The Best Pubs in Newcastle

If there's one thing that Newcastle excels itself in, it's the somewhat lost art of offering a really decent set of excellent pubs. Yeah, there's the usual endless selection of chains, the quayside establishments with beer soaked carpets and assorted collections of hen and stag dos, and the type of places that you've hopefully never witnessed the likes of until you've seen Geordie Shore. But if you're willing to do a bit of digging about, you'll find plenty of pubs that are nothing but bloody lovely.

Having recently ended up back in Newcastle after a brief return to the homeland, I set myself the selfless task of carrying out some thorough investigative research into what could be considered as the cream of the boozer crop. It's probably worth noting that my beer knowledge is somewhat limited. So while I'm not professing to be an expert on such matters, these are the places that I'd choose to head to when in need of a bit of alcoholic respite, and the places that I'd suggest to people who I generally don't dislike.

The Free Trade Inn 

The Free Trade is my new local, but even if it wasn't, it's definitely worth a fairly long journey to get to. Firstly, THE VIEWS! Have you ever witnessed a pub with views as good as this?

No, neither have I. But as well as having the best beer garden in the whole of the city (maybe even the whole of the North East), it's got plenty in the way of substance too. Absolutely loads of local beers, an impressive array of CAMRA and other awards from those who actually know stuff about this kind of thing, and some of the friendliest bar staff that I've witnessed in recent times.

If that wasn't enough, they've acquired a resident pub cat that goes by the name of Craig David. There's even a little collection pot on the bar in his name, and I have it on good authority that he's had all his injections and other such feline essentials funded purely through the kindness of regulars and passers-by. And if that doesn't make you feel a little bit better about the state of humanity, I don't know what will.

The Tyne Bar 

Just thirty seconds down the bank from The Free Trade is The Tyne Bar. It's what I'd call a summer pub, in the sense that there's loads of outdoor seating, a regular selection of gigs played outside, and it's right on the river. Located under Glasshouse Road Bridge, they've got some funky under-arch lighting craic going on, and there's even a few disco balls hanging about.

Go here for late afternoon boozing, or slightly later on when there's a certain sort of holiday vibe. Well, the closest that you're likely to find to that in Newcastle, anyway.

It's a bit hipster at times, but it's Ouseburn. Par for the course.

The Forth 

I've been darkening the towers of The Forth since my university days, and it's remained a firm favourite. A decent selection of beers, and a laid back feel that stays present whether you're there for a Saturday night or have turned up on Sunday under the premise of 'what makes you bad, makes you better'. The nooks and crannies make it a wise choice for a date pub, and the little terrace on the roof is a good spot if you fancy chain smoking loads of fags. They've even got a board that states it doesn't serve the likes of Malibu and Fosters and Smirnoff Ice, so you can rest safe in the knowledge that you can tell your pals that you've been in a proper place that doesn't give in to such tomfoolery. You're in the company of other such booze snobs.

There's also a canny quiz on a Monday night, and the food's pretty good too.

BrewDog

Is BrewDog a pub, or is it actually a bar? It doesn't really matter anyway, because it's smashing. Possibly the coolest start-up story of the past ten years, it involves two Scottish fellas with a passion for craft beer and a dedication to bringing it to the masses. Since 2010, they've opened nine bars in Scotland and England, one of which is on Newcastle's Dean Street.

Kitted out with an industrialist sort of decor with bare concrete walls, steel beams, the odd neon light and huge windows, they've got loads of beers on tap, including their core Punk IPA and Dead Pony Club lines. Recently too, they've started doing beery cocktails, which have become my go-to beverage when visiting.

Masses of attitude without being pretentious, and they've got boardgames too. Pubs with boardgames always earn a few extra points.


Obviously, this select few may be my personal favourites, but there's plenty more that could be strung onto the list to make up the finest of pub crawls. The Bacchus, Lady Greys, and The Bodega are close contenders that are worth a mention, and a visit, for that matter. Make a day of it and visit each one. It is summer, after all.

