The Ouseburn Pub Crawl, Newcastle
The Ouseburn pub crawl is a popular activity for a sunny Saturday afternoon in Newcastle, and the pubs are arguably some of the best in the city. They have history, character, awards, local hospitality and something a bit different. The Ouseburn pub crawl will take you along the Ouseburn valley for an afternoon frequenting these brilliant traditional pubs.
If you’re new to Newcastle or haven’t spent much time in Ouseburn, it is a suburb of Newcastle just along from the central Newcastle Quayside, and it’s an area that flourished from an industrial quarter to a creative, cultured hub. Full of independents and creatives working with the local communities, there are some unique spots really worth visiting.
Many of the pubs are renowned for their live music gigs, including local musicians to bigger bands, open mic nights and resident DJs. They’ve also got some pretty good food menus among them, and on a summer’s afternoon (or anytime in Newcastle for that matter), you’re always sure of a warm welcome.
Here’s an Ouseburn pub crawl route to take, from the top of the Ouseburn right down to Newcastle Quayside.
The Cumberland Arms
Start your Ouseburn pub crawl at the top of Byker Bank at The Cumberland Arms, a historic pub that dates back to 1870, with a no frills bar inside and a big terrace outside that overlooks the Ouseburn. They serve real ales and ciders, locally brewed beers and bar snacks that are often from local businesses.
The Cumberland have a big event program, including their Live on the Terrace events where they welcome live singers, bands and DJs and often these come with a specific local food van too. See the full Cumberland events program here.
On a winter afternoon they’ll have the fire on, and in the summer the terrace is a total sun trap to enjoy. A great place to start.
The Ship Inn
Next stop is The Ship Inn, another old favourite on Stepney Bank. You can’t miss it with the huge mural on the side. It’s family friendly, has a wide range of ales and ciders, and they have one of the best Vegan menus in the North East. Follow them on facebook for latest updates and additions to their menu.
There is inside and outside seating which means it’s great in all weathers and it’s dog friendly. Find parking nearby under the bridge if you aren’t visiting as part of the Ouseburn pub crawl, and just want one or to go for food. If you are doing the pub crawl, then this is your next stop before The Cluny.
The Cluny
One of the jewels of the Ouseburn pub crawl as it’s often voted one of the best pubs in Newcastle, and is known for attracting up and coming artists and bands, as well as for its excellent food. As a gig venue it holds up to 300 people and these are usually ticketed – find the full line up here.
Being an old mill and whisky bottle warehouse it’s a pretty big space, and is typical of the types of venue you find in the Ouseburn. Family and dog friendly, the menu is huge and they get their meat from local butcher and bottle shop Block & Bottle in Heaton. They have a big range of hot dogs, burgers, loaded nachos, sandwiches, bar snacks and a dedicated children’s menu.
Drinks wise they obviously have a full range, and often share what’s on tap via their instagram. Another that proudly serves local beers. Parking is available nearby.
From The Cluny you can either walk down Lime Street, where you will pass some of the famous graffiti spots of the Ouseburn, but a better route is to do the riverwalk which takes you on the old riverside path along the River Ouse.
This is the more scenic route, that will take you past more graffiti but also some of the unique buildings and little independent shops and bakeries such as Northern Rye and Dimeos. It’s a good view over to the Toffee Factory at the bottom, and past some of the warehouses that now have all sorts of events, museums and exhibitions running from them. The wine bottles will point you in the right direction!
Brinkburn Street Brewery
Brinkburn Street Brewery is a small detour off the river path but worth a visit, on Ford Street. They are an independent brewery and have their own bar with indoor seating and a terrace outside, and a kitchen that serves up really good food – especially the burgers.
They do a beer flight so you can try a few of their beers, and everything they do and serve is locally inspired. You can book tables, or just turn up and hope you get a seat. A hidden gem of the Ouseburn that’s worth visiting.
See more on the Brinkburn Street Brewery website here.
The Tyne Bar
Next stop on the Ouseburn pub crawl is the Tyne Bar, named as it’s right by the river where the Ouse meets the Tyne. Located in a great spot under the arch of the Glasshouse bridge, it has a sheltered outside area as well as an open beer garden and terrace, and inside seating complete with a stage for live performers.
Their live events are often free, which you can enjoy alongside their big range of local and further afield beers, wines and spirits, and a diverse menu that caters for all dietary requirements. A really popular spot on the Ouseburn pub crawl.
See more on The Tyne Bar here.
Free Trade Inn
Boasting one of the best views in Newcastle, and they aren’t wrong, the Free Trade Inn is your next pub and it’s just up the hill from the Tyne Bar. It’s a no frills, shabby, old, traditional pub but a locals favourite for everything it brings.
The view is pretty unbeatable straight up the Tyne with all the bridges and the quayside. They have a big beer garden that sprawls down the hill, and they often welcome local food trucks outside too. A big and changing range of beers is available, that you can also order online for delivery or pick up.
An iconic, award winning pub to end your Ouseburn experience.
See more on the Free Trade Inn on their Facebook page.
You can of course extend your Ouseburn pub crawl on to include more of Newcastle quayside. Heading back into town some of the best pubs to enjoy here include the Broad Chare and the Redhouse.
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