Newcastle town wall. The pub redevelopment kept the core ground-floor space while honouring local heritage with its name, linking a busy social venue to the city’s historic fortifications and streetscape. Its launch refreshed a familiar site for residents and visitors alike.
Inside feels warm, lively and easy to relax in. There’s lots of dark wood, exposed brick and old-style arch details that give it a proper pub feel, but mixed with modern touches like green tiled pillars and industrial lights. You’ll see long wooden tables, high stools and comfy booth seating, so there’s space for big groups or smaller catch-ups. The ceiling is dark with soft lighting, which makes the room feel cosy rather than bright. Big front windows let in daylight, while evenings have a mellow glow. The curved bar and open layout make it feel social and welcoming.
On the bar a great line up of 5 cask ales along with a wide range of keg options to choose from. I had Rolling Hills by Ideal Day — a simple pale ale with gentle citrus and light hop bitterness, easy to drink and nicely balanced.
Micropub Adventures 