Introduction: Why Your Couch is the Worst Place to Watch Football
Let’s be real: if you’re a football fan in Newcastle, watching a game from your couch is like wearing socks with sandals. Awkward. Boring. And if you’re lucky, your neighbor will mistake your screaming for a raccoon emergency. But fear not, fellow fans—Newcastle’s pubs are here to save the day (and your social life). This guide will help you find the best pubs in the city that serve two things: top-tier beer and zero tolerance for bad penalties. Cheers to that.
Psst… want to make your own beer to drink at these pubs? Check out Strategies.beer’s DIY guide before you hit the pubs. Pro tip: If you bring your homemade lager, the pub might name a bar after you. Or at least forgive your bad puns.
Pubs That Don’t Judge Your Kit Wearing
Football fans are a unique breed. We wear our club’s colors like a second skin, even in the middle of winter (yes, that’s a jacket, not a personal trainer). Here are the pubs where your kit won’t earn you side-eye—unless it’s a rival supporter’s, in which case, good luck, you’re in a war zone.
- The Tyne Bar – Located near the Castle Keep, this pub is a fortress for Geordie fans. They’ve got six screens and a fridge that seems to have a bottomless supply of Newcastle Brown Ale. Pro tip: If you wear Sunderland’s color, you’ll need a lawyer. And a helmet.
- Ye Olde Castle Keep Pub – History buffs, unite! This medieval-themed pub is like stepping into a Game of Thrones tavern. They even serve a “King’s Brew” ale that’s 5% stronger than your emotional attachment to your team. (Want to grow your business by selling beer?) They’ve got a taproom that’s perfect for hosting post-match debriefs.
- The Old Tyke – Located in Jesmond, this pub is a local legend. They’ve got a “no bad hair day” policy and a menu of craft beers that would make a sommelier weep. Want to know where the owner got the kegs? Custom Beer? He brewed them in his shed. Because nothing says professionalism like a shed.
Where to Watch the Big Game (And Not Get Booed)
Let’s face it: pubs are where you go to scream at a TV while strangers cheer for the other team. But these spots are the rare gems where everyone’s on the same page (or at least the same pitch).
- The Angel of the North – This pub is just… a literal angel. Located in the city center, it has a rooftop terrace with views of the Gateshead Millennium Bridge. They’ve got a loyalty program where you earn points for how many times you yell “Why did you pass it?!” at the screen. Bonus: If you order a pint named after the club’s mascot, you get a free shoutout to the crowd.
- St Nicholas Cathedral Pub – Located near the cathedral, this spot is a paradox: holy vibes with secular beer. They’ve got a “silent game” night where you’re not allowed to scream. Because sometimes you just need to cry in silence while your team loses 5-0.
- The Ship and Shield – This pub is a football fan’s dream. They’ve got a quiz night where the questions are “Why did the referee send off the striker? A) He was hungry. B) He was sad. C) He wore socks with sandals.” The answer is always C.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I bring my own beer to these pubs?
No, but you can bring your own homemade beer if you’ve got a permit and a therapist. Most pubs sell their own craft brews, so you’ll probably end up with a better experience anyway.
2. Are there pubs where I can watch football without getting hit by a beer can?
Yes, but only if you’re at The Angel of the North during their “No Throwing” policy. It’s in the fine print. Read it carefully—it’s written in Comic Sans.
3. What if I’m a Sunderland fan?
You’ll need to bring a helmet, a lawyer, and a sense of humor. Some pubs have “neutral zones” where both teams can coexist. But let’s be honest: it’s still a battle.
Conclusion: Go Out There and Celebrate (Or Mourn) in Style
Whether you’re cheering for a win or drowning your sorrows in a pint of something bitter, Newcastle’s pubs are here to handle your football-induced emotional chaos. Remember: the goal is to have fun, not to accidentally start a bar fight over a bad refereeing decision. (Spoiler: it always happens.)
Need help planning your next post-match night out? We’ve got a pub guide app in development. Or just wing it and hope the barman doesn’t hate you. Good luck, and may the best beer win.