Turks Head Hotel, Tynemouth

Arguably Tyemouth's best trad pub. Front area - where the big TV screens spoil the effect a bit - gets a bit over-blokey. Best to slip down the side to the cosy rear bar. Good choice of real ales on draught and in bottles. Music can get a bit intrusive sometimes. Known locally as the 'Stuffed Dog' due to the presence of said canine in a glass cabinet set into the wall. Story goes it was the pet of a regualr many years ago. How much character do you want?

3 Aug 2007 15:10

The Cumberland Arms, Tynemouth

One of Tynemouth's more traditional pubs, catering for a mostly - but not uniquely - mature clientele. The small front bar is ultra-trad, with a nautical feel - unsurprising given the location (the North Sea is at the bottom of the street). There's then a narrow seating/standing area parallel to the bar before the large, more modern rear section. Decent selection of real ales including the local Mordue Workie Ticket etc.

3 Aug 2007 15:06

The Trent House, Newcastle

Changed in 20 years? I don't think so - in fact I know so, because I drank there then, and can testify that it has hardly changed at all. This is to the bar's credit. Why change a cool classic? Having said that, it could really improve a few things in order to keep up with (or ahead of) the competition. First, the toilets are a disgrace - this is no longer a sign of edgy nonchalance. It's just lazy and shows contempt for the paying customers. Second, the beer is not bad, but the range is ludicrously limited. when places like Tilley's, Bodega, Forth, Head of Steam * the Ouseburn pubs are galloping ahead, the Trent is lagging badly in this respect.
Yes, the jukebox, decor, in-jokes etc are great, but there's something a bit 'rest on your laurels' about it when it clearly has the class to go 'ha!' from time to time.

1 Aug 2007 16:00