Category: Pub Trips

Durham #2 – March 2026

City Centre and Several Hills

A sunny Durham afternoon, a few hills to climb, and a plan to visit some of the city’s finest pubs. What could be nicer?

Mr Flynn’s (The Big Jug)

Area: Claypath
Style: Irish theme pub, recently reopened
Visit order: 1

Mr Flynn’s opened a month or so ago as an Irish themed bar. It’s looking pretty good and is set up for live music. The upright piano on the wee stage is a nice touch. There’s going to be electronic darts upstairs soon. I missed out on a real ale as the single pump wasn’t ready, but the next two on were Clwb Tropicana and Titanic Plum Porter. Sounds good to me. There is still evidence of the Big Jug in the décor and signage, a nice touch. One to keep an eye on.

Brewery Beer ABV
Beavertown Lunar Haze (Keg) 4.5%

The Victoria Inn

Elvet and Hallgarth Street

Area: Elvet
Style: Traditional multi-roomed pub
Visit order: 2

It’s a wee walk up the hill to the Victoria, but well worth it as you are greeted with several real ales and one of the most traditional interiors anywhere. Three rooms, real fires and a beautiful bar back. The fire was crackling away and the toasties being served looked, and smelled very tempting. After enjoying a couple of beers (no toasties) here, it was an easier walk back to town.

Brewery Beer ABV
Hadrian Border Brewery Grainger Ale 4.6%
Hadrian Border Brewery Northern Pale 4.1%

Half Moon Inn

Area: Elvet
Style: Traditional pub
Visit order: 3

A traditional city pub refurbished a few years back and always with well kept ales. Lovely outside area as well with views of the river and Old Elvet Bridge. Bit chilly out despite the sunshine so a snug location in the back bar for a nice Bass. As they say, “Hard work takes it out of a man, Bass puts it back”.

Brewery Beer ABV
Bass Brewers Bass Premium Ale 4.4%

Back In The City Centre

The Shakespeare Tavern

Area: Bailey
Style: Traditional
Visit order: 4

Another real traditional location, a very small bar and an equally smalll back room. All adds to the atmosphere. There are three casks on, but the range can be a little limited. That said, the Lightfoot was tasty enough to keep me going and the combination of locals and tourists sharing stories was a nice relaxing atmosphere.

Brewery Beer ABV
Theakston Lightfoot 4.1%

Crossgate and the Viaduct

Holy GrAle

Area: Crossgate
Style: Micropub
Visit order: 5

Another hill, Durham is full of them, this time up Crossgate. Holy GrAle is a micropub with a great range of keg beers and up until recently, one cask. Happy to report that this is now two casks. Tried both, neither disappointed. A lovely relaxed atmosphere and another place to happily lose an afternoon in (without repeating a beer). But, the Elm Tree was calling from only a few yards away.

Brewery Beer ABV
Allendale Brewery Pennine Pale 4.0%
Two By Two Brewing IPA 6.0%

Ye Old Elm Tree

Area: Crossgate
Style: Traditional Pub with Outdoor Seating
Visit order: 6

Another traditional venue, one that’s popular with both locals and students. It was quieter than usual today as the students are on holiday although the locals kept things lively, plenty of laughter going round. Quieter all round the town today. Small city, large student population. Both a positive and a negative.

Brewery Beer ABV
Full Circle Brew Co Marmalade Mild 3.9%

The Station House

Area: Viaduct
Style: Award Winning Micropub
Visit order: 7

Is it a micropub? Or, a small pub. No matter, it’s a great location with great beer (and cider). I managed to grab a seat by the window and got chatting to a gent who moved to Durham in the 1970s and made it his home since then. I reckon that’s long enough to count as a local.

Brewery Beer ABV
Fyne Ales No Nonsense 4.1%
Cullercoats Brewery Polly Donkin 4.2%
Almasty Brewing Co. DDH Simcoe 4.0%

Sunderland Road, Gilesgate

The Hop Knocker

Area: Gilesgate
Style: Micropub
Visit order: 8 and last

As it’s a mile or so up yet another hill, I decided to get the bus. My plan was stymied by a road closure due to an Amazon delivery van and a police car having got a little intimate on Sunderland Road. Bus diversion meant a bit more of a walk than expected. At least the bus got me up the hill. I stopped longer than anticipated in the Hop Knocker as the beer and conversation were both very good.

Brewery Beer ABV
Darwin Brewery Three Rivers III 4.3%
Schneider Weisse Hefeweissbier Naturtrüb (Keg) 4.9%
Wylam Best (Keg) 4.5%
Twice Brewed Brewing Co. Dog On A Skateboard (Keg) 0.5%

Today’s Summary
Total Pubs: 8
Total Beers: 15
Cask: 11
Keg: 4
Strongest: 6.0%
Mildest: 0.5%

A fair hike out today, tempered with a range of beers both traditional and modern. Durham may be small, but it punches above its weight for beer and there are still venues left for another time. And then there are the out-of-town locations which may need a bit more planning.

