The Great North: Newcastle Upon Tyne

Our addiction to Real Ale knows no limits and we continue our Northern England exploration with a weekend touring craft beer bars in Newcastle Upon Tyne. It was a short stay to visit the most famous pubs of the city and some modern newcomers.

The Trent House

We had luck with the weather and it was sunny on Saturday. We started off with a fulfilling English Breakfast to face the day and then took a stroll downtown, where we visited the Granger Market. As our thirst build up, we started off with a Pale Ale at The Trent House. The Trent House is a local pub, small and cozy, serving a handful of Real Ale on pump and other more commercial beers on draft. It is located aside the city centre, on a residential street, near Leazes Park.

Bierrex

Our next stop was at modern Bierrex. They serve 31 beers on tap, including craft and non-craft beers as well as some Real Ale. The bar has a modern-chic American diner style decor, with attractive marble countertops at the bar. They also specialize in American style smoked food which looked delicious.

Crown Posada

In the afternoon we visited the Crown Posada, on CAMRA’s list of Historic Pub Interiors. This is a classic style pub with a fine architecture. The bar is set in a long and narrow passage, with a larger seating area at the front. The walls are covered with historical photographs. They serve 3 regular local Ales, and smaller brewers are usually supported. However, it was pretty crowded when we there and they (honestly) didn’t have anything special on tap… so we had a small Ale and moved on to the next bar.

The Bridge Tavern

Our little favorite from the trip, The Bridge Tavern is situated below one of Newcastle’s most iconic landmarks, The Tyne Bridge. A Hostelry and Ale House for nearly two centuries, the original building was demolished in 1925 to make way for the bridge. The current building was rebuilt after the bridge. The Bridge Tavern is a (brew)pub serving both cask & keg products. The bar houses a microbrewery on premises brewing Real Ales and offers a selection of 10 beers on pump and couple more on draft. The atmosphere is super cozy, with a few couches available to pass a long and cold afternoon… we were in for a long time. Our beer of the trip was the black session IPA brewed on the premises, Born As A Black Snake.

Wylam Brewery

After stocking up on energy, we headed to Wylam Brewery which was housing one their food battle events: the Argie Bhaji Curry Battle. Ten vendors from across town were invited to offer their curry to popular consumption. The brewery is located in the Palace of Arts, in Exhibition Park. The Palace of Arts is the last building to survive from the North East Exhibition of 1929. As they put it, finding them is a walk in the park… quite literally!

We tried some delicious curry with a real espresso and brownie for dessert. Of course, the taproom was open with a total of 14 taps. They serve fresh Wylam beers on keg and cask, as well as guest beers from friends & family in the brewing community and extensive bottle & can fridges. The place was packed when we got there and there was no place to seat in the taproom. I would love to come back on a calmer day and enjoy some more time in this special location with excellent craft beers, brewed onsite.

Anarchy Brewing Co.

Off the beaten track and in the outskirts of the city you will find Anarchy Brew Co. , located in Benfield Business Park. Their taproom is open every Friday and Saturday from 12h to 22h.  The place is huge – it is actually one open space shared by both the brewery and the modern taproom, where large screens displaying the available beers on tap. They serve 7 beers on keg and have one cask. The venue still feels very new and raw… still, it has a lots of potential. It was quite late when we visited and there weren’t too many people, but I’m sure there will be fun times ahead.

The Tyne Bar

After a short siesta to boost our energy levels, our Saturday night out in Newcastle started. Our first stop was at The Tyne Bar, a historic pub in the city. Still popular as ever, the place was already crowded when we got there and the party was on with live DJ. The place has a cozy pub feeling, with the typical English moquette and wooden furniture. They serve a mix of commercial beers and 4 cask local Wylam ales plus some guest craft beers. We didn’t had the chance to be outside, they have a very nice and large terrace with tons of seatings facing the river. We’ll need to come back during a sunny day!

Free Trade Inn

Close by you will find the Free Trade Inn. A quiet pub which offers great views of the Tyne bridge, river and Quayside. With up to 9 beers available and couple ciders as well, this was one of the bars with the best selection of craft beer – especially cask – from our visit. The atmosphere was quiet compared to The Tyne. Friends and family were sharing tables and conversing over their pints in an intimate vibe.

Cumberland Arms

Our last stop of the night was at the Cumberland Arms, up the hill in the Ouseburn valley. Another traditional pub offering 12 real ale hand pulls and 4 keg lines of rotating beers. The showcase both local breweries from the North East and also across Britain. Popular for their live music and other live entertainment, the place was crowded when we got there with a silent disco event going on the second floor. They have a large beer terrace & garden outside with what seemed like excellent views – definitely one of the best craft beer bars in Newcastle Upon Tyne. We will need to come back during the day to enjoy it!

The Split Chimp

On our last we started off by strolling down the Quayside Sunday Market. We then headed to The Split Chimp: Newcastle’s first micropub located right in the city centre with a low-key feel. They serve 6 real ale on cask and 3 other beers on keg. We were the only customers that early on besides the barman and his two friends which we got acquainted with over a pint. We had a good time chatting and they recommended our next stop.

The Box Social

The Box Social was our last discovery of the day. A little microbrewery and taproom located literally under a railway arch. They serve six Box Social brewery ales plus some rotating guest beers. The ground floor is tiny and fits only the bar itself and 2-3 tables. They also have a second floor with a larger seating area with room for everyone. Good atmosphere and friendly staff!

We finished off our trip at The Bridge Tavern again. This was by far our favorite spot of our trip. We enjoyed our last beers tucked away in their large and comfy sofa until it was time to get our ride to the airport back home. We will definitely love to come back again in summer. See you soon Newcastle Upon Tyne!

BEST CRAFT BEER BARS IN NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE