Top 10 old pubs in Newcastle Gateshead

Hands up who loves pub-life? Whether it's stopping off for a post-work pint and a chat with your mates, relaxing on a Sunday after eating a mega Sunday lunch or exploring the independent live music scene and embracing the local vibe in NewcastleGateshead's pub culture... there are lots of top pubs in Newcastle to explore and enjoy. 

If you're looking for a pub with a bit of history or with the traditional aesthetic then we can help you quench your thirst for top 'old' pubs in Newcastle.

Look no further than our top 10 guide to old pubs in Newcastle... 

The clue is in the title with The Old George - one of the oldest pubs in the city, The Old George is a rabbit warren of rooms, low ceilings, higgledy-piggedly floors and massive fireplace surrounds. History would lead us to believe that King Charles I regularly frequented the city-centre pub which dates back to 1582.  Perhaps unexpectedly for an 'old pub', it is also a lively spot during the weekend where the cobbles outside are packed with revellers enjoying the DJ's tune spinning until 2am and there are also regular opportunities to blast out a song at the weekly open mic nights. 

If you're in search of the traditional aesthetic, then head along, grab a pint of real ale and settle down beside the fireplace to soak up the atmosphere... it has the royal seal of approval after all! 

Located in another great building with wobbly windows, uneven floors and bags of character, The Redhouse on Newcastle Quayside is an excellent pub for fans of the humble pie and pies or to enjoy craft beer in Newcastle whilst watching the world go by. Particularly in the winter months, we recommend you bury your way deep into the belly of the Grade II listed building to hide out in the cellar and embrace the historic ambiance and moody lighting.  

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Not far from The Redhouse, keen pub-goers will find another pub in another Grade II listed building. Crown Posada is a much-loved Quayside bar and 'proper old' pub. Geordie locals love Crown Posada so much that the pub has been granted special status and recognised as an asset to the city, so you're guaranteed a good time in the historic watering-hole. The story goes that Crown Posada was bought by a Spanish Sea Captain for his Tyneside mistress when it was rebuilt in 1880... quite the gift! There are colourful stain glass windows and even a couple of historic, Spanish murals in the pub which testify to its Victorian heritage. 

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Ouseburn is home to some of the best 'traditional' pubs where you can enjoy your pint and a chat in a relaxed, rustic home-from-home set up. The Cumberland Arms sits atop the bank overlooking the Ouseburn Valley below and is a popular pub for fans of live independent music with a folk twist and real ales. There has been a pub on this site since the building was rebuilt in the late 1890s and although nothing striking from the outside, the small, wood-panelled rooms are cosy, inviting and make you want to settle in with a board game and a pint. See also The Ship Inn and Free Trade Inn. 

Lady Grey's can be found beside Newcastle Theatre Royal in the city centre and is a great, informal pub with a modern style but all the components you love from an 'old' pub from its cosy decor to hearty Sunday lunches and range of real ale and cask beers. A top choice for a pre-theatre drink, Lady Grey's is a good alternative to the glamour of bars and night life in the city for those who want to just rest up with a more casual pint and a chat. 

The Centurion Bar at Newcastle Central Station has a chequered history. Dating back to the late 19th Century, the venue was initially built as a luxurious waiting room for first class train travellers before closing in the 1960s when it was used by the British Transport Police for troublesome train goers. Over 130 years later and the pub is now more of a 'budget' spot for those awaiting the arrival of their train but still boasting the same, lavish decor which has been impressively restored. Head to The Centurion Bar to watch sports, enjoy a pre-journey brunch or grab an arrival tipple before you head off to explore Newcastle. 

The Central, located at the Gateshead entrance to Tyne Bridge is a quirky pub with plenty of personality. The traditional pub is found within a mid-19th Century, 'wedged' shaped building on fantastically-named Half Moon Lane. Heavy dark wood paneling, bench seats and ornate ceiling designs adds to the heritage charm of this popular pub. The Central is a friendly local which serves up an excellent array of ales, ciders and craft beers as well offering live entertainment, great food and often an impressive array of dogs! 

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The Broad Chare is repeatedly recognised as one of the best gastropubs in the country, so you're guaranteed the best in fancy pub grub. Tucked along the cobbles which shoot off from Newcastle Quayside, The Broad Chare prides itself on being a 'proper pub' with all the cheery trappings of an traditional pub but with a modern touch and fresh approach to its menu, atmosphere and surroundings.

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The Collingwood Arms in Jesmond is off the beaten track but worth a visit for fans of an old pub vibe. Fuss-free, great choice of drinks and a relaxed atmosphere - what more do you want?! Ok... well how about roaring log fire, Taco Tuesdays and a regular pub quiz? Venture into the stylish of suburb of Jesmond and meet the locals at The Colly and if that doesn't quite quench your thirst for a traditional pub, then see also The Brandling Villa in Gosforth where your dogs are arguably more welcome that you! 

The Trent House has a bit of a cult following amongst locals and it doesn't take long to work out why. The very small, independent pub makes up for its petite statue by having bags of personality. Within earshot of nearby St James' Park Stadium, The Trent House is also ideally placed for sports fans attending a match or tournament and is guaranteed to be packed out on match day, spilling onto the streets. 

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