Here’s where to watch Euros 2020 in Newcastle

The ‘North East’s biggest beer garden’ at Newcastle’s Central Park in Times Square is undoubtedly the big-name draw in the city’s boozy Euros offering. But with tickets about as rare as a flash-fried steak, you’ll be hard-pressed to get yourself a spot now if you haven’t booked already.

Boiler Shop are similar, with their HUGE screens (we’re talking 12ft x 16ft) proving hella popular; all of England’s group matches have already sold out.

And when we hear the words ‘proper boozer’ and ‘football’, there’s only one place we think of: The Strawberry. Tucked in the shadows of St James’ Park, this local favourite is one of the oldest pubs in Newcastle and is almost as emblematic of football in this city as black and white stripes. There’ll be one hell of an atmosphere here, as there will be just round the corner at sports bar and grill, Shark Club. With what feels like thousands of TV screens, as well as sports-day classics on the menu (think chicken wings, burgers and nachos), there’ll be few better bars out there for holing yourself up in and getting your footy fix. Plus, they’re bringing back their city-famous Euro Cup game, and will even be opening up extra-early on Sunday 13^th June ahead of England’s 2pm kick off.

Before you get there though, you may just want to pop your head into newly-refurbished The Three Bulls Head. Following a huge makeover, the former old-time boozer is looking slick and fresh and, to be honest, a lot more inviting. Having installed six extra screens – taking the total up to 20 – it means that wherever you’re sitting here, you’re always going to have the best view in the house.

It would be remiss if we didn’t mention The Five Swans while we were in this part of town, as it would be if we forgot about The Hancock, on your way up towards Newcastle University’s The Philip Robinson Library. It goes without saying that the latter is a popular student haunt, but The Hancock really is passionate about football and the drinks selection (not to mention the scran) here is immense. Plus, it’s got one of the best beer gardens in Newcastle for after the match (or during, if we’re playing that terribly). Best of all? They welcome walk-ins.

Back to business and, if you head down Pilgrim Street, you’ll find our new favourite pub: The Market Lane. Although a watering hole has stood on this site for the last 150 years (and, for most of them, was affectionately termed ‘The Monkey Bar’), in 2019 The Market Lane underwent a £100,000 facelift to turn it into the swanky trad-pub-come-cocktail bar we love today. Think chilled vibes and swish drinks.

Keep heading down towards the Quayside and you’ll find plenty of Euros buzz at Akenside Traders. Renowned for their live sport offering as much as they are for their craft beers and spirits emporium, stop by the Akenside if you could fancy some tapas and hand-stretched pizzas with your football. Built on a medieval site, nearby neighbour The Bridge Hotel is your classic traditional pub – boasting cosy Victorian-style snugs, wooden panelling and carved fittings alongside stained glass windows and detailed mosaics. All of this, combined with their reputation for serving up a huge choice of cask ale, makes it a top contender for your Euros 2020 regular.

A two-minute walk away, just outside of Newcastle’s now-legendary Times Square beer garden, the Blonde Barrel has a load of outdoor space that comes complete with an outdoor screen or two – so you can still catch those rays (with any luck) and capitalise on the buzz you’ll hear from the neighbouring beer garden. One of the newest bars on the block is just over the road, and it’s a real dazzler. Bobby’s, right on the town-end of Scotswood Road, only opened in April but is already proving to be a real hit with locals. The best thing about Bobby’s? That it aims to be as safe and as inclusive a space for everybody as possible – by fusing party vibes with cabaret and live sport. So, there’s really no reason to go anywhere else.

Another hotspot for all your Euros 2020 action is Rosie’s Bar ft. Mr Alexander’s. A true Geordie legend, football-mad Rosie’s has seven TV screens which will be showing all the international action coming our way this Summer – some of which are situated in their upstairs speakeasy, Mr Alexander’s. A classic boozer with a modern twist, you’re always going to have a good time here.

Now we’re of the opinion that size rarely matters, but if that’s your main motivator then The WonderBar is your best bet. With probably the largest indoor screens in the Toon, entirely dedicated to all things sport, you’re in for a blast. Oh, we almost forgot to mention the interactive darts, live music, bierkeller and cracking scran you’ll find here too.

And that, more or less, brings us back to The Strawberry. Enjoy!