Newcastle is famed for its wild late night life but the city is also packed full of historic pubs for a pleasant pint.
If you're visiting Newcastle for this weekend's European Challenge Cup final or Heineken Cup, you'd do well to pop in for a pint at one our favourite pubs. There are many more - in fact too many to mention - and you can read our round-up of where to Pubs, bars & restaurants near St James' Park as the Heineken Cup Final 2019 comes to Newcastle .
We've whittled a list down to 10 time honoured Newcastle pubs you should try.
The Old George
One of the city's oldest pubs, The Old George has roots from 1582 and counts King Charles I as a former regular. The monarch reportedly drank in the George while a prisoner in Newcastle. He was eventually beheaded, and rumour has it his ghost haunts the pub .
Even if you don't spot a royal ghost, the Old George is one of Newcastle's favourite city centre pubs, with a large courtyard, two bars and friendly staff.
You'll find the Old George just off the Bigg Market in Old George Yard.
Crown Posada
Built in 1880, the Crown Posada is another historic pub which has never lost its popularity.
It may seem small and narrow inside, but the Crown Posada is a charming pub famed for its real ale selection and stained glass windows.
You'll get a friendly welcome too, with knowledgeable bar staff on hand.
If you're into your beer, the Crown Posada is a must-visit.
The pub is near the Quayside, on a street called 'The Side'. Walk down hill all the way from Grey street, towards the river, and just as the hill flattens you'll find it on your right.
The Free Trade
Experts writing for the Guardian named the Free Trade as one Britain's 50 best pubs , thanks to its stunning views of the River Tyne, commitment to craft beer and perfect atmosphere.
The Free Trade is a favourite with older drinkers and the young crowd too.
As the Guardian puts it : "The pub cleverly treads the fine line between craft beer hipness and down-to-earth backstreet local atmosphere."
The beer garden is excellent too, if the weather behaves, and there is a free juke box.
The Free Trade is in Ouseburn, to the east of the Quayside. It's a bit of a walk, but it's worth it.
You'll find the pub in St Lawrence Road.
Bar prices for Heineken Cup rugby at St James' Park - and fans can drink at their seats
The Bridge Hotel
A pub built during Newcastle's industrial heyday, the Bridge Hotel is named after the High Level Bridge, which it's right next to.
If that's not enough history, medieval ruins and the castle our city is named after are right next to the pub, which has a stunning view of the Quayside from the beer garden.
Smartly dressed staff add a touch of class, but the Bridge Hotel is not snobby either.
Head towards the Castle Square and the High Level Bridge to visit the Bridge Hotel.
Lady Greys
Pedants may argue Lady Greys is a relatively new pub - which it is - but the old Adelphi was a favourite with Newcastle United supporters before it shut and eventually morphed into Lady Greys.
While many miss the Adelphi, Lady Greys is a great pub in its own right, with an extensive beer selection and good music.
Lady Greys is on Shakespeare Street, close to the Theatre Royal.
The Strawberry
If you're going to St James' Park just once in your life, make sure you call at The Strawberry.
The pub, which is right behind the stadium's Gallowgate End, is dedicated to all things Newcastle United, but everyone gets a warm welcome (except, maybe Sunderland fans, according to a cheeky sign behind the bar).
Don't be put off if it's busy. Rapid service to a match-day crowd is the Strawberry's specialty.
The Trent
This pub is famous for being welcoming to all and a Newcastle institution. The beer is well kept, the staff are friendly, there is a free juke box and a mixed crowd so no one should feel out of place.
Also, like the Strawberry, they know how to get the drinks out to a busy pub on a match-day.
The Trent is on Leazes Lane, just a stone's throw from St James' Park.
Rosie's
Walk into Rosie's and you'll find a traditional city centre pub, the sort of which are sadly disappearing.
There are dark panels, Victorian tiles and historic photos on the wall.
There are also some moving heads behind the bar, which really add to the fun after a few pints.
Rosie's is on the corner of Stowell Street, in Newcastle's China Town.
Bodega (The Black Bull)
Westgate Road's Bodega (known as the Black Bull until the mid-90s) also has a claim to be one of the city's oldest pubs, as archaeologists suspect a pub could have been there as far back as the 1400s.
Back in the 1970s, the Black Bull had a reputation as a bit of a vice den - but it's certainly very different nowadays. The Bodega has won many real ale awards off Camra, has a long bar, tiled floors and staff familiar to a match-day crowd.
The Bodega is close to St James' too, on 125 Westgate Road.
Tilleys Bar
A versatile bar with a huge range of beers and ciders, Tilleys comes recommended for those who like their craft beers and a friendly atmosphere, with staff clued up on how to guide customers through the selection behind the bar.
Again, on match-days the staff are well prepared, and they can offer customers plastic pots to drink in the outside area.
Tilleys is on 105-109 Westgate Road, just down from Bodega and also close to St James' Park.
Heineken Cup Final - Newcastle Quayside fan zone opening hours, drinks prices and food
Pubs, bars & restaurants near St James' Park as the Heineken Cup Final 2019 comes to Newcastle
