retiredmartin

October 2023. Byker. Newcastle.

Back on the tram, just about to pass Byker, when the Americans pop up.

I really shouldn’t have stopped at the Free Trade Inn., with one (1) more Newcastle pub to tick (a Bass tick at that) and a need for pre-gig scran.

But Dick had asked, sort of, and I hadn’t actually been to this most iconic of Toon pubs since that Julia Jacklin gig 7 years ago, and that view !

In truth, while it’s still essential,

it’s not as basic as you might imagine, with the graffiti now manufactured on an industrial estate in Wrexham,

and smoking confined to the porch.

But while it may have lost its “scuzz”, it’s lost none of the charm,

which is what draws the kidz away from the clutches of hipster places (NOT the Pitcher & Piano).

That and the Jesus & Mary Chain and Cocteau Twins on the jukebox. Is it really 1984 ?

As always up here, the beer was really great. Must have been Almasty.

The only fakeness about the Free Trade may be this shot. Is that really the moon ?

Ah, this picture’s better. Let’s hit the Toon.

And try not to wobble too much along the Tyne.