Hello 2026...

Hello Hello.

This is the last time we’ll say it, but in case we’ve not seen you in the last week or so… Happy New Year!

Thanks to everyone that joined us over the Festive period or sent their good wishes, that was a really fun few weeks, topped off with the now customary New Year’s Day fun.

Thanks too to everyone that joined us on New Year’s Eve. We had no idea how things would go with the 6pm fireworks on the Quayside but we needn’t have worried. We did get extremely busy for a couple of hours, but what a great crowd, and what a brilliant atmosphere. They can do that every year !

This last week in the pub has been spent cleaning and decluttering after that December shenanigans, as well as making plans for the coming year. In the next couple of months we’ll be revamping the bar to make things (hopefully) more efficient on the very busy days and we’ll probably have to shut for a few days, but we’ll let you all know about that well in advance.

There’s plenty of tasty treats still pouring in the pub and we aim to keep things business-as-usual in January, though you might expect to see us running a cask or two fewer during the week to keep things fresh. At the moment we’re showcasing some great beers two breweries specialising in using regenerative and low intervention ingredients with several beers from ‘Woodshedding’ and ‘Ideal Day’ on the bar alongside Thornbridge, Elusive, Hofbrau, First & Last, Almasty & more.

For all of the low/no alcohol fans out there you’ll be pleased to hear we’re currently running two kegs lines of zero beer with pub favourites Budvar and Kasteel Rouge zero both on for the month. There’s new cans and bottles too including Donzoko’s new ‘Pretend Beer’ IPA.

The coffee machine has been working over time recently and we still have local roaster’s Pink Lane Coffee in the grinder alongside a selection of Teapigs Teas.

Of course it’s probably worth mentioning too that we’re back to our regular opening times of 11-11 every day!

In the meantime there’s a few little bits and bobs to let you know about…

Webshop Closure - Monday 12 January

Now that gifting season has passed and stock is looking a little thin, we'll be turning off the webshop for postage and collection today at 3pm. We’ll continue to sell t-shirts and sweatshirts in the pub but turning the webshop off means not overselling and disappointing anyone.

So if you’ve had your eye on something and have not taken the plunge yet, this is your last chance for now. There’s good stock available with most sizes in stock for now.

You can also order for collection as well as shipping, and collect anytime you’d like, no rush.

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EVENT - TYNESIDE LAMBIC TRAIL

Saturday 24th January (& Sunday 25th)

We are once again joining forces with some of our favourite bars in Newcastle and Gateshead to showcase the best in Lambic and Mixed Fermentation beer from the UK, Europe and Beyond.

Think Belgian classics like Cantillon and 3 Fonteinen alongside modern brewers such as Balance, Holy Goat and Wildflower.

As always there no barrier to entry apart from turning up. The idea is to plan your own route around the eight venues involved and go at your own pace. Whether you visit all eight bars, or just one, its an excuse to get out and about and support pubs in the quietest month of the year.

It’s also a brilliant chance to try that weird beer you’ve been curious about, rather than stump up for a full 750ml bottle, this is a great way to try smaller measures of some brilliant, but often misunderstood beers.

We’ll be writing another post soon all about lambic and the Lambic Trail, but for now just save the date, and please spread the word.

FOOD VENDORS

This month we’ll be joined every Wednesday and Friday by Fire and Dough Pizzas and Hake Seafoods, respectively. Both have built up cult followings in their weekly slots, but like all of hospitality they’re not immune to a January slump.

Fire and Dough especially have been dealt a stinker this month with Newcastle playing on FOUR Wednesdays out of five to start the year

Now we understand that lots of people are cautious in many ways in January but it would be remiss of us not to remind everyone that both are here. For us they’re two of the very best street food vendors in the North East and we’re thrilled they’ve found homes here. So if you’re stumped for food ideas on Wednesday or Friday, or fancy calling in before one of the many matches, they’ll be here.

We’re taking a little breather with Saturday vendors for now but will make sure to keep in touch when things change.

That’s just about it for now, but we’ll be back with updates on any potential closure and a couple of lovely beer events soon.

Thanks, and see you all soon.

FTI x