As a place renowned for its raucous late-night drinking dens, it’s sometimes easy to forget about the best pubs in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Cosy, welcoming, and serving a first-rate choice of drinks, alongside hearty grub, these boozers contribute to our fair city being the envy of the North East. Read on to uncover the top choices.
Built back in the 1920s, the Brandling Arms has long been a Gosforth institution. The stylish pub is open seven days a week from 12pm onwards, serving a selection of light bites and sharing boards, along with mega Sunday roasts come the weekend.
The Ware Rooms is a modern, spacious bar found in the heart of the city. Built on the cite of Newcastle's last jail, their industrial-inspired interiors feature iron girders and reclaimed wood decor, creating a unique atmosphere for sipping on draft beer, wine or cocktails. As for food, you can expect stone baked pizza from Barrel & Stone with toppings like barbecue chicken and peppadew peppers.
After the best pubs in Newcastle to watch football? A traditional British boozer in every sense of the word, The Gosforth Hotel offers one of the warmest welcomes. Swing by to sip on real ales while catching up on the sport and chowing down traditional pub grub, including bangers 'n' mash or steaming pies.
When the need for live sports and bottomless pizza brunches strike, check out Hancock. Nestled between Jesmond and the university, this affordable destination is delving out mac 'n' cheese topped with BBQ beef rib, tacos, gourmet burgers and more.
A lively boozer in the heart of Gosforth, The Northumbrian Piper gives you everything you want from your local pub. We're talking rich wood interiors, well-cared-for ales and a warm welcome any day of the week.
There's food up for grabs every day too. Take your pick from pub grub classics like fish and chips or bangers and mash, plus epic Sunday roasts.
After a gastro pub? Yolo Townhouse's focus is keeping you fed and watered with cocktails, alongside having a quaint rooftop terrace. Think steak 'n' ale pies, loaded fries, sarnies and small plates, or bottomless brunches if you fancy a boozy affair.
Three Mile is an award-winning gastro den that's sure to bowl you over with beaut meals. Better yet, the Sunday lunch menu not only has piled-high roasts aplenty, but also classics ranging from beer battered haddock to steak and ale pies.
One of the best pubs in Newcastle city centre, The Old George Inn is a historic watering hole fronting a quaint courtyard and traditional interiors. Nab a spot in their outdoor space and while away an afternoon with pals, pints and tasty burgers.
Handily located just a short walk from the station, The Forth is a vibrant boozer that's ideal for the best pub food in Newcastle city centre, retro interiors and a colourful outdoor terrace. Menus are curated by local street food favourites, such as Veg Heads, Ruby Jean's Burgers and The Chicken Society.
Just steps from the seafront, The Queens Head is the perfect pitstop for a pint after a bracing coastal walk. In the heart of Cullercoats, its exposed wood floors, warm tones and open fire are sure to make you feel at home as soon as you walk through the door.
There's plenty to wet your whistle while you're here, with cask ales, draught lagers and worldly wines up for grabs. The pub grub is well worth sticking around for too. Think stacked burgers, fish and chips, and an epic seafood boil.
Offering a quintessential British pub experience, The Three Bulls Head on Percy Street is a traditional boozer loved by locals and students alike. With two floors, delicious food like katsu chicken fries, and a fully stocked bar serving beer, spirits and all kinds of cocktails, it's perfect for a casual drink or a pre-match bite.
If you are a movie buff, this place may ring a few bells for its starring roll in Get Carter. As well as being one beautiful place to grab a beer or two, Victoria Comet serves up a delicious selection of traditional grub - making it one of the best pubs in Newcastle for food.
If you're after a quintessential Geordie pub, head to The Percy Arms, fitted with pool tables and TV screens for sport. This cosy venue right in the city centre offers a wide range of drinks, including signature cocktails, a variety of beers, a curated wine list and several spirits.
Flaunting cosy pub interiors and quaint outdoor area, Akenside Traders is a drinking den worth visiting. Whether you're here to catch the latest sports fixture or settling in for a few pints, these guys have you covered. As for food? Enjoy crispy calamari or tasty tacos.
With a secret cinema room primed for private parties, plus their very own brewed pale ale, The Town Wall just so happens to be one of the best craft beer pubs. Brimming with bare brickwork, this Grade II plot is primed for quenching your thirst in a gorgeous space.
No Newcastle pub crawl would be complete without a trip to Crown Posada, which is known for its lush Victorian interiors and vintage charm. From record players and traditional awning to rustic woodwork, this boozer is quite the looker.
There's no questioning the star of the show at The Bridge Tavern. Proudly housed on the ground floor, the two-hectolitre microbrewery churns out bespoke cask ales fresh for sipping. Topping it off? That gorgeous terrace.
If it's pubs with entertainment in Newcastle you're after, The Tyne Bar is a top pick. Set by the canal and touting a roster of live music or DJs, this charming waterfront spot is ideal for everything from chilled pints to full parties.
A top pick out of the best pubs in Newcastle Quayside, The Broad Chare is an infectiously cosy and welcoming space made for chatting away or browsing the papers. Enjoy their own label beer to wash down the impeccable food here, which is recommended with a Bib Gourmand in the Michelin guide.
With cask ales from every corner of the globe taking pride of place alongside pub fare, Lady Greys is everything a traditional watering hole should be. Expect all your favourites, as well as an indulgent Sunday lunch offering.
