The Red House reopening brings “Man vs Pie” challenge (GALLERY)

BEER and food fans flocked to the reopening of a historic city pub, which has expanded to offer pies alongside its pints.

The Red House, on Newcastle Quayside,  has been refurbished along with the well known Bob Trollops tavern next door to become a single pub.

And hungry drinkers will soon be able to prove their gastronomic gusto by taking on a “Man vs Pie” challenge.

On a wet Newcastle Friday night a last minute rush to get the bar ready saw the official opening delayed by more than an hour, but once inside drinkers were treated to free samples of the Amble Butchers pies it plans to serve – including steak, cheese and onion, and chicken, ham and leek.

Manager Charlie Mair was pleased to be open, but said he’s still got lots more planned.

“We’re open, and we’re keen to work on the place over the next few weeks to get it tip-top, get everything on and get our selection of beers the best we can,” he said

The pub has Tyne Bank Silver Dollar and Mordue Five Bridges as house beers, alongside a rotating selection of cask ales and ciders that on opening night featured Allendale End 26.

But it is perhaps the  “man sized pie platter” that will pique most interest when it is offered from January. Anyone who can complete the dish in under 10 minutes – a task Charlie says will be “virtually impossible” – will get the food for free and their name on the pub’s “pie shield” wall of fame.

A poll to decide on which night of the week “pie night” – offering two pie and mash for £10 – will be held is currently running on the pub’s website, with Wednesday said to be an early front runner.