A Local's Guide to North East England Breweries and Taprooms
Looking to elevate your festive drinks this winter? With more than 50 independent breweries operating across the region, we’ve rounded up twelve of the best breweries and taprooms that the North East has to offer. Spanning across Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland and Durham, you don’t have to look too far to find some of the finest craft beers and ales bound to delight your senses and provide a spectacular setting or two.
Think of a brewery as a fantastic alternative to a pub garden for a festive toast with your mates or better yet, a Christmas experience that your Dad will actually enjoy. Whether you’re planning a taproom-crawl across the toon, looking to impress family with a quirky spot or just looking for a new go-to local brew, we’ve found the perfect spots to tuck yourself away from the blistering cold and into the warmth of a good ale.
Brinkburn Street Brewery, Byker – Newcastle
Nestled in the heart of the vibrant Ouseburn Valley, this brewery, bar and kitchen is a beloved local community taphouse and events space born and brewed in Byker. Brinkburn Street Brewery offers everything from handcrafted beers, locally sourced cuisine to brewery tours and more. This winter, why not treat loved ones to a tasting tour of Brinkburn Street or better, yet treat yourself? You may even find a secret gateway to an old air raid shelter while you're at it!
2. Rigg & Furrow, Acklington Park Farm - Northumberland
Truly unique, Rigg & Furrow is a farmhouse brewery and taproom shortlisted for Pub of the Year award at Destination North East’s Tourism Awards 2026. Their brewery tap promises over ten farm fresh beers on tap, natty wines, roaring log fires and a healthy rotation spotlighting local food vendors such as Bamburgh’s beloved Potted Lobster, Kooked North and Two J’s Pizza.
3. Donzoko, Ouseburn – Newcastle
A new kid on the block, Donzoko opened it’s taproom doors in the summer of 2024, and has quickly earned it’s place in the popular Ouseburn neighbourhood. Alongside a stellar selection of foamy beers and ales, they also serve a mean negroni and have guest foodie pop-ups such as sarnies from Andre’s and oysters from the O Co. Join their Sunday evening quiz with your favourite trivia-heads for the ideal winter activity.
4. St Dominic’s Brewery, Blackfriars – Newcastle
Launched in 2024 by the team behind the iconic Blackfriars, this micro-brewery is rich with history and offers guided tours for all ale-enthusiasts to enjoy. Once the meeting place for friars to hear readings, discuss friary matters, and assign daily tasks, today Blackfriars is continuing the ancient tradition of brewing, blending historical practices with modern craft brewing techniques and what's more, you can visit St Dominic's for a Beer and Bait tasting session this November.
5. Durham Brewery – Durham
Enjoy a fun and informative tasting experience at Durham Brewery with their knowledgeable head brewer Elly who will give you an inside look at brewing techniques bespoke to their site. While in Durham for a da, why not make a day of it and combine with a Pub and History Tasting Tour and immersive yourself in a number of historic pubs across the city. Discover the best of Durham’s past and pints in one unforgettable walking tour that blends fascinating history with the warmth of traditional British pubs.
6. Two by Two Brewing, Byker - Newcastle
Brewing bold, punchy, vibrant beers Two by Two showcase hop varieties from around the world. Based in Byker, they’re also home to Mexican Stand Off 2025 Winners Flankman serving up authentic Mexican inspired street food to accompany your pint. With the promise of a margarita menu incoming, monthly dog socials and vinyl events, Two by Two is far from your average brewery.
7. Twice Brewed, Hadrian’s Wall – Northumberland
Twice Brewed is nothing short of a Northumberland institution, laying claim to spectacular views of Hadrian’s Wall and even expanding to offer stargazing sessions at their Inn. Boasting their own purpose-built, state of the art eco-brewery, they combine a passion for brewing and the finest ingredients to create a range of ales and lagers to satisfy beer lovers from around the world. On chilly days, cosy up on the fireside sofa following a expedition to Housesteads Roman Fort dramatically perched on an escarpment along Hadrian's Wall.
8. Flash House Brewing Co. North Shields – North Tyneside
Nestled on a hill overlooking the River Tyne, surrounded by workshops and fishmongers, Flash House Brewery opened the doors to their Tap Room almost ten years ago and are still going strong today. Only a stone's throw from the revitalised Fish Quay, they brew small batch, expertly crafted world beers in the old heartland of the industrial North East. Why not grab your mates for a winter wellness morning at the nearby Finnish Sauna in Cullercoats Bay? Celebrate conquering a chilly sea dips with the reward of a perfect pour in Flash House.
9. Wylam Brewery, Exhibition Park – