The Mile Castle (Lloyds No 1), Newcastle Upon Tyne

This is a relatively recent JDW/Lloyds conversion from a former bank premises, situated fairly close to Central Station. Arranged over three floors (the upper floor is an added mezzanine), the beer range from each bar varies according to where you choose to sit, however there is a helpful board listing what is on where as you walk into the entrance lobby. The ground floor has a lighting rig and sound decks but the middle floor seems to be the quietest area and has a separated section at one end. A lot of wood panelling looks to have been retained and unlike many of the brand the huge arched windows let in plenty of light. There were a decent range of guest ales across the three bars with a locAle policy in evidence. Beers from Mordue and Allendale were tried and in good shape. The staff were very friendly, helpful and efficient, and our breakfast plates were cleared away as soon as we had finished and the table wiped down, in a JDW! A decent spot, and an impressive building, although I imagine it will be a bit noisier in the evening.

First time visit to this Lloyds No 1 which is in the 2012 Good Beer Guide. As it was our last call of a brilliant day in Newcastle we decided to eat here, and the Rib Eye Steaks were very good value and very tasty. Had a couple of pints of their guest ales included too, which is brilliant as Ruddles is sometimes the only ale offered in these deals. We had Brains Clock Tower and Holt Two Hoots. No problems at all with the food or beer.

Nicely decorated, if a little bland internally, Lloyds No 1 just 200 yards from the huge Union Rooms JDW. Nice enough leather look chairs throughout and during the recent beer festival they had more guests on than the Union Rooms. Very unusual for a Lloyds. We were in at a lunchtime so the atmosphere will change later at night as they have a DJ stand and dancefloor as usual. It's OK though and the pint I had Springhead Spring Chicken was in decent nick.

Official page of the Mile Castle - www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk