June 2025. Newcastle upon Tyne.
A good start to our Newcastle crawl; a station bar, crafty lunch and the gorgeous old classic.
I had a bit of paper with scribbles saying “Gateshead micro triangle”, “Ouseburn, Free Trade view”, “Wylam brewery”, “chips in Whitley Bay”, “remember to drink water” etc. etc.
There was also a trio of ticks to complete Tyne and Wear, perhaps the Beer Guide’s top county. Somehow I failed that simple task.
We walked into the centre up Side,
and into majestic Grey Street.
“Would you like to see my favourite Newcastle pub ?” I said, realising we’d been walking for 10 minutes.
There’s a real danger in declaring anything your favourite. Folk will immediately tell you why it’s not, as if it a) matters b) is anything they can have a view on.
And if asked to name a trio of central must-visits I’d actually say the Crown Posada (just done), Town Mouse (coming soon) and the Bridge Hotel (be patient).
But I love Bacchus, unexpectedly back in the GBG after a gap, as it represents a sort of pub you just don’t get much elsewhere.
At least, you didn’t before Thornbridge started opening pubs.
“Classy” says What Pub, a smart drinkers pub with fittings that could have come straight from a cruise liner.
Top quality cask, Mordue back in the day and now Fyne and Two by Two, perhaps my favourite brewery along with Big Trip.
Comfortable and unfussy, and a cool pint defying the heat (NBSS 4). Unexpectedly my Beer of the Weekend,
The custom is “almost” gentlefolk having a beer in civilised surrounding without the uncleared plates.
See, I can do civilised on occasion.
retiredmartin 
You throw brewery and beer comments around like manhole covers. So I’m curious. How many times have you had beers by Two By Two?
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I would guess I’ve had half a dozen of their beers this year, Dave.
They and Big Trip seem the new standard murk cask in the top Sheffield and Manchester pubs.
Consistently good, though I’ve no idea how recognisesable the name would be nationally. Less than Titanic I guess.
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As long as we’re defining terms: favorite versus Top 100?
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It’s not pub I’d have on my recommended list as I don’t think most visitors would rate the understated interior and customer mix like I do. They’d prefer the Posada or the micros. Odd, but there you go.
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I think you’re underestimating the sophistication level of your followers. JK.
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Have you ever MET any of our followers, Dave ?
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Having worked in Gateshead since October 2023, I’ve not yet since stepped foot in a Tyneside pub…
That’s WFH for you. And the modern workplace*.
When I do manage it, Bacchus (if I manage to find it) is certainly on the revisit list after many stag dos in the 00s and 10s.
* I do recall, many years ago, going for lunchtime pints in The Grove, Leeds
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Last year I thought the Central to be a wonderful Gateshead pub.
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Certainly a gorgeous pub, Paul, though it’s the Microbus and Station East with possibly the best beer!
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But my Neptune Molly Irish Stout was drinking remarkably well.
And there was free stew and bread to soak it up.
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That’s such a sad tale.
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Meanwhile as you mention Thornbridge their nearby London offering, The Wild Swan is now “opening August 2025”. Yay!
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