Newcastle Restaurant Week 2013

January, eh? Broken resolutions, a bank balance that you daren’t even look at, and the horrible realisation that it’s no longer acceptable to crack open a bottle of wine before 2pm. The less said about the whole thing, the better. Not to worry though, as the nice folks at NE1 have thoughtfully coincided Newcastle Restaurant Week with what would otherwise be the most depressing month of the year. 

Seven days when you can dine at some of the city’s best restaurants for just a fraction of the price that you’d usually pay. At £10 or £15 per person, it’s almost cheaper than eating at home. Forty restaurants are taking part in total, but that’s probably a few too many for even the most enthusiastic of diners to work through in a week. So without further ado, here’s where you should be eating between the 21st and 27th of January.

This was a guest post for KYEO.tv. You can read the full piece over at their website.

Electric East, Newcastle

Anyone who enjoys getting fed seems to be raving about Electric East at the minute. Previously operating as Barn Asia, the Thai, Vietnamese and Cambodian fusion restaurant was a jewel in Newcastle’s culinary crown, winning the North East’s only addition in the Times Top 100 Best Restaurant list and a Remy Martin Award for Excellence. Sadly, I’d never quite gotten round to eating at Barn Asia before it closed its doors for the last time in October, another casualty of the recession. But no sooner had it gone the distance, it was reopened as Electric East. Same staff, same management, and a bloody good excuse to have an evening out...

This was a guest post for KYEO.tv. You can read the full review over at their website.

What's on in January: Newcastle Restaurant Week

Like most, I started January with the best possible intentions. A copy of the latest Weight Watchers magazine, a clear out of the alcohol cupboard, solemn promises to myself that I'll be looking svelte and gorgeous in a bikini by June.

Also similar to most, I expect that the sentiment will be dashed by the end of the month. But really, could there be a worse time to deprive yourself?

If you're looking for ways to add a bit of excitement to an otherwise dull January, or an excuse for falling off the dieting wagon with a bit of style, pencil in Newcastle Restaurant Week. Running from 23rd-29th January, the event involves over 20 of the city's top restaurants, mostly offering 2 courses for £10. My personal favourites from the list include Blackfriars, Cafe 21 and Pan Haggerty, though I also intend to try out a few places that have been on my 'to do' list for a while now. On a more serious note, it's also an affordable opportunity to support the local restaurant scene during these tough times.

For a full list of participating restaurants, check out the Get into Newcastle website. Booking in advance would be sensible.

I'm taking full advantage and I've booked a table at two restaurants throughout the week already. Everything in moderation, eh?

What's on in November

The cold nights are drawing in, we have one less hour of daylight in the evenings, and we still have a long wait before the festive season. In short, we all need a little something to look forward to. Here's my list of top events happening in the region in November.

Latimer's Seafood Lunch Club

Latimer's are renowned for selling the best local fresh fish in Newcastle and Sunderland, and now they're hosting their first lunchtime event with north east pop-up chef Anthony Brown. Treat yourself to a leisurely 3 course lunch, based on the French notion of 'Plat de Jour' (that's 'dish of the day', if your French lets you down). Main course and dessert for £20 per person.

3rd November, 12.15pm

Latimer's Seafood Deli, Shell Hill, Bents Road, Whitburn, Sunderland, SR6 7NT

0191 5292200

www.latimers.com

Living North: The Essence of Christmas Fair

This is the largest event of its kind in the region, and a definite highlight of the north's foodie calendar. The four day event will showcase 250 stalls featuring food, drink, interiors, arts and gifts. Start your Christmas shopping early (well, I personally think that November is early for this sort of thing) and have a browse amongst the wares of local beauties such as Northumberland Cheese, Mr Vikkis, Wylam Brewery and Lottie McPhee's. What's perhaps most impressive though is the list of demonstrators featuring over the course of the event, which reads like a 'who's who' of the north east's culinary scene. Terry Laybourne of 21 Hospitality Group, Mark Percival of Eslington Villa, Bob Arora of Sachins and David Kennedy of NE2 Food Social make up just the tip of the iceberg, so plan in advance to avoid missing your favourites. Tickets are £6 in advance or £8 on the door.

