The Best Pubs & Cocktail Bars in Newcastle, England

Tyne River and Gateshead Millennium Bridge at dusk, Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Tyne River and Gateshead Millennium Bridge at dusk, Newcastle-upon-Tyne | © robertharding / Alamy Stock Photo
Helen Armitage

It’s no secret that the residents of Newcastle upon Tyne like a tipple or two and, quite rightly, the lively northeastern city has a great community of pubs and cocktail bars. Whether local ales in a traditional pub whets your whistle, or a classy gin bar is more your scene, our guide to Newcastle’s top pubs and bars will help you find your new ‘favourite’ watering hole.

The Tyne Bar

2G8CA35 People sitting outside The Tyne Bar was the Ship Tavern, Ouseburn, Newcastle upon Tyne, England, UK

The Tyne Bar is one of the city’s premier beer bar destinations. In addition to serving a good range of draught and bottled beers from around the world, including brews from Sweden’s Spendrups Bryggeri and Germany’s Erdinger Weißbräu, The Tyne is also Northumberland-based Wylam Brewery’s official brewery tap in the Newcastle and its Gold Tankard ale is available year-round alongside rotating guest Wylam ales. The Tyne’s location in lovely Ouseburn, regular free live music and a number of tasty pub grub-style bites are an added bonus.

speech icon man in bubble

Destinations Unlocked:

Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture trip

Looking for an expert's perspective?

Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
speech icon man in bubble
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

The Tyne Bar, Maling Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK,+44 0191 265 2550

The Cluny

Bar, Pub, Pub Grub

The Cluny public house,Ouseburn Valley, Newcastle-upon-Tyne
© Peter Atkinson / Alamy Stock Photo
Operated by the Head of Steam pub group, The Cluny is a pub located in a former mill and bottling plant dating back to 1848 in Newcastle’s picturesque Ouseburn Valley. Alongside an impressive number of real ales and craft beers, the venue also hosts regular on-site beer festivals. A number of cask conditioned ales and bottled beers are served and available to take home too, with varieties like Copper Dragon’s Challenger IPA, Black Sheep Bitter and High House Farm Brewery’s Nel’s Best. In addition to being a beer drinkers’ oasis, The Cluny is also one of Newcastle’s premier music venues, whose roster of past performers has included Seasick Steve, Daniel Johnston and The Vaccines.

The Bridge Tavern

T7RTTD The Newcastle Arms (now called the Bridge Tavern) on Akenside Hill stands in the shadow of the Tyne Bridge

Nestled in the shadows of Newcastle’s iconic Tyne Bridge, the aptly named Bridge Tavern is a brewpub and restaurant. Though the current building it calls home was rebuilt after the construction of the bridge, the site has acted as an alehouse for almost 200 years. Featuring its own on-site microbrewery fully viewable from its ground floor room, The Bridge Tavern serves its house-brewed bespoke ales alongside other offerings like Marble Brewery’s Bohème and Lagunitas IPA. Taster planks are available and a charming terrace is great for a few beers in summer under the shadow of the Tyne Bridge.

The Bridge Tavern, 7 Akenside Hill, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK, +44 0191 261 9966

The Free Trade Inn

WT49NT Free Trade Inn, Newcastle, 2014

Just a stone’s throw from The Tyne Bar, with beautiful views over the Tyne River, is The Free Trade Inn, a rustic establishment and one of Newcastle’s oldest pubs that proudly champions locally brewed ales. Numerous awards including CAMRA’s Tyneside Pub of the Year in 2013 are well-deserved, with a beer menu that includes local gems like Wylam Brewery’s Jakehead IPA and Northern Alchemy’s Dark Chocolate and Mint Milk Stout alongside draught, bottled and canned beer from further afield.

The Free Trade Inn, St Lawrence Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK, +44 0191 265 5764

The Central Bar

2EM4D74 The Central public house is an old wedge shaped building standing proudly on Half Moon Lane in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear.

