Bell & Bucket, North Shields

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Rob Hunter left this review about Bell & Bucket

I've passed this pub a few times when visiting North Shields and have always been tempted to call in but never have. I put that right on Tuesday afternoon. I got a bit of a surprise as I walked in as it was nothing like what I expected. No photo will do the inside of this pub justice, you have to see it to believe it. It has an interesting old interior, very traditional yet not shabby or run down. It smells like an old smoky pub, in fact it smells like it is still a smokers' pub though I can only assume that can't be the case. Apart from the strong smoky smell the other thing you notice is the owls. Owls everywhere! Everywhere!!

There were a few metal chairs outside (but no tables), the chrome coloured lightweight ones that some café bar type places use, in total contrast to the old fashioned interior which was made up of banquette seating and traditional wooden tables and chairs.

Unfortunately for me the real ale selection let the place down slightly. Of the four pumps, two were on, dispensing Marstons Pedigree and Caledonian XPA. A chalk board near the bar listed Trooper and Hooky Gold being available but no sign of these at the bar. I had a half of the XPA at £1.75, which was OK but the Hooky Gold may have been slightly preferable had it been available.

Definitely a pub with character and worth a visit even if it's just the once, even with the real ale selection not being so imaginative. The business is currently up for sale due to retirement, so glad I went when I did in case there are major changes as a result of change of ownership.

On 19^th July 2018 - rating: 6
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