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PLATFORM 2, Station Terrace, Tynemouth
This new micropub opened the last weekend in August.
It was formerly a cafe/bar named ‘Porters Coffee House’.
The owner, Michael Bowman had owned the cafe
since 1994. It was originally the ladies waiting room on
Tynemouth Station. He had always wanted to open his
own micropub since visiting America 6 years ago. So
when the lease came up for renewal - after talking to his
family - he decided to convert the cafe into a micropub.
Mick removed the plaster off the walls to reveal the
original brickwork. The wooden counter was raised to
make the bar. The kitchen was turned into the cellar.
He kept the original wooden coffee shop tables.
He added raised tables, new chairs and stools. The
suspended lighting was also left over from the cafe.
The ‘wine rack’ - on the wall behind the bar - is made
from an old table which was used for storage. A large
picture of George Washington blowing bubble gum
was bought from a London artist. On another wall is
a reproduction ostrich head (don’t ask). There is also
a free vintage jukebox. The railway themed micropub
has railway memorabilia adorning the walls. A real fire
is in the bar. The original staff toilet was converted into
the men’s toilet and the one original toilet was changed
into the women’s toilet. A framed photograph of a very
young Bob Dylan hangs in the men’s toilet.
There are 4 handpulls serving rotating cask ales,
usually from local micro breweries. There are 6 craft
keg taps, 2 of which are for cider and lager. Three taps
are for rotating craft keg beers from local and national
micro breweries. Almasty’s ‘Session Ale’ is always
available. Pork pies and traditional bar snacks are also
available. Traditional pub games are provided. Every
other Wednesday Mick has started a live music night,
featuring 3 different artists.
This is a very dog friendly micropub (ask Ivy, Mick’s
Golden Retriever) which gives free ‘Doggy Snacks’
and water. Children are also welcome up until 7.00pm.
THE INKSPOT, 57 Front Street, Newbiggin by the Sea
Simon Sleightholm and Angie Main opened at the end
of September, in what was formerly a tattoo parlour,
hence the micropub’s name. Both live in Newbiggin
and both have full time jobs. They both work in the
micropub, which is open on Friday, Saturday and
Sunday. It was a joint decision to open the micropub,
as they both love craft ales. Two ‘Lindr Soudek’ twin
tap dispensers from the Czech Republic stand behind
the bar. They plan to increase to 6 taps serving rotating
craft key-keg beers from local and national micro
breweries. There is also a selection of bottled beers
from local micro breweries. Traditional pub snacks
are sold.
The one room bar has a wooden bar counter. One
wall is covered in pages from paperback books.
Various framed prints and artwork hang on the walls.
This is due to Simon and Angie’s shared interest in
literature and art. There is a real wood burning fire.
The micropub’s logo is etched on both windows. A
selection of bottled beers are always on the bar for
free tasting. ‘FemAle’ - an all women tasting evening
- was held on 29th November. Anna from Cullercoats
Brewery was running the event. All the tickets had
sold out within an hour. Women only socials are
planned for the future.
This is another very dog friendly micropub. Simon
and Angie have two rescue dogs, George (a Jack
Russell) and Amos (a Staffordshire Bull Terrier). Any
customer can take a photograph of their dogs and pin
it up in the bar. A ‘Doggy Menu’ of locally made ‘Doggy
Treats’ is available to buy. Free ‘Doggy Treats’ and
water are also available. This micropub supports two
charities. A RNLI collection box is on the bar and they
sponsor YMCA Rooms, which provides a bed for the
night to homeless people.
STAR AND SHADOW CINEMA, Warwick Street, Heaton
This cinema, live music gigs, events and exhibition
venue opened in the former SCS Furniture Store in
May 2018, after moving from its former location
on Stepney Bank in Ouseburn. It is run by over 40
volunteers. The huge cinema room has leather sofas
as the front row seating as well as a vintage organ.
The bar serves craft keg beers from 4 tap dispensers
from local micro breweries. There is also a cafe which
serves vegan, vegetarian and locally sourced food.
JOHN BULL INN, 12 Howick Street, Alnwick
Owner/landlord Gus Odlin has decided to retire.
Hadrian Border Brewery have taken on the lease
of the freehold pub. Gus will continue to reside in
accommodation above the premises. This CAMRA
multi-award winning pub in 2014 won the Regional
Pub of the Year, Overall Northumberland Pub of the
Year and North Northumberland Cider Pub of the Year.
We wish Gus a long and happy retirement (see page 7).
FOX’S DEN, Cellar 2, 4 Riverside, Felton
Is holding a Christmas party charity fund raiser on
Saturday, 15th December. All proceeds will be donated
to the SHAK Animal Welfare Charity.
THE OFFICE, The Toll House, Castle Square, Morpeth
Is holding a Christmas party charity fund raiser on
Sunday, 16th December. They will be raising funds for
their chosen charity for 2019, Benmar House, a MS
Research and Relief Fund.
6 Issue 246 • Winter 2018