Newcastle has a vibrant and sprawling pub scene, spanning the heart of the city’s East to West. Thanks to its working-class history and accessible public transport system, most Newcastle pubs are only a short distance apart.
All aboard the Newcastle Light Rail for the ultimate Pub Crawl, showcasing the best pubs that the city has to offer.
You’re spoilt for choice at Newcastle Beach. The Grain Store boasts 21 beers on tap, focusing on 100% Australian craft beers, a menu inspired by American diners — the ribs are a must — and board games for a rainy day. Located in the historic Grain Store building built in 1885, today the pub has been re-designed to keep some of the old world charm and its central location makes it a perfect destination to catch up with family and friends.
The Grain Store
The Great Northern Hotel is a heritage-listed hotel established in 1863 and a Newy institution. Known for serving up good quality pub food at great prices in its bistro, it has lots of nooks and crannies to dive deep into conversation and hosts live music.
For good burgers, good cocktails and a good time, head to The Ship Inn. This gastro-pub was given a new lease of life recently, with a completely refurbished interior that’s warm and inviting. With a pub menu serving hearty classics and a decent range of beers, wines and spirits, The Ship Inn is a great stop on your crawl.
You can’t think about Newcastle pubs without heading to the Queens Wharf Hotel — a true Newcastle icon. With a relaxed atmosphere, great pub grub, and harbour views, the hotel ticks a lot of boxes.
Cocktails at Queens Wharf Hotel
The Lucky Hotel is the ideal place for a beer with a mate or date. Since its makeover, the hotel has become a spacious, modern and friendly pub, and boasts a large internal courtyard, screens showing a range of sport and a tasty American BBQ-inspired menu.
Occupying a once-derelict art-deco warehouse, Foghorn Brewhouse has an extensive range of craft beer, all brewed onsite. Beer lovers can expect big flavour and aroma, bold new takes on traditional styles and a few new inventions to quench your thirst.
With a menu of handmade pizzas, burger buns and gelato, plus its large tables and seating options, make Foghorn Brewhouse the perfect pub for families and large bookings.
Foghorn Brewery
With an amazing weekend atmosphere, the Clarendon Hotel is your next stop at Civic, in the Newcastle CBD. The hotel has a spacious and lush outdoor beer garden where you can catch up over a range of Aussie beers and wines, all the while tucking into some tasty pub grub. And the best part? Sit back and relax while the live music takes over.
The Family Hotel is an eclectic, lively hangout that hosts a range of events and discounted drinks offers throughout the week. It’s pet-friendly and the menu is stacked full of pub classics — and great vegan and vegetarian options too. What’s not to like?!
The Rogue Scholar is a brewpub that started out as a business dedicated to making delicious locally-made beers, but has transformed into so much more. Enjoy live music from a mix of local musos in the back room on Friday and Saturday nights, and all-day Sundays. Plus, an open mic on Thursday evenings and plenty of quirky events happening every week; there’s plenty to keep you entertained.
Live music at Rogue Scholar
Known for its cool and airy vibes, Honeysuckle Social is a go-to meet up venue for any time of day. Enjoy some laid-back alfresco drinks, or head inside for a cosier setting. Enjoy a menu of fresh and delicious sharing plates and classic cocktails. Honeysuckle Social plays host to live music and DJs from local artists on the weekend.
