Gunner Tavern, Newcastle Upon Tyne

It was a surprise to find this modern building housing an attempt at an old-fashioned pub, with recycled bricks, "old" floorboards and fake green tiles. It's quite a big space, with a couple of different areas and, if I recall correctly, a change of level too. Luckily I was here at a fairly quiet time of day, killing a few spare minutes as my train had been delayed. Beers are listed on a board, with five cask and a dozen keg. My Almasty Four, a 4% session IPA, is listed as £5.20 a pint but £2.70 for a half: that's more than Ray (see review August 2019) paid for a pint here less than three years ago. Fake old pub, real modern prices.

I can't say I've noticed this pub/bar before, despite it being very close to Newcastle Central station. Apparently it opened in summer 2019. We were drawn here by its 1am closing time and the promise of real ales. Sure enough, it was open and still serving when we arrived here at 00:15 in the early hours of a Wednesday morning. 5 real ales were on offer - Firebrick Blaydon Brick, Cullercoats Polly DOnkin, Fyne Jarl & Allendale Hop On & Anvil. Bar staff were cheerful and the pub had a lively atmosphere, still being quite busy at the late hour. I don't remember much about the pub apart from the unusual shaped bar which seemed to cause beer to gather at the edge and managing to place my phone in the puddle of beer that had gathered! With nearby pubs such as the Newcastle Tap closing as early as 10:30pm each night, this is a useful option if out late.