March 27, 2026
Newcastle #3 – March 2026

Jesmond, Haymarket and the Town

The day started, as it often does, with a quick whistle whetter in the Waiting Room at Durham station. From there, it was up to Jesmond for a couple of new stops, before working our way back towards Haymarket and finishing via Mosaic Tap’s new location.

Route: Luckies → The Punch Bowl → The Carriage → Luther’s → Mean Eyed Cat → The Hotspur → The Trent House → Mosaic Tap → Gunner Tavern

Setting Off – Durham

The Waiting Room

Area: Durham Station
Style: Railway snug
Visit order: 0 (ground zero)

It’d be rude not to start here when heading north, given it’s right on the platform. With the rest of the team arriving alongside a train, this was a very swift pint before moving on.

Brewery Beer ABV
Wylam Wylam Gold 4.0%

Jesmond

Luckies

Area: Jesmond
Style: Micropub with leopard print and skateboard
Visit order: 1

A short Metro hop from Central to Jesmond and a half-mile walk brought us to Luckies, a place I’d somehow only recently come across thanks to Micropub Adventures. Very glad we made the effort.

They brew their own beer just behind the bar, with four casks of their own on alongside a wider draft selection. We worked our way through a few which didn’t help the schedule, but it was time well spent. The décor leans heavily into skate and punk influences, giving the place a bit of identity beyond just the beer.

The name is a nod to the much-missed Luckies bar that once stood at the top of John Dobson Street. A fitting tribute, and one of the standout stops of the day.

Brewery Beer ABV
Luckies Gold Nectar 3.9%
Luckies Chit Faced 4.8%
Luckies Horse Shoe 4.5%
Luckies Left Foot Down (Keg) 4.3%

The Punch Bowl

Area: Jesmond
Style: Grand stone corner pub
Visit order: The sacrifice

The one that got away. Nothing personal, Punch Bowl, but something had to give after an extended stay at Luckies. We’ll be back.

The Carriage

Area: Jesmond
Style: Old railway station, traditional with plants
Visit order: 2

Another first for us, and another highlight. Traditional in style, with a cosy, alcove-filled layout and plenty of plants softening the space, it’s an easy place to settle into. An old-school jukebox on free vend added to the charm. A few selections, a good pint, and a bit of time to sit back made this one of those pubs you could happily lose an afternoon in.

Brewery Beer ABV
Wilde Child Brewing Company Side By Side 3.7%
Firebrick Brewery Wey-Aye P.A. 5.8%

Haymarket & University

Luther’s Bar

Area: Newcastle University
Style: Wetherspoons Student Union Bar
Visit order: 3

A short walk back under the Central Motorway took us to Luther’s, a student union bar that also doubles as a Wetherspoons.

The Luther’s name is due to Martin Luther King receiving an honorary doctorate from the university in 1967. The only UK university to grant this in his lifetime. A useful refuelling stop, if nothing else. Busier than my last visit during the holidays, and a reminder that we’re not quite the target audience anymore.

Brewery Beer ABV
BrewDog Punk IPA 5.2%

Percy Street and Surrounds

Mean Eyed Cat

Area: Off Percy Street
Style: Cool cat bar
Visit order: 4

A strong beer selection here, paired with a clear identity—alternative music and a heavy dose of Johnny Cash. What’s not to like?

There’s also a console to order pizza in and to your table, which felt like a temptation too far at this stage. Sensibly ignored… this time.

Brewery Beer ABV
Black Iris Brewery Endless Summer 4.5%

The Hotspur

Area: Percy Street
Style: Smart traditional
Visit order: 5

A wide-fronted bar looking out onto Percy Street and Haymarket bus station, and more polished than that setting might suggest. Lively, with a modern-traditional feel.

Only time for one here, just enough to keep things ticking along.

Brewery Beer ABV
Two By Two Brewing Session IPA 4.0%

The Trent House

Area: Leazes Lane, near St James’ Park
Style: Inclusive, studenty and local
Visit order: 6

An old Saturday favourite and still carrying a great atmosphere. Five pumps on the bar and a décor with plenty of local memorabilia. Students, locals and a positive vibe.

A familiar and reliable stop in the middle of the run.

Brewery Beer ABV
Brakspear Brewing Company Gravity 3.4%
Rooster’s Brewing Co Yankee 4.3%

Central Station

Mosaic Tap

Area: Pink Lane by Central Station
Style: relocated micropub
Visit order: 7

A non-negotiable stop this time after managing to miss its opening by a day on the previous trip. Good to see it busy, with the staff under pressure but handling it well.

Ten keg lines and three casks meant plenty of choice. A lively spot and one that looks set to do well.

Brewery Beer ABV
Track Brewing Company Sonma 3.8%

Gunner Tavern

Area: By Central Station
Style:
Visit order: 8

And, echoing last week, a final stop at the Gunner Tavern. The five casks didn’t quite hit the same heights as before, but that’s more down to personal taste than anything else.

