If you’re planning a trip to the north-east this winter (or spring!), then it pays to be prepared for bad weather. Fortunately, this part of the country is really well set-up for blustery winds and rain, since it’s home to so many fantastic pubs – many of which can be found in Newcastle.
So, the focus of today’s post is going to be which watering holes are bust for bunkering down in for the afternoon with a tasty pint and perhaps a bowl of cheesy chips. If you book self-catering accommodation in Newcastle, it’s worth bearing in mind that lots of these offer hearty meals too, so they’re great places to head to when you don’t fancy cooking.
The Old George Inn
Let’s start with Newcastle’s oldest pub, the Old George Inn. Dating back to the 16th century, this pub combines a historical charm with loads of great deals that make it as affordable as it is enjoyable to visit.
You see, it serves up great food every day of the week, and there are plenty of deals to pick from, including burger and drink offers, two-for-one on desserts and Grill Day Wednesdays – though obviously you’ll need to check what exact offers are on when you visit.
And as an added bonus, there’s live entertainment at the weekend, as well as late closing on Friday and Saturday, when you can party until 02:00.
The Redhouse
Is there anything better on a cold and blustery day than a steaming hot pie and a pint? Possibly not. And the place to go if you agree is the Redhouse, which is on the Quayside and set in a beautiful Grade II listed building.
A traditional pie and mash alehouse, the Redhouse offers a kind of deluxe mix-and-match meal option, allowing you to first pick your pie, then select your mash, before finally picking the kind of peas you’d like on the side and the liquor you want drizzled over the whole lot. Delicious.
The Bodega
Over on Westgate Road is a great pub called the Bodega. This place is famous for its Victorian feel, which is down to touches like its tiled floor and long bar. Along said bar there are nearly ten pumps serving real ale, including a mix of permanent and guests ales by the likes of Big Lamp Brewery and others.
This is a great place to come for a decent drink in a fun and unique setting – it’s often said that coming here gives you a chance to experience what drinking in the Victorian era was like!
The Tyne Bar
Located underneath Glasshouse Bridge is the Tyne Bar, which has a really extensive selection of ales. Actually, it’s been named as Wylam Brewery’s ‘official tap in the city’, which means you can taste a wide range of this brewer’s ales here – and they’re certainly well worth a try!
Plus, there’s some delicious food on offer, especially if you’re after some warming and filling snacks. Treats include chips served with sides of bread and butter and cheese, as well as tempting fishfinger sandwiches.
The Duke of Wellington
Last on my list is the Duke of Wellington, which is on High Bridge. One of the best places to come if you’re a fan of real ales, it has long had a reputation for serving up seriously good drinks. There are regular beer festivals too, so it’s worth checking if one will be on during your stay.
Live sport is screened here, while there’s also a jukebox for when things are a bit quieter. On Monday nights, meanwhile, is a quiz night, complete with a free buffet.