The World's First Dog Stag Do

Overlooking the Tyne Bridge, there can’t be many better spots than The Central Bar for that first beer on Tyneside. Nestled a stone's throw from the bridge on the Gateshead side, this pub might be narrow in shape, but it has a wide range of delicious craft beers and the staff there adore dogs. It also has live music, a whisky bar, a terrace and a pinball machine - what more could you possibly want from a pub!? Plus it is the perfect launching spot for your bar crawl as you symbolically march across the river into Newcastle City Centre.

One of the first dog friendly venues you'll find across the River Tyne is Dat Bar. A solid second spot, it is probably not the sort of place you'd expect to see a dog. This is a pretty funky, urban hangout that does banging bait and craft beer. You and your furry friend will be welcomed to the Toon in style here.

It is also ideally placed for the next stop – Lola Jeans – which is also on Market Street. And whilst they love dogs, it is burgers that brings most punters here. They are the stuff of legend and frequently crowned the best in Newcastle. Given we like our food up here, then that’s high praise indeed. Cocktails and craft beers are also on tap, but if you haven’t already, it might be wise to line your stomach with one of their juicy patties.

If this is a day session, then it makes sense to pop down the Ouseburn. Arguably Tyneside's trendiest postcode, it is also a top contender for the best day session destination in the North East (sod it, the world). On a summer’s day, there’s nowhere better for a pint as you gauze over Ouseburn Valley. The Ouseburn yourself is slightly out of the city centre – you can definitely walk there but we’d recommend getting a (dog friendly) Metro to Byker before enjoying a fast descent down the bank (trust us, getting there is much easier on the lungs than getting back!) Plus remember, your dog still needs exercising even when you’re on the lash, so this ticks that box too. And if your dog is single, this is probably where puppy love will strike as it is THE place for fellow dog walkers. Pubs are usually packed with people and their pups.

The Cumberland Arms is one spot that you’re bound to bump into another dog, especially in the summer. Known for a wide range of ales and a scenic beer garden, this is a very chilled boozer popular with the likes of musicians and artists. It has always welcomed dogs and there’s a good chance someone will be strumming a guitar inside when you order.

And nearby, there’s another legendary local dog friendly venue, The Cluny. Primarily a live music venue, it has hosted gigs from megastars such as Mumford and Sons, Solange Knowles and Arctic Monkeys while frequently being named among the top 100 beer bars on Earth. Staff won't bark if you bring in your pet, nor will you if you then hope along the road to the equally as beloved Tyne Bar.

While it doesn't get the big names like the Cluny, this still gets the crowds – especially on a Sunday – as hundreds stand near the River Tyne to watch local live acts. The place to sample some of the North East's best independent brewers (Almasty, Wylam and Anarchy Brew Co are all regularly poured here), this is one of our favourite dog-friendly pubs. It is chilled, they do cracking food and tucked just along from the busy party of the Quayside it is magnificent for a spot of people watching. And as your crawl starts to slow as the booze hits home, you probably have one of two routes from here.

We'd recommend heading either to By The River and making a night of it, or heading up to Jesmond Beach Box – although from the Quayside that is quite the hike, so consider this as an alternative first bar.

Both are all-in-one complexes that have everything you and your furry friend need to finish off the day with a bang. Good beer? Check. Street food to soak it up? Check.

These are also two of the busiest drinking spots in the city, both regularly packed at the weekend and great for a bit of dancing and sunshine.