It’s not often I get the metro along the coast, preferring instead to walk it, or if I’m on the metro it’s heading straight up to town. After a visit to Platform 2 at Tynemouth station with the girls a few weeks ago I knew Kieran would love it so planned a visit for us last weekend. The North Tyneside metro stations have a lot more to offer than they used to – with micro pubs, restaurants and cafes almost on every one. If you fancy a coastal Metro station pub crawl day out then here’s a few to stop at.

First of all get a day saver metro pass (this post isn’t sponsored by nexus metro at all I promise!) – which will allow you to hop on and off your metro station pub crawl all day, and get back home later.

Northumberland Park

We start at Northumberland Park and incidentally if you’re after a good pub here then the Pavilion is a few minutes walk. It’s not part of the station like the others I’m going to mention but it’s very close. 

Shiremoor & West Monkseaton

Shiremoor and West Monkseaton stops also don’t have anything, but the Beacon pub isn’t too far from West Monkseaton either. They’ve done quite a bit with their outside area the past year too.

Monkseaton

Monkseaton is where it starts to get good, with Left Luggage Room right there as your first metro station pub to visit right on the platform. This specialist craft beer pub is located in what used to be the old parcel and left luggage room of the station, hence the name.

Now it serves a range of craft beers, ciders, wines and spirits, also offering a selection on Fridays and Saturdays to bottle up and takeaway. Follow their Instagram where they share what’s on the board each week.

Whitley Bay

You have not one but two places to choose from at Whitley Bay metro station, starting with The Ticket Office. A micro pub that serve up craft beer, gin, wine and a great Prosecco deal.

They have indoor seating inside the very quirky venue, and outdoor seating on the station platform – also under cover. Occasionally you might be lucky and get live music too.

Also in Whitley Bay station is the newer branch of Dil & the Bear, that just opened in Autumn last year. Like it’s sister venue in Tynemouth, both the cafe inside and the garden terrace are absolutely gorgeous. They’ve really gone all out especially with the outdoor area, that is also sheltered.

Visit them for coffee and cake or a sandwich, breakfast, lunch or dinner and take advantage of their cocktails too. They basically do a bit of everything depending on the time of day, so always a worthy stop.

Cullercoats

Nothing at this station but a short 5 minute walk towards the coast will bring you to all the cafes and bars that make up the Cullercoats sea front. The Boatyard, Beaches & Cream, the Salthouse, and of course the Queens Head which has a big beer garden.

The Salthouse is where you’ll get a good range of drinks including specialty beers, spirits including their own gin, and although I’ve not been myself for a while I’m told really good food.

Tynemouth Metro Station

My favourite along the route, Tynemouth metro station always has something going on, especially at weekends when the market is on.

Platform 2 micro pub stretches along to one side of the main entrance, with tables and barrels lined up against the wall, and the days list of beers and wines on offer hammered to the wall.

At weekends they expand further out onto the station platform once the market has packed up, so 4ish is a good time to get there.

It’s walk in only and very popular so you may have to queue, but once you’re in the table is yours as long as you’d like it.

On the opposite side of the main entrance is Davantis, who also have outdoor seating on the platform. You can get takeaway pizzas to eat in Platform 2, which are a dream after a few hours drinking.

Of course the rest of Tynemouth lies a 2 minute walk from the metro station, with places like Allards, The Priory, Ora, Lolas, the Turks Head and the Sal all open for business with indoor and outdoor seating.

North Shields

If I’m being honest I probably wouldn’t get the metro along to North Shields, as the good bars and pubs are on the fish quay which is easier to walk to from Tynemouth – especially on a nice day.

The station doesn’t have anything there so head to the fish quay where you’ll find places like The Ships Cat, Allards, Dodgins Yard that has a big outdoor area, Salty Sea Dog and the Low Lights Tavern.

The fish quay should probably be a day out in itself, and at weekends now Salt Market Social is back – read my full blog on it here.

Away from the fish quay my friends really like Scott & Wilson, that serve drinks and food that does look very nice. I’ve not yet been myself.

Of course the places I’ve mentioned aren’t absolutely everything the coast has to offer, but it’s pretty much a good idea of what you can get up to and where you can visit along the coastal metro route, either in the metro stations or very close to them.

It’s a good afternoon out, sampling some new drinks and food from local businesses – what’s not to love?

Other posts you might like:

A locals guide to Whitley Bay

Salt Market Social on North Shields Fish Quay

Dinner at 1910 restaurant at Spanish City

Tacos & Margaritas at Lobo Rojo