The 10 best Newcastle student pubs to drink real ale in
Newcastle is the best city for student nightlife in the UK, and with two great universities in the heart of the city there are thousands of thirsty students in constant search of a good time.
But not all students are looking for pounding music and trebles when they eventually turn off Cash in the Attic, put down those books and finish lectures.
An increasing number are after a good pint of ale and a comfortable pub to while away their evenings.
Having spent three years living, studying and drinking in this fine city I have got to know some of the best Newcastle student pubs to get a decent pint – So venture off the beaten track, explore the city’s hidden gems and enjoy some great beer while you’re at it.
The Chillingham
Chillingham Road, Heaton, NE6 5XN
Opening Hours: 11-11 Mon-Thr; 11-00 Fri-Sat; 12-11 Sun
One for the returning students. Located at the metro station end of Chillingham Road, the Chilli has been a firm favourite among students for many years.
As the only place in Heaton to get a decent pint (at least until the Northumberland Hussar reopens) this spacious pub is always busy with a mix of friendly locals and lively students.
Regular sport coverage, affordable meals, pool tables and a great choice of ales all add to this bustling local.
The Trent House
1-2 Leazes Lane, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4QT
Opening Hours: 12-11 Mon-Sat; 6-11 Sun
The Trent House is tucked away between the Newcastle Uni campus and St James’ Park, making it perfect for a post-lecture pint, or a great calling point on an ale themed pub crawl.
Always popular with students thanks to friendly staff and a welcoming atmosphere, this pub is also a great place to sample some of the best local ales at very good prices.
The free jukebox is also worth checking out.
The Five Swans
14 St Mary’s Place, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7PG
Opening Hours: 8am-midnight Mon-Thr; 8am-1am Fri-Sat; 8am-midnight Sun
I did want to avoid including a Wetherspoons pub in this list, but the Five Swans really is a great student pub.
Obviously the ale is cheap, as is the food, but the location of this pub is what gets it on the list. Pretty much central between both Northumbria and Newcastle campuses, the Five Swans serves as a meeting place for students at all times of the day.
From breakfast, to lunchtime pints, committee meetings for societies and a great place to start a night out, the Five Swans can’t be ignored as one of Newcastle’s best student pubs.
The Cumberland Arms
James Place Street (off Byker Bank), Byker, NE6 1LD
Opening Hours: 4.30-11 Mon-Fri; 12.30-11 Sat; 12.30-10.30 Sun
The Ouseburn Valley is fast becoming the centre for all things cultural in Newcastle and The Cumberland is both a great place to start exploring it and a fantastic pub.
Standing alone at the top of the valley overlooking the art galleries and rehearsal rooms, this pub oozes character.
A fantastic choice of local real ales, plenty from further afield too and an ever changing range of traditional ciders there is plenty to keep you warm on a chilly Newcastle evening.
If you’re starting out at uni in this city, you must check this pub out. And if you’re returning after a summer break and haven’t been yet, change this. Quickly.
The Head of Steam
1 Neville Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 5EN
Opening Hours: 5pm-2am Mon-Thr; 3pm-3am Fri; 2pm-3am Sat; 5pm-2am Sun
Back into town, and to a late night favourite of Newcastle. The Head of Steam, located opposite central station is a late night mecca for those in search of an affordable pint.
As well as being the only place in Newcastle you can still get a pint of real ale at 3am, another appeal of the Head of Steam is its regular gigs and club nights in the basement.
Acoustic nights, reggae nights and rock gigs provide some alternative entertainment to accompany your pint.
The Red House
32 Sandhill, Quayside, NE1 3JF
The Red House is a pub that specialises in pies and ale – what more could you want?
This one makes the cut thanks to two fantastic offers. On a Monday evening you can grab a pie meal and a pint for under £8, and on a Wednesday they offer two meals for a tenner.
With a great choice of pies, quirky desert menu and 10 real ales all housed in a grade II listed building, this pub is perfect for a quality midweek treat on a budget.
And there’s always plenty of choice on the bar, including Tyne Bank’s Silver Dollar permanently available, and an ever changing range of guest ales makes this pub a must visit.
The Cluny
36 Lime Street, Byker, NE1 2PQ
Opening Hours: 12-11 Mon-Sat; 12-10.30 Sun
Back down to the Ouseburn for this one, The Cluny is a hotspot for live music, great beer and good food.
Right in the heart of the Ouseburn Valley, this pub has well priced and rotating ales, a great whisky shelf and plenty of real cider.
The main reason this pub has to be included however, is the gigs. There is a separate room which regularly fills up as live bands and artists from near and far come to tear the roof off.
Thanks to its size, gigs are always affordable and always great quality. Get down, grab a pint and check out one of Newcastle’s leading music venues.
The Free Trade Inn
St Lawrence Road, Byker, NE6 1AP
Opening Hours: – 11-11 Mon-Thr; 11-00 Fri-Sat; 12-10.30 Sun
If Carlsberg did pubs, they would be nothing like this, but the Free Trade may be the best pub in Newcastle.
As Tyneside and Northumberland Camra pub and cider pub of the year 2013, you simply have to check the Free Trade out.
The best beers from all over the world, the best view in Newcastle and Craig David, the pub cat.
A firm favourite with Northumbria Ale Society, and the perfect place to end (or start) to an Ouseburn Valley pub crawl.
The Tyne Bar
1 Maling Street, Byker, NE6 1LP
Opening Hours: 11-11 Mon-Thr; 12-00 Fri-Sat; 12-10.30 Sun
Just down the steps from the Free Trade, the Tyne Bar is an iconic pub in Newcastle, with regular live music and a bustling atmosphere help to make this a pub to head to.
The main appeal for students however, is free food Tuesdays. The idea being if you spend a fiver on drinks, you get a free meal.
And there is always a good choice of grub. Simple pub grub, veggie options, spicy options, and the beer is taken care of by Wylam Brewery.
The Lonsdale
Lonsdale Terrace, West Jesmond, NE2 3HH
Opening Hours: 11-11 Mon-Thr; 11-00 Fri-Sat; 11-11 Sun
Finally, one for the Jesmondites. Jesmond is a pretty desolate place when it comes to real ale, but the Lonsdale provides some relief for those thirsty students in search of a decent pint.
Affordable grub is another appeal, and its location right by West Jesmond metro station means it’s a good place to start your night out if you are one of the many students living in the Jesmond area.