3rd-6th November, 10am-4/5pm

Newcastle Racecourse, Gosforth Park, Newcastle, NE3 5HP

www.livingnorth.com

Christmas Food and Drink Festival

The Lewis and Cooper (my new favourite place) annual celebration of great food and drink. This is an opportunity to meet dozens of Lewis and Cooper's suppliers and producers, and take advantage of some extra special offers and discounts. Plus, it aims to raise thousands for their chosen charity, Help for Heroes. Tickets are now free.

Sunday 6th November, 10am-4pm

Lewis and Cooper, 92 High Street, Northallerton, DL7 8PT

01609 772880

www.lewisandcooper.co.uk

Lumiere Festival

Not foodie, but still a must-visit for those in and around Durham. The dazzling festival returns to the city for four nights with installations and projections that will light up Durham's buildings, streets and bridges. The first Lumiere in 2009 attracted over 75,000 visitors to the city and it's getting bigger, and well, as you might imagine, brighter. Selected restaurants will also be running special deals for festival attendees, including Oldfields who are offering 25% food bills (print off the voucher from Lumiere's website).

17th-20th November, 6-11pm

Durham City Centre

www.lumieredurham.co.uk

Newcastle Continental Market

The Continental Market returns to Newcastle City Centre just before the run up to Christmas. There's nothing better than getting wrapped up and wandering around the hustle and bustle of the market with a mulled wine, picking up some Christmas presents and trying out the many food stands. Expect paella, currywurst, waffles, crepes, and more.

21st November - 3rd December

Grey's Monument, Grey Street and Grainger Street, Newcastle City Centre

Enjoy, and do let me know the verdict if you attend any of these events.

The Town Wall, Newcastle

I think my boyfriend's flatmate may have actually taken up full-time residence in The Town Wall. That boy must be in there at least three times a week. His love for the place has even become a bit of an ongoing joke.. 'Where you off to today Jonny? The Town Wall for food, by any chance?' '..Well, yes actually. Bugger off'.

The newest addition to Pink Lane, an increasingly trendy quarter of the city, The Town Wall is housed in an impressive Grade II listed building which was once the living quarters and workplace of famous Northumbrian Thomas Bewick. It's a chilled out affair, spacious and airy yet still managing to feel quite cosy, exposed brickwork, vintage furniture, gastro-pub-esque.

The menu offers locally sourced traditional pub grub with a modern twist, and an impressive selection of beers and ales. It's simple food at decent prices. A good selection of starters and sharers, salads, sandwiches and larger mains. There's also a decent choice of gourmet burgers, handmade with 100% beef, and they're served pink. I like this. There aren't enough pink burgers being offered these days.

You see, the folks at the Food Standards Agency have been getting their knickers in a twist over this for some time now. Of course there is an extremely slight chance that such a burger could carry E.Coli. But look, I have a lottery ticket in my purse from last night that I haven't checked. This doesn't mean that I've told my boss to naff off and I'm currently purchasing the entire Chanel Autumn/Winter collection online, because the chances of me having won are probably fairly similar to being struck down by a horrible illness all because I like my burgers a bit pink in the middle. I'm confident of the meticulous standards in the British beef supply chain and in the kitchens of any eateries worth their salt. I applaud any restaurateur who is also confident of their own standards and are happy to take this entirely minuscule risk, in the name of serving the most enjoyable and highest quality food. Let us eat pink burgers, if we so wish.

So whilst I shall be returning very soon for a burger, on this occasion we went for less contentious fare, the sausage rolls with Heinz beans and chips, and a Greek salad. I know, I should have practiced what I preach. But the sausage rolls were meaty and succulent, the chips homemade and fluffy, and salad was fresh with good, salty cheese and sun-dried tomatoes. Comfort food at its best.

