Station East, Gateshead

What a lovely change after the disappointment of another GBG pub barely a stone's throw away. A well presented and gimmick-free counter, beers listed on the wall and split between hand pumps and alternative serving devices, and most importantly, in very good condition. I went for Hadrian Border (what's the story) Malt and Barley, despite the dreadful attempt at wordplay, and was rewarded with a very good beer (NBSS 3.5 to 4). If I lived in the area I know which of these two I would be visiting more often.

A splendid pub sitting between two railway viaducts and partly built into one of them when you explore the hidden depths. It may have been called the Station Hotel at one time, an old sign with that name is displayed. The main bar is at the front of the building with the counter, three hand pulls, a rake of interesting kegs and three keg like founts that also serve cask in here. There are is selection of eight standard and more interesting kegs on low and high T-bars oddly mounted together. It has a mix of seating in the front, and pretty much same in the musty smelling back arched room beyond the piano, I didn’t check out the modern mezzanine above the main room.