The Victoria Comet, Newcastle Central, Newcastle Upon Tyne

After the huge disappointment of the Nicholson outlets in Glasgow and Belfast I was hoping for something better here. The interior is nothing special with some horrible modern light fittings making the chandeliers rather pointless. There were several TV screens showing Sky Sports but fortunately they were silent. It wasn't all that busy on an early Friday evening. I counted eight hand pumps which had one unused. I went for Kirkstall Ignore the Ignorant (£4.00) which was a modest abv pale served in a short measure and slightly warm. So, this turned out to be another Nicholsons rip off and loses an extra point for promoting the Xmas menu in the middle of August. I wouldn't return.

The Victoria and The Comet were originally two pubs side by side at this location. After being broken through into one pub it was called various names before latterly ending up as an O'Neills. Happily this is now a Nicholsons pub and has reverted to something like the original names. The original pubs must have been tiny as the new version isn't that big. Bar to the left as you enter and some comfy seating against the wall to the right along with some standard dining tables and chairs and some high tables. It's pleasant enough without having any distinuishing features apart from some decent chandeliers. There's also some old mirrors, probably left behind from the O'Neills incarnation. 6 cask ales available on our visit although there were a couple more handpumps. My pint was in good nick and was served by a very friendly and helpful barmaid, who got us a small discount on my pint via her own smartphone. It's much better than it was and we'd happily call in again.