The Best Pubs in Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Forget the guidebooks, Newcastle-upon-Tyne’s pub scene is a glorious, rowdy mess of proper boozers, craft havens, and legendary beer gardens under bridges. You’ll find everything from a spot that brews its own ales right under the Tyne Bridge to a traditional gem with a river view that’ll make you forget the rain, plus an award winning microbrewery famous for its ridiculous burgers and a fiercely independent ale house that locals won't shut up about. Read on to uncover the best pubs in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and start planning your crawl.


1. The Bridge Tavern
7 Akenside Hill, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3UF
Tucked under the iconic Tyne Bridge, this brewpub and eatery is a cozy craft beer haven with a library and its own on site brewery. It serves seasonal British comfort food with a local twist alongside bespoke real ales brewed right on the premises. The pub also features a rooftop beer garden and offers outdoor seating, making it a special spot for casual lunches and great beer.
Photo by Anthony Foster — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


2. Free Trade Inn
St Lawrence Rd, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 1AP
This traditional boozer is a proper gem, celebrated for its friendly staff and a fantastic selection of real ales. The true magic lies in its beer garden, which offers simply the best view of the river Tyne to enjoy with a pint, rain or shine. It’s the kind of old fashioned pub where you can watch a stunning sunset and even say hello to the resident cat.
Photo by Martin McG — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
3. The Bacchus
42-48 High Bridge (Pilgrim St), Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 6BX
Welcome to The Bacchus, a pub that is part of the Sir John Fitzgerald family, known for their rich heritage in real ale. This pub offers an exceptional selection of quality local ales, reflecting a true taste of the region. The Bacchus is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking outstanding drinks and a welcoming spot to enjoy them. With a wide selection of drinks and a commitment to locally sourced cuisine, it is a beloved choice for locals and visitors alike.
4. The Brandling Villa
Haddricks Mill Rd, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 1QL
The Brandling Villa is an award winning pub and cask beer microbrewery famous for its ridiculous burgers and range of cask beers. It is dog and kid friendly, serving homemade scranners, and hosts live music, comedy gigs, film seasons, retro gaming events, nationally famous festivals, and a pub quiz. This is a contemporary yet traditionally anchored local boozer.


5. Red House
32 Sandhill Quayside, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3JF
Red House is Newcastle’s oldest and most iconic pub venue, offering a genuine pub experience where people from all walks of life gather. It is dog friendly and boasts a large outside area, plus it opens early on match days for pre game pints with mates. The pub is known for its excellent food, stellar pies, and great beer, with staff who are fantastic and welcome dogs inside.
Photo by David Robinson — CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons


6. The Tyne Bar
1 Maling St, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 1LP
The Tyne Bar is an independent pub and live music venue that has been a local favourite since 1994, offering a wonderful drinks selection, free gigs and events, and an extensive food menu with vegan options. Its famous beer garden beneath the bridge is a must visit, and the pub holds a special place in the hearts of music and beer lovers. You can enjoy gourmet hot dogs and burgers alongside delicious sharing plates, with food served every day from 12pm to 9pm. This is a spot that just keeps getting better and better.
Photo by Eirian Evans — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


7. Tilleys Bar
105 Westgate Rd (at Waterloo St), Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4AG
Tilley's Bar is a traditional, friendly city pub that has kept its original charm, quirkiness, and comfort intact. It offers a superb range of real ales, along with a great selection of draught lagers, bottled beers, and ciders. The staff are fantastic, making it a perfect spot for table debates and a place where the real ale selection is truly loved.
Photo by Mike Quinn — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


8. The Town Wall
Pink Lane (High Bridge), Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 5HX
The Town Wall is a brewpub and eatery housed within the elegant confines of Bewick House, a Grade II listed building with a rich history tied to artist Thomas Bewick. It offers a selection of international beers, wines, champagnes, gins, cocktails, and softs, alongside light bites, lunches, evening meals, and Sunday roasts. The pub stands on Pink Lane less than 100 yards from the central train station, making it a convenient and historically fascinating spot to enjoy great beer and food.
Photo by Mike Quinn — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


9. The Bridge Hotel
Castle Sq (Castle Garth), Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1RQ
Tucked away in a historic corner, this pub bursts with olde world charm and a genuine, welcoming spirit. It’s a true haven for ale lovers, offering an excellent selection of well kept local brews that locals rave about. With its beautiful location and outdoor seating, it’s the perfect spot for a quick, satisfying meal or a leisurely pint in a truly authentic setting.
Photo by Graham Robson — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
10. The Town Mouse
11 St Mary's Pl (Basement), Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7PG
The Town Mouse is a fiercely independent ale house and a five time Newcastle CAMRA Pub of the Year winner, most recently in 2024. It focuses on the best of North East brewed high quality keg and cask beers, British ciders, and locally produced bar snacks. The knowledgeable staff are frequently praised for their friendliness, and the pub offers a great range of ales from fantastic independent breweries at reasonable prices. It also features a sociable atmosphere with a progressive attitude and independent thinking.