A steady enough place to round things off.

Brewery Beer ABV
Almasty Brewing Co. Simple Pleasures 4.0%

Today’s Summary
Total Pubs: 9
Total Beers: 15
Cask: 14
Keg: 1
Strongest: 5.8%
Mildest: 3.4%

A day that leaned heavily on a couple of standout new additions, with Luckies and The Carriage doing most of the heavy lifting. Both worth returning to, and both adding something a bit different to the usual Newcastle circuit.

The rest of the run played its part—some familiar, some functional, and one still waiting its turn. All in all, another solid outing, and a reminder that even a well-trodden route can still throw up something new.

March 20, 2026
Newcastle #2 – March 2026

Ouseburn, Byker and the City

Another trip to the city, this time heading east to Ouseburn and Byker. With so many pubs and brewery taps in the valley, it quickly became a day of decisions. In the end I decided to stay in the Byker part of the valley.

Route

Lady Grey’s → The Tanners Arms → The Ship Inn → The Cumberland Arms → The High Main → The Butchers Arms → Gunner Tavern

But first, a visit to the Mosaic Tap in its new location. My bad timing struck again and the Tap wasn’t opening until the next day. I did get to have a quick peek at the bar and the menu. It’s going to be great. Oh well, next time.

Train or walk? It was sunny out, the wind wasn’t too vicious and walking won. This of course, required refreshments on the way.

Strolling East Through Newcastle

Lady Grey’s

Area: Near the Theatre Royal
Style: Traditional style pub
Visit order: 1

On Shakespeare Street, I’d like to put in some words worthy of the bard on how good the bar and the beer are, but I’d fall well short. Enough to say that there were several pumps on the bar with a good range of styles. I tried a couple before heading over the Central Motorway, that great concrete scar through the middle of Newcastle.

Brewery Beer ABV
Two by Two Brewery Southpaw IPA 6.2%
Fyne Ales Here All Year (2026) 4.7%

Ouseburn

The Tanners Arms

Area: Ouseburn
Style: Food and Students
Visit order: 2

The food being served in this place looked great. I was very tempted, but beers and walking were the order of the day. Not too busy, but a mix of workers, students and groups of friends. I enjoyed a beer and headed along the street.

More family history here. My great grandad was leaving this pub back in the 1950s and got knocked down by a car. Ended up with two broken legs and a partial amputation. Noted and care taken when crossing the roads today.

Brewery Beer ABV
Laine Brew Co Tanners Paaaaaale Ale 4.0%

The Ship Inn

Area: Ouseburn
Style: Traditional, a lot of wood
Visit order: 3

I passed by Donzoko brewery, which is on also on the list for another day. From there, it’s downhill to the Ship Inn, with a nice mural of a sheep on the side of the building. Inside, the floor is bare wood and there’s plenty of wood around the bar. Good ales on the bar and sunshine outside. Not quite enough warmth for the beer garden, although there were some hardy souls out there. Got to take the sunshine where you can get it. The whole Ouseburn area is looking good these days.

Brewery Beer ABV
Cullercoats Brewery Rocket Brigade IPA 5.5%

The Cumberland Arms

Area: Ouseburn, east of the Ouse Burn
Style: Traditional and progressive
Visit order: 4

This was my first visit here (I think), and it’s a beauty. I needed refreshment after climbing back up the hill from the Ship. Stained glass in the windows and full glasses at the bar. A solid ale selection in a pub with a community feel. And it’s always good to see pickled eggs on the bar.

Brewery Beer ABV
Allendale Brewery Tashy Bob 3.9%
Iron Pier Bitter 4.0%

Byker

The High Main

Area: Shields Road
Style: Wetherspoons
Visit order: 5

Leaving the gentrification of the Ouseburn valley behind, I headed to Shields Road and the obligatory Wetherspoons. This one on the corner opposite the old Beavan’s store which was a great shopping destination in its day. It’s a great building and it’s good to see that it’s being maintained.

The pub was full and the beer festival was in full swing, I managed a couple of them, one being the Italian brewery beer which I hadn’t realised was produced at Bateman’s Brewery. Nothing wrong with that, but I’d have picked something else if I’d known.

Brewery Beer ABV
Thornbridge Brewery Pink Grapefruit Pale 4.0%
Birrificio Italiano Nigredo 6.0%

The Butchers Arms

Area: Shields Road
Style: Proper Local
Visit order: 6

Across the street from Spoons is this proper local, already filling up ready for the weekend. Unfortunately, there was no cask beer here, but I took in the atmosphere with a pint of John Smith’s.

