Bridge Hotel, Newcastle Central, Newcastle Upon Tyne

Fab unpretentious pub with excellent views of the High Level and Tyne bridges. I sat outside quaffing a delightful pint of Salopian Lemon Dream enjoying the sun, (yes it does come out occasionally in Newcastle) pretending to work. Great way to skive off !!

The Bridge has been opened out since my regular visits over 25 years ago however the layout still has the feel of a few different areas. Carpeted, mostly regular style tables and chairs but with a couple of high tables in the bar area, the pub has an attractive dark wood bar, windows are leaded with stained glass top lights depicting local scenes, bridges, the castle etc. There are bookshelves in a recess, decor includes old plans and drawings of the building, stone jars, a nice painting of the pub on the stairs to the terrace and also some unusual iron sculptures. There is a large feature fireplace with a mirror over in the area opposite the bar. The pub is perched high above the River Tyne and affords some excellent views, particularly from the stone walled outside terrace. The bar is continuous along the back wall and sports nine handpumps. Deuchers is served from a font, the handpulled beers were Hadrian and Border High Level Bitter, Black Sheep Bitter, plus guests Salopian Lemon Dream, SWB Shackled, Hop Back Crop Circle, Castle Rock Black Gold and three from Magic Rock, Rapture, Curious and Highwire. I tried three halves in here and all were spot on. There is a TV for sport, meals are served, although I didn't see a menu but the Sunday roasts looked good and popular. A welcome revisit after a long time, hopefully I won't leave it so long again.

Excellent city centre pub with up to 10 real ales.