When it comes to planning a quick weekend getaway in the UK, real ale fans would be hard pushed to find a destination better than Newcastle. Packed with charming pubs serving a combination of irresistible ales and gorgeous food, it cannot fail to impress.
Below, you will find a selection of the top real ale pubs to visit during your trip.
1. The Chillingham
Boasting one of the best selections of real ales in the region, the Chillingham is a must-visit. You’ll find it in Heaton, close to the Chillingham Road Metro Station, where it is ever-popular among locals.
The food here is great-value but, as you’d expect, it is the ales that really stand out. One of the nice things about coming to this pub is that the guest ales regularly change, which means there is plenty of opportunity to try something new.
Among the ales often served here are pale ales and bitters by the Tyne Bank Brewery and River Catcher by Jarrow Brewery. You can almost always count on these being available, while a number of others will also be on tap.
2. The Crown Posada
Located on Newcastle’s Quayside is one of the city’s best-loved and oldest pubs. Boasting bags of character, the Crown Posada is a tiny little establishment renowned for its fantastic atmosphere and great selection of ales.
Indeed, it regularly receives rewards from CAMRA, which should give you a clear indication of just how good it is. One of the most charming things about it, aside from its drinks collection, is the fact that it plays music from a gramophone. It can be quite difficult to get a seat in this Grade II listed pub, but its fantastic atmosphere is not at all diminished as a result.
3. The Bodega
A great pub not to miss is the Bodega, which you’ll find on Westgate Road. Another establishment with a rich history, this pub is famous for its long bar, tiled floors and general Victorian feel. Indeed, locals often say that coming here gives you a chance to experience what drinking in Victorian times was like.
Whether you agree with that statement or not, there is no denying that the Bodega provides an amazing experience. There is a total of nine pumps serving real ale here; of these, six serve guest ales and three are dedicated to permanent ales, including Magus by Durham Brewery and Prince Bishop Ale by Big Lamp Brewery.
4. The Tyne Bar
The last pub on our list is the Tyne Bar, which is tucked underneath Glasshouse Bridge at the confluence of the rivers Tyne and Ouseburn. This fantastic establishment has been named as the ‘official tap in the city’ for Wylam Brewery, which means you can treat yourself to great ales including Bohemia, Angel, Gold Tankard and Magic while you’re here.
Alongside an extensive range of other ales, the Tyne Bar serves up some delicious food. As well as sandwiches, burgers and soups, you can get hearty bowls of chips served with bread, butter and a pot of cheese, fishfinger sandwiches, and a delicious combination of eggy bread and bacon.