The bill came to around £15, including two soft drinks. Bargain.

I'll be returning to The Town Wall, ideally on a Sunday. I'll be reading their papers, putting my feet up (metaphorically.. the furniture may be 'vintage', but let's not be taking liberties) and enjoying some good food and fine beers.

Go along, enjoy a burger of the best variety. And be sure to say hello to Jonny. He'll definitely be there.

Result: 9/10

The Town Wall

Pink Lane

Newcastle

NE1 5HX

Autumn Grazer Market, Jesmond

Looking for something to do this Sunday?

Pop along to Northumberland Tennis Club for an autumnal food market. Organised by Anna Hedworth, Autumn Grazer will feature food and drink from north east suppliers including Ringtons Tea, Northumberland Cheese Company, The Consett Popcorn Company and Carruthers and Kent. The Broad Chare will also be there, serving up pub snacks and real ales and Hotel Du Vin are hosting an outdoor BBQ. Let's just hope this lovely weather holds out.

What's on in October

I'm a bit of a stickler for organisation. My diary is a wealth of knowledge on all forthcoming events which may involve the opportunity to partake in two of my favourite pastimes; eating and drinking. In reality, I'd probably never find the time to make it along to all of them, but my well organised intentions are there nonetheless. Rather than keeping these to myself, I've put together a list of my personal favourites for the month ahead.

Blackfriars Ladies' Lunch

Do you fancy yourself as a lady-who-lunches? Yes, so do I. Get yourself along to the brilliant Blackfriars' monthly event, which features a demonstration by a local expert (this time, make up artist Kerry Nicholson from The Perfect Base) and a three course meal including a glass of wine and coffee. Make new friends, learn the tips and tricks of make up artistry and sample the food of one of my all time favourite Newcastle restaurants. Tickets are £25 and it's advisable to book in advance.

4th October, 11.30am

Blackfriars Restaurant, Friars Street, Newcastle, NE1 4XN

0191 261 5945

http://www.blackfriarsrestaurant.co.uk

Northumbria Food and Wine Festival

The first of what is promised to be an annual event, recently crowned 'British Pub of the Year', The Feathers Inn, is collaborating with Fasol Menin and Tynedale Rugby Club to bring us the first Northumbria Food and Wine Festival. The event will feature pop-up restaurants, cookery demonstrations, wine talks, wine tasting events and live music. They aim to 'create an environment that allows people to shop easily, discover new facts about wine and food and try lots of new tastes.' Tickets are available for £20 via the website, or for £25 on the door.

7-9th October

Tynedale Park, Corbridge, Northumberland, NE45 5AY

http://www.northumbriafoodandwinefestival.co.uk

Pop-up Indian restaurant

Newcastle based food writer and private chef Maunika Gowardhan hosts the region's first pop-up Indian restaurant. Held at Terry Laybourne's Caffe Vivvo, this one off event will be 'showcasing regional influences from the Indian sub continent whilst celebrating Indian street food along with home cooked meals for discerning diners and Indian food fans alike.' 3 course menu, £30 per person.

Note: this event is now fully booked, though Caffe Vivvo are holding a waiting list, in case of cancellations.

10th October, 7pm

Caffé Vivo, 29 Broad Chare, Newcastle, NE1 3DQ
0191 2321331

http://caffevivo.co.uk/

http://www.cookinacurry.co.uk

Durham Food Festival & Book Festival

Durham Food Festival brings gourmet food marques, a continental market, local farmers' market and chef demonstrations to the city. The final day, Sunday 23rd October, coincides with the Durham Book Festival and some foodie talks are served up on the Palace Green, with a distinct emphasis on all things baking related.

At 12pm, award winning baker Dan Lepard will be discussing his new book, his baking philosophies, and whisking up some treats. At 2pm, Edd Kimber, the 'boy who bakes' and winner of BBC2's Great British Bake Off, will be sharing tales of his baking adventures.

