retiredmartin

My Top pub county in 2021, and the visits since then have only reconfirmed what a great place it is, so it should be easy to pick half a dozen pubs to represent the area, you’d think.

And to an extent, it is, and though I could have picked five in central Newcastle, it would be perverse not to start with the Posada.

Newcastle – Crown Posada

I see the GBG is stuck it under a “Quayside” heading this year, a bit putting Manchester’s City Arms under “Commercial Quarter” or something. It’s certainly one of the most attractively sited pubs in one of our most attractive cities, something lost on tourists who trudge from Heathrow to Windsor to York.

Go because it’s stunning,

go because the beer is (once again) superb (though sadly no longer Bass), go because they play vinyl LPs.

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The soundtrack in my next pub has long been a draw, as has the view of the Tyne.

Byker – Free Trade

The half hour stroll out from Monument to the Ouseburn Valley is one the UK’s great urban walks, and if you had a pint in every GBG pub on the way you’d be very silly.

Perhaps on a few occasions I’ve thought it a bit too self-aware of its greatness, like the Queen’s Head or Fat Cat or that Craft Union pub in Crewe, but it’s a joyful pub with great murk Almasty,

and there is no better place to “drink beer, smoke tabs“.

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Two Proper Pubs in, it’s time for a micro.

Gateshead – Microbus

Rather like Birkenhead is the best place to view Liverpool, Gateshead is the best viewing point for Newcastle, and it’s got the culture and kittiwakes.

I feel a bit bad about selecting the brand new Microbus over the established Central or Schooner on the basis of a single visit, but it blew me away with its campervan chic and astonishing beer.

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Heading for the coast next, where lie the best beaches in the country, and the biggest obsession with the past.

Sunderland – Museum Vaults

Not in this year’s Guide, but Sunderland’s best interior, nosiest dog, and plenty good enough beer on my last visit.

And any pub with an obsession with beating Leeds 50 years ago can’t be bad.

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I’ll end my five with another coastal pub that captures the beauty of the coast.

Whitburn – Blues Bar

I could have picked Whitley Bay, or South Shields, but Whitburn looked the part with its spooky skies over the arcades,

and a micro heavy on chat and cheer, sours and murks,

the wonderful Two by Two being as close to perfect as you’ll get without being Bass in the Star.

Oh, and Blue is the pub dog.

Over to you for a sixth. Recommend me something in Blaydon.