The Forth Hotel, Newcastle Upon Tyne

I remember this pub as a traditional two roomed Tetley house from the 1980s, it has however changed a bit since then. Now effectively opened out, the main area wraps around to behind the bar and returns around to the rear up a couple of steps. This layout allows for a small island room behind the bar, totally screened off and only big enough for three smallish tables. Stained wooden flooring, a couple of fireplaces, dark olive green decor. Seating is mostly traditional at tables for four or more, and there are drinking shelves along the front windows to the narrow lane outside. Ceiling fans whirr away, there are twisted brown paper lampshades over the bar and to the rear are some arty Warholesque pictures of the Queen, crowns and suchlike. Up the stairs beyond the toilets there is a roof terrace with some cover for the smokers (outdoor street drinking is not permitted here). This area is a bit trendy and arty too with a graffiti wall. Five handpumps, Adnams Explorer, Doom Bar, XT8, Durham Brewery White Gold and Kelham Island Pale Rider, this went unfortunately but quickly reappeared, nice to see a pub that still changes barrels right away. There were menus on the tables, mains £7.50-11.00 with steaks at £13.50, upmarket sandwiches served with "french fries" £5.50 -6.75. I enjoyed my quick visit here, a nice relaxed laid back feel, an antidote to the more frenetic Newcastle drinking areas.

Straight across from the Town Wall and just as busy. This trendy corner pub serves five ales, American craft beers, German lagers, Czech pilsners and fine wines. The main section of the pub is taken up with diners. The front bar area is narrow so gets difficult moving around only when there's a few people stood there. Still there is a sun terrace, out the back. The Roosters Yankee was a bit on the chilled side.

Pleasant suprise to be taken along a side road to this bar. Would not of known of it's existance, but it was worth the visit as there were decent real ales on. Chose Red Rat Hadley's Blonde and Adnams Sole Star. The Adnams was a bit pricey at £3 for a 2.7% beer though.

Official site of the Forth Hotel - www.theforthnewcastle.co.uk

Official site of the Forth Hotel - www.theforthnewcastle.co.uk

Good atmosphere with smoking place upstairs. Wide range of beers and bottles(don't bother going if you're counting the pennies ...you get what you pay for)It's different but it could do with a good clean. Nachos are well worth the visit!