20-23rd October
Durham City

http://www.durhamfoodfestival.com

http://www.durhambookfestival.com

With such an interesting and diverse programme of events in one single month, it's pretty fair to say that it isn't so grim up north.

Butterfly Cabinet, Heaton, Newcastle.

If you're to believe Cheryl Cole, the Butterfly Cabinet is nestled in one of the most drug-riddled estates in Newcastle. For anyone who knows her home town, this is just not true. I lived here myself throughout my university days, and whilst it is definitely considered to be Jesmond's poor relation, I never came across anyone peddling heroin in the streets. In fact, Heaton seems to have become almost trendy overnight. No longer just for the poor polytechnic students and local families, it now seems to be attracting the arty and boho types as well as young professionals, with delis and organic greengrocers and vintage boutiques popping up left, right and centre.


This Saturday, we ventured to the Butterfly Cabinet. Formally Belle and Herbs, it was a long established favourite of many in the area, and I often heard that there were queues right down the street for their breakfasts on weekend mornings. I'd only ever visited Belle and Herbs once, and I have to admit that the 'Breakfast Club' sandwich was fairly legendary, and I still talk about it to this day. Hangover food at its ultimate best.


Since then, the place is under new management and has been refurbished, but it still has the same feel about it. It's a relaxed affair, with mismatched furniture and vintage bits and bobs decorating the walls, as well as an impressive chandelier hanging from the ceiling, and menus that are backed with the covers of various old school comics. They don't take bookings, so it could be a case of just turning up and waiting for a free table, as they seem to very busy every Saturday.


The Butterfly Cabinet was not a let down. The Breakfast Club no longer features on the menu, which in now made up of main meals such as sea bass, steaks and lamb, as well as door-stopper sandwiches, soups, burgers and hearty all day breakfasts. I chose the Rio Grande club sandwich - steak with cheese, soured cream, jalapenos, peppers, onion and fresh coriander, between fresh white bread and served with hot, crispy, fluffy homemade chips, red cabbage coleslaw and a nicely dressed side salad. The chips were perfect, and the sandwich was bloody good too. The portions are massive, which would be the only criticism, if indeed that could be counted as one.

I also had a latte, and my boy had the full English and cranberry juice, which he said was good also. I've often seen people eating the mussels which look lovely, and once heard someone talking very highly of the seafood chowder which is sometimes on the specials board.

The bill was £14, and came with a strawberry lollipop and a Refresher chewy sweet. I also spied parma violets and flying saucers in their jars behind the counter.

The Butterfly Cabinet has filled the shoes of Belle and Herb very well, and I think that it'll be a long standing favourite for our Saturday lunch times.

Result: 9/10.

The Butterfly Cabinet
200 Heaton Road
Heaton
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE6 5HP.

Roscos, Newcastle

Last Friday evening, we were finally blessed with some good old sunshine in Newcastle, and this of course called for some al fresco action. I'd just arrived home after a two and a half hour train journey, and we had no reservations or particular plans. I did really really want pizza though - good pizza. We popped into a few of our favourite haunts on the Quayside, but were told that they had no outside tables free for the next few hours. Newcastle is seemingly not well prepared for people wanting to dine outside. And really, why would it be?

We eventually stumble upon Roscos. It's fairly new, and was highly recommended by a friend who's ate there several times. I'd been myself a few months ago, and both the pâté and the seabass were good. It should be noted though that visit was shortly after me and aforementioned friend had enjoyed several bottles of wine, so I can't vouch for how reliable that view may have been.

So we sit outside, where the Italian waiter brings out seemingly endless trays of cocktails out to the ladies on the table next to us.. and we wait, and we wait, and we wait some more. I try to get his attention several times, but his only interest is chatting up these women. My boy thankfully goes inside to order. My good-weather-induced-good-mood is wavering by this point, and I'm just tired and hungry.

