The Best Beer Gardens in the North East
Soak up the summer sun, drink in hand, at these outdoorsy pubs and bars
These are our absolute favourite places to quench our thirst and catch some rays across Newcastle, Gateshead, County Durham, Teesside and Northumberland.
HWKRLAND
Hillgate Quays, Gateshead NE8 2AR
0191 737 1120
HWKRLAND has quickly become Newcastle’s most in demand hotspot for an outdoor tipple. Tucked beneath the Tyne Bridge with scenic views of the river and Quayside, it’s home to Pepo cocktail bar and a microbrewery with 14 draughts and 40 specialist cans and bottles. They also have an enormous TV screen, showing sports and other major events, and frequently host live entertainment. Not only that, it’s perfect for foodies, with Parm-O-Rama, Circo, Acropolis, Dabbawal, Smoke and Sear and Meat Stack all permanent residents – you’ll be spoilt for choice.
The Boat Club
Elvet Riverside, Durham DH1 3AF
0191 386 6210
The Boat Club is a must-visit for drinks in Durham. A 500-year-old building right on the riverside by the medieval Elvet Bridge, the outdoor beer garden has quaint views of the city and the traditional rowing boats on the river. They have terrace seating and an extensive cocktail menu, offering happy hour deals Sunday to Friday from 12pm. If you get hungry, they also now house a Tomahawk on the first floor.
STACK Seaburn
Seaburn, Sunderland SR6 8AA
0330 100 4724
STACK Seaburn is here to give the North East its container bar fix. Right by Seaburn beach, it’s the perfect venue for a drink or two after a long day on the sands. With food vendors such as Brack Burger and the recently opened Davey’s Mexicano, you’ll want to go with an appetite.
Barluga
35 Grey Street, Newcastle NE1 6EE
0191 230 2306
Barluga’s sun terrace on Grey Street is place to be for a spritz in the sun. Complete with white parasols, you’ll be transported to the Mediterranean. They have an extensive wine menu, a great selection of beers and the cocktails are delicious; we recommend the raspberry bonbon.
The Ship’s Cat
Union Road, Tanners’ Bank, North Shields NE30 1JH
0191 257 7507
The Ship’s Cat has the Fish Quay’s trendiest beer garden, adorned with fairy lights and neon signage. Pouring a star-studded line up of beers and cocktails right by the river, they recently introduced a new food menu, serving up everything from pizzas to parmos.
The Ship Inn
Low Newton-by-the-Sea, Alnwick, Northumberland NE66 3EL
01665 576262
A true gem of Northumberland, The Ship Inn is right on the beach at Low Newton. On a sunny day, visitors can take in the sea view from the picnic tables on the green, or chill on the grassy expanse. They have their own brewery, opened in 2008, producing more than 20 different kinds of beer. Don’t expect to find big name brands here, as they’re totally self sufficient on their own brew.
ABOVE
Lower Dean Street, Newcastle NE1 3JE
0191 233 3734
With what are arguably the best views of Newcastle in the whole of the city, ABOVE rooftop at the Vermont Hotel is a special experience indeed. Panoramic views of Newcastle landmarks such as Grey’s Monument and The Quayside make it the perfect place to watch the sun go down; though the interior is gorgeous, too. Cocktails are the star of the show here, with the signature ‘Above the Clouds’ coming with a candy floss top and the floral ‘Geordie Tart’ served in a teacup.
The Derwent Arms
Edmundbuyers, Consett DH8 9NL
01207 255545
Just outside Consett, bordering both County Durham and Northumberland, is The Derwent Arms. Focusing on local produce, they serve up a range of North East ales, amongst other drinks, in their cosy, rustic beer garden. They are dog friendly and are situated along the coast-to-coast cycle route – and with bedrooms to boot, so why not make a weekend of it and soak up as much sun as possible?
The Half Moon Inn
86 New Elvet, Durham DH1 3AQ
0191 374 1918
Stocking everything from craft beers to Vimto-inspired cocktails, The Half Moon Inn is a Grade-I listed Tudor building with a riverside courtyard. Complete with views of Durham’s breathtaking cathedral, it’s been featured in the Good Beer Guide for 30 years running, making it a fantastic spot for sipping a pint whilst soaking up Durham’s rich architectural history.
Black Horse Beamish
Beamish, Stanley DH9 0RW
01207 232 569
The Black Horse Beamish’s beer garden overlooks a 37-acre patch of blooming lavender fields and woodland. Enjoy a drink perched high above Beamish conservation valley for the ultimate relaxing summer’s day. They also offer bottomless brunch, with classic cocktails served by the jug.
The Free Trade Inn
St Lawrence Road, Newcastle NE6 1AP
0191 265 5764
The Free Trade Inn is one of Newcastle’s oldest and best loved craft beer pubs. Another champion of locally-brewed ales, their outdoor beer garden sits on a hill above the Quayside, giving some of the best views of the River Tyne and its famous bridges. Plus, it’s close to Ouseburn, which is chock-full of pubs with outdoor seating if you fancy a sun-soaked bar hop.
The Beehive
Hartley Lane, Earsdon, Whitley Bay NE25 0SZ
0191 252 9352
The Beehive in Earsdon’s secret garden is located through a separate entrance at the back of the Grade-II listed pub by the Whitley Bay sands. A renowned sun trap, it’s complete with its own bar, so you don’t need to leave the warmth of the summer sun for even a minute. But, as the name states, it is a secret, so don’t tell anyone!
The Eagle Inn
Eaflescliffe, Yarm, Stockton TS16 0NA
01642 780413
Yarm’s The Eagle Inn has a beautiful beer garden where both food and drinks can be enjoyed. Their drinks menu is extensive and with deals such as Fizz Friday and two cocktails for £11.50, it’s hard to say no. The deals don’t stop at drinks either – Steak Thursdays and Pie Mondays are popular.
The Bay Horse
45 The Green, Hurworth DL2 2AA
01325 720663
A stunning walled garden and terrace is hidden at the back of The Bay Horse, and we can’t think of a better place to soak up the sun in the Tees Valley. A sun trap accompanied by flowers and birdsong, they offer classic cocktails (try the Bay Horse Bramble) and a huge wine list, with orange wine, too. They’ve been featured in the Michelin Guide, and their restaurant’s huge glass windows offer views over the garden.
The Duke of Wellington Inn
Newton, Stocksfield, Northumberland NE43 7UL
01661 844 446
The Duke of Wellington Inn is a village pub with bags of charm. The heart of the local community, their outside area offers unbeatable views across the Tyne Valley. Their vast collection of world gins, including both local distillers and those from further afield, are served with complementary tonic and garnish. Plus, they regularly host a pub quiz to keep you entertained.
The Dyvels Inn
Station Road, Corbridge NE45 5AY
0333 366 0104
The Dyvels Inn in Corbridge is a welcoming country pub with a sizeable beer garden at the back of the pub. It’s a relaxed and rustic space, and with four rooms available, you can make a weekend of it or just call in for an ale or two (it’s handy for the station too).
The Olde Ship Inn
Main Street, Seahouses NE68 7RD
01655 720200
The Olde Ship Inn’s cheery blue picnic tables offer unbeatable views of Seahouses harbour. Look out to sea as you enjoy nautically themed surroundings with old maritime connections, taking in seaside history as you drink. There’s also live music every Friday evening.