Brewery Beer ABV
John Smith’s Extra Smooth Ale (keg) 3.4%

Gunner Tavern

Area: Central Station
Style: Trendy with atmosphere
Visit order: 7

Modern bar with some lovely tiling, right across from the station (Newcastle is blessed with some great bars). It had a modern vibe which makes it even better to see a line of real ales pumps on the bar. I tried one, then another before getting the train home. The fates were against that as an old friend arrived unexpectedly at the bar. I felt obliged to catch up and have another couple of beers. There’s always another train.

Brewery Beer ABV
Pentrich Brewing Co. Maine Street 4.8%
Brass Castle Best Bitter 4.5%
Fyne Ales Jarl 3.8%
Arbor Ales C Bomb 4.7%

Today’s Summary
Total Pubs: 7
Total Beers: 13
Cask: 12
Keg: 1
Strongest: 6.2%
Mildest: 3.4%

Plenty of walking today and a real mix of pub styles with locals, student vibes and city centre stops. Great ale in most of them and great atmosphere in all of them. As ever, it was only touching the surface of the pubs in the area. Newcastle offers many areas and many styles.

I reckon a brewery trip to Ouseburn is also on the cards.

March 13, 2026
Sunderland #1 – March 2026

A Stroll Through Central Sunderland

A laid back visit to Sunderland, aiming for a couple of well-chosen ales. The rain cleared by the time we approached the city and a patch of blue sky promised an easy stroll around the centre. We didn’t hit every pub we’d have liked – so clearly, a return trip is inevitable.

Sunderland: Keel Square and the Empire Theatre

The Peacock

Area: Keel Square/High Street West
Style: Traditional style with food options
Visit order: 1

I’ve always had a soft spot for a triangular building. The Peacock ticks that box beautifully – especially as there’s real ale on tap inside. Perched just off Keel Square, which continues to improve with the redevelopment.

It’s a great start to the crawl, especially today as there are home-made sausage roll samples on offer today. The ones with chorizo went down very well with the team.

Brewery Beer ABV
Maxim Brewery Idaho 7 4.5%
Pennine Brewing Co Pacific 4.1%

The Dun Cow

Area: Next door to the Empire
Style: Traditional ale house
Visit order: 2

A legend of a location standing proudly next to the Sunderland Empire Theatre. From the outside it’s striking, but inside, the bar back really steals the show. A tempting selection of craft and keg beers had us sampling a couple, the Anarchy Brew was outstanding.

Brewery Beer ABV
Anarchy Brew Co. Backfire 4.5%
Wylde Sky Brewing Gold 4.0%

Sunderland: Green Terrace, City Centre

The Canny Lad (formerly Fitzgerald’s)

Area: Central
Style: Large bar with an Irish theme
Visit order: 3

Renamed about a year ago, it still proudly bears its Irish Tavern identity. Cosy and welcoming, with a mix of folk enjoying a variety of drinks. Four kegs on the menu, all good. We sampled two before moving on.

Brewery Beer ABV
Three Brothers Brewing Co S’more Porter 4.8%
Stewart Brewing Jack Black 3.7%

Sunderland, Park Lane Bus Station

The Cooper Rose

Area: Near Park Lane Bus Station
Style: Wetherspoons
Visit order: 4

A busy Wetherspoons, buzzing with the promise of the afternoon deal (that’s why we had no real ale here). The nationwide Spoons beer festival is imminent and the menu looks inviting. I’ll be back to try a few during the festival period.

Brewery Beer ABV
Erdinger Weissbräu Erdinger Weißbier (bottle) 5.3%

M.O.D

Area: Near Park Lane Bus Station
Style: Military Themed Micropub

Next door to The Gunners, M.O.D is all military, making it a fascinating stop even for non-buffs. It’s not every day you see a Gatling gun behind the bar. The real ale selection is modest, but the price is keen and the decor more than makes up for it.

Brewery Beer ABV
Timothy Taylor’s Brewery Boltmaker 4.0%

Chaplins

Area: Near Park Lane Bus Station
Style: Busy pub with outdoor seating
Visit order: 6

Always busy, always a reliable choice for quality real ales. Luckily we snagged a table to enjoy our final beers with the bus station just next door ready to whisk us away.

Brewery Beer ABV
Bowness Bay Brewing Swift Best 3.8%
Crafty Monkey Brewing Co Reward IPA 4.7%
Bowland Brewery Buster IPA 4.0%

Today’s Summary
Total Pubs: 6
Total Beers: 12
Cask: 11
Bottle: 1
Strongest: 5.3%
Mildest: 3.7%

There are plenty more pubs in Sunderland to (re)visit, but this short trip hit the spot perfectly. It wasn’t a monumental trek – just a quick, satisfying slurp around the city. Mission accomplished.

March 7, 2026
Carlisle #1 – February 2026

Around Carlisle City Centre

Arriving into Carlisle after a pleasant journey through the Tyne Valley from Newcastle, a chill in the air hinted at the rain to come. Well, that and the weather forecast. The pubs would keep us dry, on the outside at least. An old mate on the train revived thoughts of a Hexham to Newcastle pub crawl. Another one for the list.

