Posted on April 20th, 2017
The sun is shining, deadlines are drawing closer and it’s nearly time to pack up and go home for the summer. But before going back, I’d definitely recommend sticking around Newcastle for a while. Make sure you experience some of the finest pleasures the city has to offer and discover the true beauty of the Toon without the stress of university work! It’ll be a grim few weeks stuck in the gloomy library, wishing your essays would write themselves, but just keep thinking about how you can celebrate when you’re finished and all the hard work will pay off. What better way to celebrate than embracing the British sunshine in one of the beautiful beer gardens in Newcastle?
Even if you have to wear your thickest coat, you can still pull out your sunnies to shade the rare Geordie rays, and pretend that you’re drinking al fresco in some Mediterranean seaside town. I mean, the River Tyne, the French Riviera… who can even tell the difference? I’ve rustled up a list of what I think are the five best beer gardens in Newcastle, so next time the sun comes out you will be prepared..
Of course, the list wouldn’t be valid if Osborne Road didn’t get a mention. Here you’ve got the choice of many bars to sit outside of and enjoy a tipple with like-minded students. £2 Tuesdays makes it super cheap which is always going to make it more enjoyable, as well as various happy hours of the other nights of the week. You can also enjoy food served in a lot of the pubs… al fresco dining as well, what more could you want! A personal favourite is Jam Jar on a Tuesday where they serve two burgers and two fries for only £14. Research Jesmond happy hours here…
Osborne Road – famous for its sunny beer gardens, happy hours and all day bank holiday drinking sessions..
Tucked away in the heart of Jesmond Vale, this hidden gem is brilliant for sunny days. They even have a table tennis table, making it even more fun than your average beer garden. It’s large which makes it a great place for big groups, so bring all your friends down! The soft lighting across the whole garden also creates a snug atmosphere in the evening, and if it gets too chilly outside, be sure to go inside on a Monday and take part in their famously funny quiz which gives you the chance to win big cash prizes! Check out the Bluebell’s delicious menu here
Beer garden heaven at The Bluebell in Sandyford….
The Forth’s beer garden is hidden away in central Newcastle; a perfect spot to take a break from the busy city! Outdoor heaters means the al fresco lifestyle isn’t only limited to the scarce sunny days Newcastle has to offer. Displaying art work by local artist also makes the area evermore aesthetically pleasing.
Nestled in up-and-coming Ouseburn, Tyne Bar is a place where many people are certain to flock to as soon as the sun shines. Plenty of outdoor seats as well as the use of the grassy hill next to it provides close to a festival-feel when the sun comes out. Even on days when it’s raining, part of their beer garden is shaded under a bridge so you won’t get wet. Offering cheap beers from their top shelf, it’s always a hit with students. On a Tuesday you can also get a free meal when you spend £5 on drinks, you’d be crazy not to take a trip down! During the summer months they often have BBQ’s and live bands, so make sure to look out for what’s going on!
The Free Trade Inn is my absolute personal favourite when it comes to beer gardens in Newcastle. Situated high up and quite far along the quayside, it gives an unrivalled view of Newcastle’s famous bridges basking in all their great glory along the River Tyne. The rugged, authentic decoration gives it a proper pub feel which can be enjoyed by everyone. Not forgetting to mention the fact that it’s a great place for a first date if you’re looking for somewhere that’s fairly chilled. They even have a resident cat called Craig David for anyone who’s missing those home comforts.
The Free Trade Inn – Best view in Newcastle?
There you have it! My top 5 picks of beer gardens in Newcastle, including some hidden gems that you’ve GOT to try before leaving the city. Let’s just keep hoping for some more sunny days! If there are any other great beer gardens that I’ve missed off, don’t’ hesitate to share them with me! Because what’s a British summer without sipping a cold fruity cider in a bustling beer garden?
Wishing you all luck in upcoming exams and deadlines!
Lottie x
