Best Pubs In Newcastle

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By Marcus Sanigar Food, Drink & Events Writer, DesignMyNight Food, drink and events writer with a decade of experience covering the UK hospitality scene. Has written for Expedia, Trainline and more. Last updated on 1st June 2026

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.




Hancock

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.

Three Bulls Heads Newcastle

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.

LIVE MUSIC AT THE GEORGE STEPHENSON

Looking for live music over a drink or two? Get down to The George Stephenson. 

This traditional local boozer brings the very best emerging talent to the stage every weekend. Round up your mates, grab a pint and settle in for the show - entry is completely free.

The Gosforth Hotel, Newcastle

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.

Fleet Street Newcastle upon Tyne

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Among the best pubs in Newcastle, Fleet Street Newcastle Upon Tyne stands out for its mix of style, sport and soul. It's a lively, welcoming venue with top-tier screens, live music, and a friendly crowd.

From pre-match build-ups to post-game celebrations, it's a venue that keeps the energy going long after the final whistle. There's also a pool table, a great drinks selection and plenty of space.

The Head of Steam Quayside

You'll find a huge array of gaming options at The Head of Steam Quayside, including retro arcade machines, pool tables and shuffleboard. What's more, they boast an impressive number of craft beers and a menu that's 50% vegan.

The Town Wall

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. 

The Northumbrian Piper

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.

The Queens Head, Newcastle

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.

Kabin @ Kabannas Newcastle

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.

The Forth

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.  

The Tyne Bar

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.

Crown Posada

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.

The Broad Chare

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.