Free Trade Inn, Newcastle Upon Tyne

There is not much to say about this place than has not already been said. It is an unpretentious even slightly scruffy drinkers pub on the side of a hill overlooking the River Tyne. It has two main assets. Firstly the beer range is excellent and well looked after. Secondly the view up the river towards the centre of Newcastle is spectacular - particularly at night. The large windows make the view accessible from much of the bar area. I had Feckless from Red Willow which was a good solid pint. It is worth mentioning that there are a number of other very good pubs in this area and I think the Free Trade is a must visit if you are in Newcastle and into beer. Will visit again if I can.

Adequately described before, a famous riverside pub noted for its views of Newcastle and Gateshead upstream and for the quality of the six cask beers from mostly small northern breweries. Simple but effective decor, has it been redecorated since my last visit, possibly but it still looks lived in. Always worth a visit if you’re nearby and there are plenty other good quality pubs and brewery taps nearby.

Set in an elevated position on the Byker bank of the Ouseburn, with splendid views looking westwards towards the landmark River Tyne bridges. Quite a small, slightly split-level, L-shaped layout that was already very busy (and noisy) when we called in. With five of the six handpumps in use, the choice was the single hop El Dorado and a Tiramisu Porter from North Riding Brewery, the Thornbridge / JW Lees Rosa collaboration, Long Shadow from Roosters and Buxton Deepdale.