Arrival to Carlisle – First Few

The Scott & Brassey

Area: Carlisle Station
Style: Railway, thoroughly modern gothic
Visit order: 1 (and 10)

My welcoming committee met me from the train and manhandled me the few metres to the first bar which was just four days into its new life. I’m told that it’s a great improvement on the previous incarnation, which was starting to look a little tired. The Scott & Brassey is owned by the Lancaster Brewery and the bar was pouring their full core range of real ales. As if that wasn’t enough, a couple of guest ales were also on show.

Brewery Beer ABV
Lancaster Amber 3.6%
Crooked River Brewing Co Calvert Trust Pale 3.4%

Carlisle – Botchergate

Woodrow Wilson – Wetherspoons

Area: Botchergate
Style: Standard Spoons, local ales
Visit order: 2

A short hop through the back lane and we entered the first of today’s two Wetherspoons via the tradesmen’s entrance. It’s strange that both Spoons are so close and on the same street. In any case, it was good to see a selection of local ales alongside the Spoons staples.

Brewery Beer ABV
Bowness Bay Brewing Fell Walker 4.1%

BrewDog Carlisle

Area: Botchergate
Style: Soon to be closed
Visit order: 3

My first ever BrewDog pub, possibly my last given the news of closures that has just hit. It was a complete contrast to the lively, busy pubs that we started with. It gave us an opportunity to try a couple of their brews that I’ve not seen in other pubs. We were set up nicely for a walk through the town.

Brewery Beer ABV
BrewDog Dank Marvin (keg) 4.0%
BrewDog Deutschland Märzen Magic (keg) 5.5%

Carlisle – West Walls and Vicinity

The West Walls Brewing Co.

Area: City Centre, West Walls
Style: Brewpub, former night club
Visit order: 4

Ah, nostalgia. I remember this as the Twisted Wheel and several “cultural” evenings spent there. Significantly better beer on show here today and a very toasty feel given the heat coming from the fireplace. Great pint. With a wide selection of cask and keg available, I could have stayed all afternoon. I didn’t but settled on a beer that has won “Champion Session Bitter” status. I could taste why.

Brewery Beer ABV
Logan Beck Brewing Proper Bitter 4.0%

The Sportsman Inn

Area: Heads Lane, near the cathedral
Style: Traditional, friendly, local
Visit order: 5

A traditional local location, just around the corner from the West Walls. Had to make way for the dogs waiting patiently under the table whilst their owners enjoyed their ales. Although you could happily lose an evening here, there was only time today for a quick one on the way to another traditional location.

Brewery Beer ABV
Carlisle Brewing Co Solway Gold 5.0%

The Kings Head

Area: Central
Style: Another traditional pub
Visit order: 6 turning the corner

A good mix of souls taking advantage of the hospitality in this proper boozer. Plenty of woodwork and nooks and crannies for a conspiratorial chat over a good pint or two. As ever, there were more beers that I’d have liked to try, but the road always beckons. And in this case, food also beckoned.

Brewery Beer ABV
Westgate Brewery Classic Blonde 3.5%
Cumbrian Ales Esthwaite bitter 3.8%

Carlisle – Back to the Centre

The William Rufus

Area: Central
Style: Wetherspoons
Visit order: 7 and some food

Our second Spoons of the day and much busier than the first. It took some creative thinking to get a table and some chairs. Made it work. Celebrated with a beer or two and a bite to eat. Neither of the Spoons in Carlisle are architectural gems, but they do their job without complaint or compromise.

Brewery Beer ABV
Bowness Bay Brewing Swan Blonde 4.0%
Erdinger Weissbräu Erdinger Weißbier (bottle) 5.3%

The Thin White Duke

Area: Central
Style: A bar, a kitchen, good beer
Visit order: 8 winding down

There was some discussion about whether to visit here, as the hybrid bar/restaurant approach means standing around waiting to be seated. That’s not normally a thing we’d consider. After being shown to our seats, we got back up and went to the bar to order yet another locally brewed ale. A slightly unusual experience, but the beer made it worthwhile.

Brewery Beer ABV
Cumbrian Ales Loweswater Gold 4.3%

Stanley’s

Area: Central
Style: Lively with entertiainment
Visit order: 9 a fond farewell

Last stop was at this Carlisle institution. No cask ale, but a quick Guinness and some live music kept us right. A short walk back to the station (and the Scott & Brassey), with the knowledge of a well managed session.

Brewery Beer ABV
Guinness Guinness Draft (keg) 4.8%

Map & Summary

Today’s Summary
Total Pubs: 9
Total Beers: 13
Cask: 9
Keg: 3
Bottle: 1
Strongest: 5.5%
Mildest: 3.4%

I had high hopes for Carlisle, these were well met. The concentration of Cumbrian breweries on the pumps made it more than worthwhile, a strong showing for the Border City. A stand out pint of “Proper Bitter” was first among some great ales. The two Spoons strategy managed to keep the list ticking over.

