The Carriage, Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

The Carriage has been converted from the former Jesmond station buildings, with the original layout still clearly discernible. The front entrance leads to the bar area with the bar along a side wall; this would have been the main booking hall, then there are arched hatch openings to the right hand side room, suggesting this was the ticket offices and staff accommodation. To the left is another separate room with toilets beyond, indicating this to have been the waiting rooms. The original floor and wall tiling remains in the toilets. It has been done well, the fireplaces remain, there is plenty of dark polished wood, an old station lamp and a couple of station clocks over the bar. The presence of a tiger above the entrance porch is however less easily explained. The pub is carpeted throughout and seating is at banquettes, tables and standard chairs. The railway theme is not overstated with decor including horror/sci-fi film posters, Guns n Roses concert ads, a selection of whisky boxes as well as a few atmospheric steam train photos in B&W. Years ago, the railway carriage parked alongside the old platform was part of the pub but unfortunately no longer, being part of the adjoining Indian restaurant now. There is some outdoor seating screened off to the side. No TVs here, a quiet pub with low level music and a meeting place for the local book club and philosophy society. Four handpumps on the bar, Spitfire, Deuchers IPA, Timothy Taylor Landlord and Jarrow Bitter. The Jarrow was a nice session beer, served in good condition. There are voting slips in the menu blocks on the table for customers to choose the next guest ale from a shortlist. I didn't see any menus for meals but a selection of toasties are available. A pleasant spot in what works as a traditional pub far enough from the town centre to deter the circuit drinkers.