Not technically a Newcastle pub, but its location at the Gateshead end of the Tyne Bridge and its great range of beers make The Central Bar a worthy mention nonetheless. Located in a stunning 1856, wedge-shaped building, with an original curved bar, it is also owned by the Head of Steam group and features a beautifully renovated bar area, two upper level function rooms where live music acts often perform and a gorgeous new rooftop terrace perfect for al fresco beers in summer. Bar nibbles, classic pub dishes, burger and hot dogs are served alongside brews such as Allendale Brewery’s Far Far Away IPA and The Five Points Brewing Company’s Hook Island Red.

The Central Bar, Half Moon Lane, Gateshead, UK, +44 0191 478 2543

Pleased To Meet You

Bar, Cocktail Bar, Restaurant, British, Pub Grub

Pleased to meet you, restaurant and bar, High Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
© Peter Atkinson / Alamy Stock Photo
Since it opened in 2013, Pleased To Meet You, a beautifully designed cocktail bar and restaurant specialising in gin-based concoctions, tucked away on a historic cobbled side street in the heart of the city, has quickly become a favourite haunt of local cocktail connoisseurs. Featuring beautiful chandeliers and sumptuous leather seats mixed with exposed brickwork and girders, the bar is a mix of classic elegance and industrial-chic, a sophisticated space in which to enjoy its specialty gin cocktails, like Bloody Gin Julep and the signature Pleased To Meet You No1. Other classic and craft cocktails are served alongside beer, fine wine and a good number of whiskies.

As You Like It

Bar, Cocktails

As You Like It

Quite possibly one of the most uniquely designed venues in the local area, As You Like It is a beautiful four-floor establishment featuring four stunning bars and a charming garden terrace located in the lovely, leafy Jesmond suburb just north of Newcastle city centre. Its quirky, cosy interior features an offbeat mix of vintage inspired shabby-chic designs and a gloriously opulent ambience in which to enjoy its classic and craft cocktails. Try the White Chocolate Raspberry Bakewell, a mix of raspberry vodka, Amaretto, raspberry liqueur and cranberry juice topped with white chocolate foam, or a classic old-fashioned or martini.

As You Like It, Archbold Terrace, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK, +44 0191 281 2277

Lola Jeans

Bar, Cafe, Cocktail Bar, Contemporary

Originally started in the picturesque coastal town of Tynemouth, the owners of Lola Jeans branched out in late 2014 opening a location on Newcastle’s Market Street. Already receiving rave reviews and attracting a steady clientele, Lola Jeans features a beautiful interior created by co-owner Lindsay that is a relaxed neighbourhood cafe by day and stylish speakeasy inspired cocktail bar by night. Expertly crafted cocktails draw on classic recipes and local influences with signature creations like Lola’s Sling, fresh pineapple juice, premium gin, lime, cherry liqueur and Benedictine, and can be teamed with dishes from a menu inspired by delicious American comfort food.

Alvinos

Bar, Contemporary

A casual, late-night bar based in the city centre, Alvino’s is one of Newcastle’s most popular cocktail joints. Deceptively small from the street, Alvinos’ entrance hides a sprawling three-level property full of cosy and quirky areas, retro games like pinball machines and foosball and a popular outside terrace. Fans of kitsch will love its cute cartoon-cocktail menu brimming with interesting concoctions like the Pink Gringo (tequila, aperol, ruby grapefruit, raspberry jam, egg white and lemon) and Chivas Me Timbers (Chivas Regal 12, dark cacao, whiskey and liquorice bitters, absinthe and barrel-aged sugar).

Barluga

Bar, Restaurant, Contemporary, Pub Grub

Outdoor terrace at Barluga
Courtesy of Barluga
Barluga is a classy bar and restaurant serving a first-rate cocktail list, plenty of fine wines and delicious modern British comfort food. Based in a former bank, it features an open kitchen, mezzanine level, charming terrace to the back and street side patio seating perfect for indulging in a few cocktails and a spot of people watching. Team cocktail options like Tom Collins, watermelon mojito and passion fruit martini with bar food bites like sweet potato fries, Lindisfarne oysters and rosemary-studded baked camembert.
culture trip left arrow
 culture trip brand logo

Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

women sitting on iceberg

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

culture trip logo letter c
group posing for picture on iceberg
group posing for picture on iceberg

Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

map of volcanic iceland trip destination points
culture trip brand logo
culture trip right arrow
landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

X

Holiday Sale Offers on Our Trips

Incredible Savings

Edit article