February 28, 2026
Newcastle & Gateshead #1 – February 2026

Across The Tyne And Back

An afternoon wandering the pubs around Central Station and across the Tyne in Gateshead, with one that remained just out of reach.

Setting Off: Durham

The Waiting Room, Durham Station (Platform 2)

Area: Durham Station
Style: Railway snug
Visit order: 0 (ground zero)

A pre-departure taster in the Waiting Room on Platform 2 of Durham station set the scene for today’s short trip north. A seat outside is always good here to watch arrivals and departures. Reunions and farewells playing out between announcements.

Today was cold, so the snug interior beckoned.

Brewery Beer ABV
Wylam Euphoric 3.7%

Newcastle – Central Station

The Bridge Hotel

Area: Newcastle, near High Level Bridge
Style: Traditional ale house, many real ales
Visit order: 1 (and 4.5)

Arriving into Newcastle Central only to head straight back across the river to the Railway Quarter of Gateshead. A fine scene for ale. Before braving the High Level Bridge, refreshments were in order at The Bridge Hotel.

Later in the day we would return. I have a picture of my dad in this bar in 1966 on a bachelor do for a friend. Sharp suits, much sharper than us today. Some things change. Some stay reassuringly the same. Cheers Dad.

Brewery Beer ABV
Abbeydale Brewery Magnolia 3.9%
Brew York Drakkar 4.7%
Fyne Ales Jarl 3.8%

Gateshead: Railway Quarter & Town Centre

Station East

Area: Gateshead, near High Level Bridge
Style: Traditional with a modern twist
Visit order: 2

On arrival to the south side we saw the busy Microbus and chose to leave it as a treat for the return leg. Instead we arrived at Station East.

Weather was better on Tyneside, but we got surprisingly wet on the short hop over to the Central Bar.

Brewery Beer ABV
Mountain Mama Howling Hops 5.3%
Brewing Brothers Fugg Life 4.1%

Central Bar

Area: Gateshead, Railway Quarter
Style: Multi-room coffin shaped beauty
Visit order: 3

Plenty of opportunities to get lost in the snugs, rooms and bars of this place, especially on the way to the roof terrace. Given the weather, we kept to the bar.

Brewery Beer ABV
Full Circle Brew Co Marmalade Mild 3.9%
Two By Two Brewing Session IPA 4.7%

Microbus (Attempt One and Two)

Area: Gateshead Railway Quarter
Style: Busy modern bar with a VW overload

On first sight, Microbus was busy and bouncing, so we banked it for later.

After a quick break in the Big W which provided fuel, practicality and a Punk IPA, we returned to find it even busier and a queue at the bar. Applauding its success, we passed this time and looped back to The Bridge Hotel for one more.

Sometimes restraint is the better part of the session.

The Tilley Stone

Area: Gateshead Town Centre
Style: Wetherspoon
Visit order: 4

Not a classic old building. Busy, found a table after some searching and a small compromise. The food came quickly and refuelled us nicely.

Brewery Beer ABV
Brewdog Punk IPA (keg) 5.2%

Back To Newcastle: Around Central Station

Beer Street

Area: Behind Newcastle Central Station/Stephenson Quarter
Style: Micropub with cerebral tendencies
Visit order: 5 heading back

Back in Newcastle we headed round the back of the station to Beer Street. Cerebral real ale bar that it is, there was a game of chess taking place front and centre.

A place for considered drinking. We considered, we drank.

Brewery Beer ABV
Marble Beers Ltd Rocket 4.8%

The Telegraph

Area: Behind the Central Station
Style: Traditional look, modern intent
Visit order: 6th, on the final curve

Along the road to the Telegraph, traditional in appearance but keeping up with the times, and still keeping a couple of cask ales on. A swift one and a check of the train times.

Brewery Beer ABV
Cullercoats Brewery Jack The Devil 4.5%

The Newcastle Tap

Area: Newcastle Central Station, Neville Street
Style: Cask-heavy ale bar
Visit order: 7th and not quite last

Good news was that there was time to head through the tunnel to the Newcastle Tap. A decision is never quick there, with hand pulls running the length of the bar. And then there are the keg beers.

Choice can be a pleasant problem.

Brewery Beer ABV
Two By Two Brewing Dolcita Pale 4.7%

Centurion Bar

Area: Newcastle Central Station
Style: Historic station bar
Visit order: 8th and last

We must have been efficient as there was still time to take in a final brew whilst appreciating the tile work and music in the Centurion Bar at the railway station before heading home, with the knowledge of a good session well managed.

Brewery Beer ABV
Pennine Brewing Co Amber Necker 3.8%

Map & Summary

Today’s Summary
Total Pubs: 9
Total Beers: 13
Cask: 12
Keg: 1
Strongest: 5.3%
Mildest: 3.7%

Newcastle and Gateshead can keep ale heads occupied for many visits without repeating a pub. We made a solid start around the station and across the Tyne into Gateshead. Plenty left for the next trip.

