The Must-Visit Proper Pubs in Newcastle
There’s just something about settling in for a pint at a classic British boozer. Sometimes you’ve just got to ditch all the expensive cocktails and unpronounceable craft beers and order yourself a good old pint.
These are some of the best traditional pubs in Newcastle:
Bacchus
Kitted out like a grand ocean liner in reference to Newcastle’s shipbuilding past, The Bacchus is a regular award-winner as one of the city’s top watering holes.
Part of the Sir John Fitzgerald’s establishments that populate Tyneside, this city centre spot blends modernity with old-school charm.
All the classics are available, and you can still order from a selection of craft beer and local gins if you really can’t face being off-trend.
42-48 High Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 6BX (the-bacchus)
The Broad Chare
The Broad Chare celebrates the best Newcastle has to offer, with plenty of locally sourced brews and grub on the menu.
“Proper Pub, Proper Beer, Proper Food” is inscribed above the doorway, so you’d expect that the “Chare” can dish out an authentic proper drinking experience.
Tucked away near the bustling Quayside, this redbrick free house does things simply. And that is often the best.
25 Broad Chare, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3DQ (thebroadchare)
The Bodega
Stepping into The Bodega is a little like stepping into a time machine and arriving in 19th century Britain.
Bedecked in true Victorian style, The Bodega harks back to a bygone era whilst still managing to be one of the hippest joints in Geordieland.
Real Ale Pub of the Year in 2014, 2015, and runner-up in 2016, a record that speaks for itself.
Bang in the centre of town, this SJF owned pub is a popular spot on match day.
125 Westgate Rd, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4AG (the-bodega)
Bridge Tavern
Okay, so you will find craft beers and an onsite microbrewery at this pub, which doesn’t make it truly traditional, but the Tourism Pub of the Year is still deserving of a place on this list.
As fresh a pint as you’ll find, the stacked menus is full of locally-themed favourites.
You can choose to lounge out on the enormous leather sofas or take your beer upstairs to the roof terrace.
Not truly traditional, but still a classic Newcastle drinking den.
7 Akenside Hill, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3UF (thebridgetavern)
Duke of Wellington
Football on the TV, ale on tap, the Duke of Wellington is as classic as they come. Nestled just off the main road leading up to St. James Park, this proper pub serves all the usual suspects alongside real pub grub.
Get yourself a hearty burger and a John Smith’s before settling in for matchday.
High Bridge, Newcastle, NE1 1EN (dukeofwelly)
Lady Greys
Old meets new at Lady Greys. A relatively recent addition to the Newcastle drinking scene, this free house is furnished to appear as if it’s been around the block for centuries.
Victorian elegance meets speakeasy comfort here, but the drinks are anything but dated.
The Lady stocks an array of ales and beers, as well as a healthy range of whisky for anyone starting on the stronger stuff.
20 Shakespeare St, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 6AQ (ladygreys)
The Bridge Hotel
Situated close to Britain’s most beautiful road, Grey Street, The Bridge Hotel is in keeping with the area with its stunning premises.
Built on medieval ruins, this old-style pub rubs shoulders with the city Castle, with great views of the fortifications and the passing river from the terrace area.
Inside you’ll find a range of beers and ales, from cask to keg, all served up in a charming and relaxing atmosphere.
Castle Square, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1RQ (bridge-hotel)
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