Bridge Hotel, Newcastle Central, Newcastle Upon Tyne

Blessed with a pleasant location next to the castle and high level bridge, overlooking the Tyne, this is a smart pub from the Fitzgerald chain. You enter through a lovely glazed tiled porch with some modern 'Fitzgerald' panes in the windows. The main bar area sees a dark wood servery along the left hand wall with a marble counter and a beautiful part tiled, part mirrored bar back. The front windows have some brilliant stained glass inserts at the top, each depicting an image of a ship, sailing boat or other such slice of riverside life, and they looked especially good with the late afternoon sun lighting them up. Opposite the bar there is a partially screened side room which has been fitted with lovely dark wood panels, a fine stained glass riverside scene and a good deal of comfortable lounge-style seating. A TV in here and others in the bar area and to the rear were showing muted live football coverage. The rear part of the room is split level and has a mix of standard and tub chairs complimenting sturdy banquettes. The space is carpeted and has a library to one side full of dusty old books either side of a display cabinet and underneath a shelf displaying some spectacular items of glassware. The rear windows have their own stained glass inserts, this time depicting scenes of local industry. Some stairs at the rear lead down to a small rear patio garden, sheltered from the sun and offering restricted views of the river. The Fitzgerald chain seem to be able to offer a wide ale selection whilst maintaining high standards in beer quality and this winning formula continued here. Options on the handpulls were Sharps Doom Bar, Errant Tusk, North Riding Chinook APA, Hog's Back Citra, Brinkburn Street Pursuit of Hoppiness, Bad Co Satisfaction, Anarchy Blonde Star and Three Kings Castle, with two pumps unused. This was supplemented by a good keg range mixing well known brands with some interesting small batch brews. My pint of the Pursuit of Hoppiness was excellent and certainly hoppy enough to live up to its name. This is another winner from one of my favourite pub chains. I found it very easy to relax here and was content to settle down for a long session, but unfortunately needed to move off after just the one pint. A real highlight in a city full of great pubs and one I've earmarked for a return visit.

Lovely historic building just tucked under the side of the Get Carter bridge. Carved dark wood abounds inside, as well as stained and leaded glass, plush bench seating and lovely ceiling cornices. A couple of darker seating areas as you enter, bar beyond here to left leading to a lighter raised rear area with views of the old city wall, though sadly the Tyne Bridge is obscured by trees. Apparently there’s a rear beer terrace for views but I didn’t spot it. The muted TV showing chart music was somewhat out of place whilst another was showing Sky Sports News. Live music advertised. Eleven ales at the bar, my Three kings Supermac was in good shape. The manager was friendly and more than happy to let a wally like me take photos of the inside. Probably my favourite pub crawled in central Newcastle that day, an absolute must-visit.