February 20, 2026
Durham #1 – February 2026

Gilesgate To The Viaduct

Some days call for the long haul. Others are better suited to a short wander and a handful of good pubs. Gilesgate offers a fine starting point for that sort of afternoon. A micropub, a couple of traditional locals and an easy walk to the city centre.

This small crawl would end up becoming more than just a pleasant afternoon out. Somewhere along the route the thought occurred to me that these beers, places and pubs deserved writing down.

The idea for this blog started to take shape here.

Gilesgate. A Good Starting Point.

The Hop Knocker

Area: Gilesgate, Sunderland Road
Style: Micropub
Visit Order: 1

Sampling the cask and a couple of kegs is always a treat, and today didn’t disappoint. This visit delivered both, plus a nostalgic Rohaus Märzen that, just for a moment, transported me straight back to the Black Forest.

Brewery Beer ABV
Rothaus Märzen (bottle) 5.5%
First & Last Brewery Fallen Giant 4.0%
Spaten München Münchner Hell (keg) 5.2%
To Øl #SIPA (keg) 4.7%

The Queens Head Hotel

Area: Gilesgate, Sherburn Road Ends
Style: Traditional/Sports Bar
Visit Order: 2

The Queens Head has been rebranded as more of a sports bar and this was my first visit since the change. Apart from the rather bright new exterior, the bar hasn’t changed too dramatically.

No real ale here, but a serviceable Murphy’s did the job before moving on.

Brewery Beer ABV
Heineken Ireland Murphy’s Irish Stout (keg) 4.0%

The Woodman Inn

Area: Gilesgate (top of Claypath)
Style: Traditional Pub with Beer Garden
Visit Order: 3

Great to see this place thriving. The Woodman usuallly keeps three real ales on the bar and it remains a dependable stop when walking down into town

Two of them needed sampling, naturally.

Brewery Beer ABV
The Consett Ale Works Red Dust 4.5%
Timothy Taylor’s Brewery Landlord 4.3%

Into the City Centre

From Gilesgate it’s a gentle stroll down Claypath (much easier than going up Claypath). Rhythm established. Short walk, pub, repeat.

The Bishops’ Mill

Area: Walkergate Development/Millennium Square
Style: Wetherspoons
Visit Order: 4

Now the only Wetherspoons in Durham. As a Lloyd’s Bar it gets lively in the evenings. Time for a couple of brews before moving on.

Brewery Beer ABV
Stewart Brewing Ka Pai 5.2%
Hadrian Border Brewery Tyneside Blonde 3.9%

The Station House

Area: Under The Viaduct
Style: Cosy pub
Visit Order: 5 and last

A real ale institution beneath the viaducy and a fitting place to finish. The Station House typically keeps five cask ales and rarely disappoints.

What would Durham trip be without a visit here?

Brewery Beer ABV
The Durham Brewery Totara 3.9%
GlassHouse Beer Co Altitude 4.5%

Map & Summary

Today’s Summary
Total Pubs: 5
Total Beers: 11
Cask: 7
Keg: 3
Bottle: 1
Strongest: 5.5%
Mildest: 3.9%

A modest five-pub wander from Gilesgate into the city centre, but an enjoyable one. More importantly, it was somewhere between the first pint and the last that the idea emerged: to keep and share a record of these pub trips.

Every crawl has to start somewhere.

This one happened to start a blog as well.

February 13, 2026

Brewery	Beer	ABV
Hadrian Border Brewery	Grainger Ale	4.6%
Hadrian Border Brewery	Northern Pale	4.1%

Brewery	Beer	ABV
Fyne Ales	No Nonsense	4.1%
Cullercoats Brewery	Polly Donkin	4.2%
Almasty Brewing Co.	DDH Simcoe	4.0%

Brewery	Beer	ABV
Darwin Brewery	Three Rivers III	4.3%
Schneider Weisse	Hefeweissbier Naturtrüb (Keg)	4.9%
Wylam	Best (Keg)	4.5%
Twice Brewed Brewing Co.	Dog On A Skateboard (Keg)	0.5%

Brewery	Beer	ABV
Luckies	Gold Nectar	3.9%
Luckies	Chit Faced	4.8%
Luckies	Horse Shoe	4.5%
Luckies	Left Foot Down (Keg)	4.3%

Brewery	Beer	ABV
Wilde Child Brewing Company	Side By Side	3.7%
Firebrick Brewery	Wey-Aye P.A.	5.8%

Brewery	Beer	ABV
Brakspear Brewing Company	Gravity	3.4%
Rooster’s Brewing Co	Yankee	4.3%

Brewery	Beer	ABV
Two by Two Brewery	Southpaw IPA	6.2%
Fyne Ales	Here All Year (2026)	4.7%

