Lola Jeans Newcastle - The Brasserie Bar

Newcastle is rapidly becoming a hub of fine dining and international cuisine culture, which is further supported by an ever-flourishing development of brilliant new bars and pubs. Many of these new establishments try their hand at being somewhere in between. This is what sets the new installation of Lola Jeans apart, it isn't a hybrid like some of the other cowboys. It is both a stunningly beautiful bar as well as an elegant yet full-bodied dining experience.

Developed as a re-mastered version of the well established Lola Jeans in Tynemouth, the new site has gone above and beyond it's predecessor in terms of décor and vibe. The vintage styling here trumps that of any other venue in the city and will instantly generate an ambience of finesse without feeling archaic. The drinks menu isn't the most extensive, but it doesn't need to be. Most of the classic cocktails are there as well as some original numbers and are delivered with sensual precision. Accompanied with some great beers and again a small but strong wine menu means Lola Jeans is the perfect bar for relaxed drinks with any crowd.

Although the Tynemouth branch has a solid menu, it's city centre sister is much more provocative and racy. They've made increased efforts at being much more extraordinary compared to some of it's competitors, denoted by the inclusion of the likes of the catfish bon bons, smoked pig cheeks and pant-wettingly good beef short rib. And although the sandwiches and burgers are great, the real show-stoppers here are the sharing boards. They've clearly sourced some outstanding produce to make these luscious platters beyond sexy. And although they aren't huge in quantity, you will be hugely satisfied with the sheer quality of the meat they present to you. The service is on par with the great cuisine and enticing surroundings, making Lola Jeans Newcastle the perfect venue for any occasion. And if the message in this final paragraph wasn't clear - you are absolutely indebted to order a meat board here, your stomach demands it! 86%

Lola Jeans - Tynemouth Tastiness

Tynemouth is now well established is a fantastic place to drink and socialise, particularly when the weather is right. But with winter now threatening Newcastle's favourite seaside resort, it's a good thing that Tynemouth is also supported by some great little eateries. Like some of the others in the area, Lola Jeans is another hybrid bar-gastropub. And thankfully it's got the balance just about right.

Walking into this welcoming and warm bar will have you hunting for the menu almost immediately, as punters all around you tuck into their gourmet burgers and planks of animal. The simple ale and cocktails list is inclusive without being overwhelming and will see you with your drink of choice quickly. Sometimes the best drink is the one that's in your mouth the quickest. And although the food menu appears just as simple, the finished products are much far more constructed, beautiful and delicious than you first expected. The service is also friendly whilst remaining informative, just what you'd want from a good gastro-pub.

Alongside the filthy good burgers and decadent ciabattas they also have a range of great little meals, featuring plenty of fresh and flavoursome produce like crayfish, black pudding, calamari and steak. Portions are sufficient but not huge, so the greeders may wish to opt for a solo attempt at one of their loaded meat boards. Although the Jamie Oliver inspired use of chopping boards to deliver food only serves to enrage the Fat Spoon, it is often a great way of translating masses of meat from kitchen to mouth. There's only one gripe with Lola Jeans - the chairs. Wonky, frail and missing chunks; many of them look like they've been sexually assaulted by a drunk bear. But if you're fortunate enough to get a seat on one of the sofas or more sturdy items of furniture, you'll be able to enjoy your food in comfort. All in all, the perfect place for a gourmet pub lunch. 80%

The Bridge Tavern - Give us a Brew Love

Many entrepreneurs in the hospitality trade are greedy pigs. They literally want it all, a fully functioning restaurant that doubles up as a trendy bar, cool coffee house, night club and occasionally a brothel. And generally these places are more confused than the British political system; are occupied by the filth of society and are ultimately doomed to fail. But occasionally they succeed, with the right ingredients of classy styling, quality food and a superior interest in Newcastle's more refined (i.e. not trebles) drinking culture. Town Wall's new sibling is an example of such a place that is more than just a gastro pub. They've taken all of the thrills of the Town Wall - pub food done really well, a very healthy selection of ales and a lively active evening drinking venue, then given it an irresponsible dose of steroids. As well as an on-site microbrewery in collaboration with the Wylam Brewery, that is not only functional but also a very visual attractive. The monstrous variety of ales on tap is probably the only thing that will stop you from climbing into one of the brewing tanks.

The menu holds some small quirks but is largely made up of classic pub food....done excellently, without a whiff of ponce. And best of all, their dishes come only as fat boy portions, always a winner with the Fat Spoon. Aside from the beastly fish and chip that'll have a bite of you if you're not careful; and the Mixed grill for two (hundred) they do also offer some interesting sharing platters and Broad Chare-esque bar snacks. The prices are fair across the board and you can expect some friendly service here. But predominantly, this place is likely to become a nature reserve for real ale drinkers. A place that they can they to find shelter, warmth and great pub food. A place they can sample a huge variety of local and not so local beers. A place they drink without fear of chavs or undergraduate students vulgarly chinning Carling or skittles. 

Although a very friendly and welcoming pub during the day, the Bridge Tavern does have a great 'trendy-pub' type of atmosphere in the evening, just like the Town wall. The great food and microbrewery features given it quite an edge over other 'regular' gastro pubs....which means this place should definitely be on your list of places to try soon. 83%