Play Hard

20 of the best beer gardens in and around Newcastle

When the sun is shining, all we can think about is having a pint in a beer garden. So, here are our top picks, including some hidden gems you may not have heard of before...

Written by High Life North
Published 22.04.2023

NEWCASTLE CITY CENTRE

WYLAM BREWERY

Palace of Arts, Exhibition Park, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4PZ

Wylam Brewery has become renowned for its live music offering and its North East-famous foodie battles, but don’t overlook its quirky beer garden on a sunny day. Often lined with street food vendors, there’s plenty of opportunity to grab a bite here, with space to stretch your legs, too. It can often be pretty busy, but you’ll always find happy sippers spilling out onto the front steps of this majestic micro-brewery, so you’ll never be lost for a seat.

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By The River Brew Co.

Hillgate Quays, Gateshead, NE8 2FD

With chilled vibes, locally-brewed craft beer and unrivalled views along the River Tyne, By The River Brew Co is a must-visit drinking destination during the summer months. Nab any table along the riverside and order your bevs and scran from a range of local street food vendors in HWKRMKT and they’ll be brought to you – so you can just concentrate on soaking up those rays.

 

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Barluga

35 Grey Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 6EE

Barluga, home on the award-winning Grey Street, is a firm favourite for al fresco drinks on their beautiful sun terrace. This stylish sun trap serves us food and hand-crafted cocktails, and we’ll be well looked after here with electric heaters and blankets to keep us warm once the sun goes down.

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Horticulture

1 Market Lane, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 6QQ

Think flora, fauna and twinkling lights. Horticulture’s chic outdoor terrace is small but not lacking in character. We could spend a whole day here with beautiful brunch, small bites and delicious evening dishes, plus, 40 different espresso martinis to work through on the menu.

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The Bridge Tavern

7 Akenside Hill, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3UF

Nestled underneath the North East’s most iconic landmark The Tyne Bridge, Bridge Tavern’s beer garden is the perfect spot on a sunny day for a cheeky drink. Johnny Depp and Sam Fender think so, anyway. Enjoy an impressive array of bespoke cask and keg beers and internationally-recognised wines and spirits.

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ABOVE

Vermont Hotel, Dean Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1QR

If you prefer more of a sophisticated sip, we know just the location. This luxurious rooftop bar and restaurant located on the roof of Vermont Hotel will take your breath away as you take in the stunning 360-degree views of Newcastle city and our iconic Quayside.

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The Old George Inn

Old George Yard, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1EZ

It’s easy to see why Newcastle’s oldest pub, which dates back to 1582, is still going strong with its popular beer garden. Have a catch up with the ladies under a festival of flags as you sip on a glass of vino (or two) and enjoy some live music.

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Urban Garden

Quayside, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3DH

Located on the beautiful Newcastle Quayside, Urban Garden has a range of delicious alcoholic beverages provided by BrewDog and a mouth-watering menu hand-selected by East Coast Burgers. There’s something for everyone here.

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SURROUNDING THE CITY

Free Trade Inn

St Lawrence Road, Ouseburn Valley Newcastle upon Tyne NE6 1AP

This bustling riverside venue boasts some of the best views of Newcastle from its hilltop beer garden, meanwhile there’s few better supping spots when the sun’s out. Their wide range of craft beer keeps punters coming back, (they always have at least one gluten-free beer option on tap), while their pizza nights with local legends Scream For Pizza always attract a crowd.

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The Tyne Bar

1 Maling Street, Ouseburn Valley, Newcastle upon Tyne NE6 1LP

An Ouseburn original since 1994, the reason for The Tyne Bar’s longevity is no secret. Combine an impeccable drinks selection with free live music and events, an extensive food menu with vegan options, and an iconic beer garden under the bridge with murals, twinkling fairy lights and cracking views over the river, and you’re onto a winner.

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The Ship Inn

Stepney Bank, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 2PW

Although The Tyne Bar and The Free Trade Inn tend to enjoy more hype, here at HLN we love to pay The Ship Inn a visit on a sunny day. Right in the heart of the Valley, The Ship serves the best chilled pints and brilliant bar snacks – the nachos are to die for in a beer garden big enough to stretch our legs in.

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The Biscuit Factory

16 Stoddart Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 1AN

If you’re after more of a secluded spot for a sneaky beverage, we know just the place – The Biscuit Factory’s roof terrace. The Factory Kitchen, nestled within the art gallery, is the perfect place for a spot of brunch with a sheltered greenhouse area and fantastic views of the Ouseburn Valley.

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Three Mile

Great North Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 2DS

Whether you’re after an Aperol Spritz or in the mood for a chilled pint, the Three Mile serves us a range of refreshing beverages on their terrace – giving us all those holiday vibes. With table service available, you won’t even have to move an inch. Just sit back, relax and watch the world go by.

 

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The Queen Victoria

206 High Street, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 1HD

Soaking up the rays whilst sipping on a perfectly pulled pint or a cheeky cocktail  – what’s not to love? With vibrant colours, graffiti-style art and wall murals, The Queen Vic’s beer garden is a HLN fave for after-work drinks on Gosforth High Street.

 

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The Brandling Arms

High Street, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 1HD

Set back from the hustle and bustle of Gosforth High Street, The Brandling Arms combines individuality, character and quirky charm. Following an extensive refurb last year, this local favourite has been given a new lease of life.

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Elder Beer Café

290 Chillingham Road, Heaton, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 5LQ

If you fancy sipping a pint in a secret hideaway, Elder Beer Café is the place to be. From exposed brick to quirky wall art and chilled craft beers, this hidden gem is a perfect spot to soak up the rays, have a peaceful pint and have a good ol’ catch-up with friends.

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AT THE COAST

The Ship’s Cat

Union Road, Tanners’ Bank, North Shields NE30 1JH 

If you’re looking for an alternative spot for drinks in the sun, then look no further. With neon signs, industrial décor and the naughtiest-looking burgers, this restaurant next to the seafront is perfect for catching the sea breeze on a hot day. Even Indiana Jones legend Harrison Ford has dropped in for a bev!

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The Blackbird Ponteland

North Road, Ponteland, Newcastle upon Tyne NE20 9UH

Once the site of a historic castle and now the home of a much-loved Ponteland pub, The Blackbird is a venue steeped in character. This is a popular spot for both drinking and dining, with a huge outdoor space to enjoy the warmer weather.

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The Secret Garden

Double Row, Seaton Delaval, Whitley Bay NE25 0PP

This beer garden is just what it says it is: a hidden gem in a secluded spot.  Serving our favourite street food, drinks and great entertainment with themed nights, including including steak night offers, matchday specials and Boomin’ Bingo, The Secret Garden is on our go-to list this summer.

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The Beehive

Hartley Lane, Whitley Bay NE25 0SZ

We’re always buzzing to pop into The Beehive’s secret garden on a sunny day. Located around the back of the pub, you can relax in this sun trap and escape the world outside. Plus, there’s a bar in the garden where you can order a cheeky bev and some perfect pub grub.

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