Newcastle upon Tyne is one of the UK’s best cities for boozing and has a terrific array of pubs to choose from. The fact that St James’ Park, the home of Newcastle United, is located in the hustle and bustle of the city centre means there is an abundance of pubbing options for those pre- and post-game pints of Newcy Brown. So, without further ado, here are the best options for pubs in Newcastle.
Nine
Saint James Park, Strawberry Place, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 4ST
An ode to the shirt number worn by the Newcastle’s most favoured son, Alan Shearer, Nine is a large sports bar located at the famous Gallowgate End of St James’ Park stadium/ Having had a recent makeover, the bar is a top choice for anyone wanting to get their pre-game drinking in as close to the stadium as possible. A host of widescreen TVs show the latest sport both, making it an ideal location for those wanting to catch the early or late kick-offs. Nine isn’t just for football fans though, there is an extensive list of cocktails, good food, an outside terrace, pool tables, dart boards, a children’s menu, and one of the best food deals in the city – a 29p chicken wing deal between Monday-Wednesday!
The Earl of Pitt Street
70, Pitt Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 5ST
The Earl of Pitt Street is another popular choice for those watching a game at St James’. An eclectic menu of food, including a catering team offering international street food, make it an ideal choice for parties of all sizes. With a self-described decor of Alfred Hitchcock meets Vivienne Westwood, the Earl is certainly one of the more aesthetically interesting places to enjoy a pint.
The Strawberry
8 Strawberry Place, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 4SF
The pub where you will find those true die-hard Magpies fans is The Strawberry. The walls are lined with Newcastle United memorabilia and murals dedicated to legends and icons to have graced the hallowed turf of St James’ Park. The pub serves up a range of booze and food, as well as offering a sports room for those wanting to watch live sport. Strawberry is well known as a traditional pub and the spiritual home for Newcastle fans, so it is likely to have one of the best pre-game atmospheres in the city, especially when the sun’s out and the roof terrace opens up.
Shark Bar
Gallowgate, Grainger Town, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 4TD
Inside the Sandman Signature Hotel is the Shark Club Sports, a gastro bar situated on the same site as the historic Newcastle Brewery. If you are visiting the city for the day or weekend and staying at the hotel, then this will be your top choice for a pint. While you may not expect a decent pre-game atmosphere in a Hotel, Shark Bar is different. Screens show the latest sport and it is a popular choice for those wanting a pre-game pint before hopping over the road to St James’ Park.
The Hotspur
103 Percy Street, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 7RY
The Hotspur is one of the more traditional pub options on this list. It serves a good range of beers, including all your favourite lagers and ciders. There is also a good choice of real ales, wines and cocktails. There is a limited choice of food on the menu, but there it does offer some hot meals, including a Geordie Tapas. A selection of widescreen TVs, including a big screen TV, show live sport all around the pub. An extra treat at the Hotspur is that there is regular live music on, so this could be a good choice for those post-game beers and to dance the night away.
Newcastle Arms
57 Saint Andrews Street, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 5SE
Another fan favourite on matchdays is the Newcastle Arms due to its location close to St James’ Park on the edge of Chinatown. The pub gets particularly busy and no club colours are allowed. For real ale enthusiasts, the Newcastle Arms offers a good selection of ale, as well as lagers and ciders. As with the other pubs on the list, there are several TVs scattered around as well as a jukebox, so expect a raucous atmosphere when Newcastle are playing at home.
The Five Swans
4 Saint Marys Place, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 7PG
The first chain pub on the list is The Five Swans. This Wetherspoons establishment offers all the basic necessities: booze, food, cheap prices. What more do you want?
Rosie’s Bar
2 Stowell Street, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 4XQ
Just a short walk from St James’ Park stadium is the iconic Rosie’s bar. Following a recent makeover, the bar is spacious and welcoming and offers a good choice of booze. One of the highlights of Rosie’s is the fact that no matter where you are sitting or standing, there’s always a good view of one of the many TVs showing live sport.
City Vaults
13 Bigg Market, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 1UN
Despite being less of a pub and more of a sports bar/nightclub, the City Vaults is still a top choice for a pint. The pre- and post-match entertainment and parties that are hosted on every Newcastle United matchday means this is one of the more popular places on a Saturday. It’s open until 3am on Fridays and Saturdays with DJs playing live music, so pop in if you fancy having a boogey late into the Geordie night.
Three Bulls Heads
57 Percy St, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RN
Going back to more traditional pub options, the Three Bulls Heads offers a welcoming atmosphere to everyone. Located right in the city centre in Newcastle’s Haymarket area, the pub serves up tasty pub grub and beers.
Crow’s Nest
137 Percy Street, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 7RY
The Crow’s Nest is a Greene King pub located in the centre of Newcastle. As with all Greene King’s, there is a wide range of drinks and food, as well as real ale. As with most pubs on this list located in the city centre, it becomes a hive of activity on a matchday, so make sure you get in early if you want to get a table.
Bodega
125 Westgate Road, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 4AG
A cracking choice for real ale lovers is the Bodega, CAMRA’s Tyneside Pub of the Year in 2014 & 2015, and runner-up in 2016 & 2017. With a friendly atmosphere and multiple screens showing live sport, plus some stunning architecture inside, the Bodega is a top choice for beer lovers.
Rose and Crown
5 Newgate Street, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 5RE
The Rose & Crown is a cheery, local that welcomes all, including your four-legged pooch pals. Free WiFi, multiple TV screens showing live sport and a good range of pints make this another fan favourite.
Goose
Eldon Garden, Percy Street, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 7RA
The Goose pub has some great food on offer. From carvery roasts to stonebaked pizzas, there are all sorts of meals to enjoy here, making it favourite for foodies. Of course, we care more about the pints, but don’t fret, The Goose also has a decent range of ales, lager, and cider, as well as your usual wines and spirits.
Trent House
1-2 Leazes Lane, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 4QT
They say good things come in small packages and the Trent House can attest to that. Although on the smaller side, Trent House is popular amongst football fans for a reason. It serves up traditional ales, international lagers, and a few local tipples including the famous Newcastle Brown Ale. If you have friends who don’t fancy a boozy day out, the pub also offers fresh coffee and a relaxing atmosphere.
The Victoria Comet
38 Neville Street, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 5DF
One of the more convenient boozers for those travelling into Newcastle is The Victoria Comet due to its location directly opposite the train station. Steeped in pub history, the building has been used since the 1800s to serve up pints. It was once even the home to two pubs, The Victoria and The Comet. For the film nerds out there, you may recognise the pub after it appeared in the cult gangster classic Get Carter when Michael Caine’s character first arrives in Newcastle. For those who could care less about this fun film fact, the pub offers decent beer and food!
The Head of Steam
2 Neville Street, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 5EN
Another conveniently located pub is The Head of Steam. The downside is that children are not allowed and neither are club colours. However, it is again located just outside Newcastle train station and is known as a hot spot for the latest musical acts. The recently refurbished bar offers great craft beers, cask ales, bottles, and international lagers.
Newcastle Tap
Baron House, 4 Neville Street, City Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 5EN
Last but by no means least is the Newcastle Tap. Again, no kids or club colours are allowed but this pub is a mecca for ale lovers. A cracking 24 draught beers and ciders, including eight cask lines and 16 kegs pouring at any one time, are on offer. Of course, there is also cider, spirits, and wine available, as well as freshly made pizza. The knowledgeable team behind the bar are beer enthusiasts too, so you know you are in good hands if you want to experiment with some new pints before heading to the game.
