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.

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%

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.