Brewery	Beer	ABV
Thornbridge Brewery	Pink Grapefruit Pale	4.0%
Birrificio Italiano	Nigredo	6.0%

Brewery	Beer	ABV
Pentrich Brewing Co.	Maine Street	4.8%
Brass Castle	Best Bitter	4.5%
Fyne Ales	Jarl	3.8%
Arbor Ales	C Bomb	4.7%

Brewery	Beer	ABV
Three Brothers Brewing Co	S’more Porter	4.8%
Stewart Brewing	Jack Black	3.7%

Today’s Summary
Total Pubs: 8
Total Beers: 15
Cask: 11
Keg: 4
Strongest: 6.0%
Mildest: 0.5%

Today’s Summary
Total Pubs: 9
Total Beers: 15
Cask: 14
Keg: 1
Strongest: 5.8%
Mildest: 3.4%

Today’s Summary
Total Pubs: 7
Total Beers: 13
Cask: 12
Keg: 1
Strongest: 6.2%
Mildest: 3.4%

Today’s Summary
Total Pubs: 6
Total Beers: 12
Cask: 11
Bottle: 1
Strongest: 5.3%
Mildest: 3.7%

Brewery	Beer	ABV
Bowness Bay Brewing	Swift Best	3.8%
Crafty Monkey Brewing Co	Reward IPA	4.7%
Bowland Brewery	Buster IPA	4.0%

Brewery	Beer	ABV
Lancaster	Amber	3.6%
Crooked River Brewing Co	Calvert Trust Pale	3.4%

Brewery	Beer	ABV
BrewDog	Dank Marvin (keg)	4.0%
BrewDog Deutschland	Märzen Magic (keg)	5.5%

Brewery	Beer	ABV
Westgate Brewery	Classic Blonde	3.5%
Cumbrian Ales	Esthwaite bitter	3.8%

Brewery	Beer	ABV
Bowness Bay Brewing	Swan Blonde	4.0%
Erdinger Weissbräu	Erdinger Weißbier (bottle)	5.3%

Brewery	Beer	ABV
Abbeydale Brewery	Magnolia	3.9%
Brew York	Drakkar	4.7%
Fyne Ales	Jarl	3.8%

Brewery	Beer	ABV
Full Circle Brew Co	Marmalade Mild	3.9%
Two By Two Brewing	Session IPA	4.7%

Brewery	Beer	ABV
Rothaus	Märzen (bottle)	5.5%
First & Last Brewery	Fallen Giant	4.0%
Spaten München	Münchner Hell (keg)	5.2%
To Øl	#SIPA (keg)	4.7%

Brewery	Beer	ABV
The Consett Ale Works	Red Dust	4.5%
Timothy Taylor’s Brewery	Landlord	4.3%

Brewery	Beer	ABV
Stewart Brewing	Ka Pai	5.2%
Hadrian Border Brewery	Tyneside Blonde	3.9%

Category: Pub Trips

City Centre and Several Hills

Mr Flynn’s (The Big Jug)

The Victoria Inn

Elvet and Hallgarth Street

Half Moon Inn

Back In The City Centre

The Shakespeare Tavern

Crossgate and the Viaduct

Holy GrAle

Ye Old Elm Tree

The Station House

Sunderland Road, Gilesgate

The Hop Knocker

Jesmond, Haymarket and the Town

Setting Off – Durham

The Waiting Room

Jesmond

Luckies

The Punch Bowl

The Carriage

Haymarket & University

Luther’s Bar

Percy Street and Surrounds

Mean Eyed Cat

The Hotspur

The Trent House

Central Station

Mosaic Tap

Gunner Tavern

Ouseburn, Byker and the City

Route

Strolling East Through Newcastle

Lady Grey’s

Ouseburn

The Tanners Arms

The Ship Inn

The Cumberland Arms

Byker

The High Main

The Butchers Arms

Gunner Tavern

A Stroll Through Central Sunderland

Sunderland: Keel Square and the Empire Theatre

The Peacock

The Dun Cow

Sunderland: Green Terrace, City Centre

The Canny Lad (formerly Fitzgerald’s)

Sunderland, Park Lane Bus Station

The Cooper Rose

M.O.D

Chaplins

Around Carlisle City Centre

Arrival to Carlisle – First Few

The Scott & Brassey

Carlisle – Botchergate

Woodrow Wilson – Wetherspoons

BrewDog Carlisle

Carlisle – West Walls and Vicinity

The West Walls Brewing Co.

The Sportsman Inn

The Kings Head

Carlisle – Back to the Centre

The William Rufus

The Thin White Duke

Stanley’s

Map & Summary

Across The Tyne And Back

Setting Off: Durham

The Waiting Room, Durham Station (Platform 2)

Newcastle – Central Station

The Bridge Hotel

Gateshead: Railway Quarter & Town Centre

Station East

Central Bar

Microbus (Attempt One and Two)

The Tilley Stone

Back To Newcastle: Around Central Station

Beer Street

The Telegraph