The Tilley Stone (JD Wetherspoon), Gateshead

This is another fairly recent (2011) Tyne & Wear Spoons that is conveniently located round the corner from Gateshead Metro and Bus Station. Inside the bar is on the left and there is another area with low tables to the right. Ahead of the bar there are some alcoves on the left then a few steps lead up to a smallish room with low tables and a patio. It was fairly quiet on a Tuesday afternoon. The bar has two sets of hand pumps, one with three and one with five. The three had the 2 GK beers and Hambleton Nightmare Porter while the rest had a JDW International footbore related one called Defender, one unused, one available soon, Grainstore Rutland Beast and Titanic Lifeboat. I went for the Hambleton Porter (£2.30) which was in excellent nick. Despite the average beer choice I thought this was a reasonable Spoons.

The Tilley Stone page on the JD Wetherspoon website - www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk

Curious-looking 'spoons converted from two adjacent buildings on slightly different levels. The elongated bar has the usual furniture and decor, but benefits from being mostly well lit. Eight real ales on hand pump, and my pint of Sonnet 43 Bourbon Milk Stout (£2.15) was on top form. Overall, worth the walk across the iconic bridges across the Tyne if staying in Newcastle.

The Tilley Stone page on the JD Wetherspoon website - www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk