The Free Trade Inn
One of Newcastle's best-loved real and craft ale pubs, with a beer garden offering some of the finest views west over the Quayside and the Tyne bridges.
About The Free Trade Inn
The Free Trade Inn is one of Newcastle's oldest and best-loved real and craft ale pubs, on St Lawrence Road above the Ouseburn. The former beerhouse probably opened shortly after the 1830 Beer Act; the building was rebuilt in 1896, altered in 1919 when it was taken over by Scottish & Newcastle, and after a spell of closure was granted a full drinks licence in 1963. It is an unfussy, characterful pub that has become a local institution, championing beer from the North East and further afield.
A serious cask beer pub, it offers a superb and frequently changing range of real and craft ales. Its greatest draw, though, is the view: the beer garden and terraced seating areas, including one across the road, look up the River Tyne towards the Quayside and the famous bridges, widely rated among the best pub views in the city. On a sunny day it is one of the finest places in Newcastle for a pint above the river.
Featured in These Guides
Blog posts and guides that feature The Free Trade Inn.
The Best Pubs & Bars in Ouseburn
A guide to the best independent pubs and bars in Newcastle's Ouseburn valley, from real ale havens and riverside beer gardens to live music institutions.
Dog-Friendly Heaton: Pubs, Cafes & Walks
A local guide to the best dog-friendly pubs, cafes and walks across Heaton, the Ouseburn valley and east Newcastle.
The Best Beer Gardens in Heaton & Ouseburn
Where to drink outdoors in east Newcastle this summer, from riverside benches beneath the bridges to hillside terraces with views over the Tyne.
More Food & Drink in Heaton
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The Cumberland Arms
A traditional hilltop free house above the Ouseburn known for real ale, folk and roots live music, and a lively events programme.
The Tyne Bar
An independent riverside pub open since 1994, famous for its beer garden beneath the Glasshouse Bridge and a programme devoted to free live music.
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