After some rather disorganised service, I eventually get the Marco pizza - local goat's cheese, red onion, slow roasted tomatoes, wild rocket and a balsamic reduction. I have to admit that the base can't be complained about. It's thin, doughy, slightly crisp on the edges and elastic and soft towards the centre. The toppings are sparse though and lacking in flavour - two very small clumps of goat's cheese, and not enough of anything else. It needs pepper, which I wasn't offered.

My boy gets the Tuscan lamb stew. He says it's okay, though the lamb is chewy.

I'm generally not a rosé drinker, so can't express too much of an opinion of the house bottle that we ordered. It was drinkable, if a little bit vinegar-ish.

The bill (which takes a good fifteen minutes to track down) comes to around £40.

I politely mentioned to the waiter that we'd practically been ignored by the staff, despite other tables getting undivided attention. He shrugged, looked over to the Italian, who was still chatting to the ladies, and said 'That's what he's here for'.

I wanted to like Roscos, I really did. Good service would have probably turned the average food into a far better experience, but it wasn't to be.

Result: 3/10.

Roscos
Tyne House
Newcastle
NE1 3JA

Sunday dinner at Oldfields, Newcastle.

Sunday dinner is a big deal in my boyfriend's book. I'm not really quite sure if anything would offend him more than if I suggested anything other than a roast on a Sunday. Luckily I rarely do, because otherwise it just wouldn't be a Sunday, would it?

This Sunday, it's my turn to choose where we go. I choose Oldfields. Their philosophy is real British food, simply prepared, locally sourced. We've eaten here several times before and it's always been very, very good. Their website tells me they're doing a 3-courses-for-£12.95 offer; even better.

We arrive shortly after 12.30, and it's empty apart from another couple. Previous good impressions were reinforced by a friendly welcome, and despite the emptiness, it doesn't lack in atmosphere and I have high hopes. We opt for the three courses, both starting with the leek and potato soup, then the topside of Neasham Farm beef.

Soup is rarely my starter of choice; today though, I chose well. It's steaming hot, slightly foamy, fresh, creamy, and tangy (sour cream possibly?), with a door-wedge chunk of bread. I'd definitely order this again.

The beef is also good. Tender and slightly pink. I'm a bit disappointed by the potatoes though, which are rather ameamic looking. Where are the crispy bits??? They're a bit garlicky and fluffy soft inside, which partly makes up for it. The carrots and peas are beautiful, so sweet, as if they've just been picked from the garden. Given the philosophy of Oldfields it's probable, and it's admirable that they do it so well. Locally sourced is all well and good, but only if it's not at the detriment of the quality, and here, it is not. The gravy's lovely too. The yorkshire pudding isn't bad, but a bit soggy inside in places. All in all, it's a very good roast and importantly, is just the right size. There's nothing worse than trying to work your way through a mountain of a Sunday lunch - though maybe it wouldn't be so bad if it was of this quality. My boy says there's not enough meat, but he does like boyfriend-sized portions, and I think that there was ample. Quality over quantity, and all that.

We deliberate over the dessert menu, and decide we may as well be hung for a sheep as a lamb. I go for the rhubarb and custard tart, and Andy has the sticky toffee pudding. Again, I chose well. The pastry is buttery yet crisp, and the rhubard is wonderfully tart and juicy. My iPhone pictures don't do any of these justice, as all courses were also beautifully presented.

Altogether, including 2 glasses of Pinot Grigio and two pints of the local Wylam ale, the bill came to £45, including the service charge. Not bad at all. We also noticed that they're offering 2 course lunches for £7.50, Monday to Saturday, and you'd be hard pushed to find something of this quality cheaper than that, however hard you look.

By the time we leave, the place is practically full. What I also love about Oldfields is that they seem to be genuinely passionate about what they're doing. I'm pleased that other people are too.

Result: 9/10.

Oldfields Noted Eating House
Ground Floor, Milburn House
Dean Street
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 1LF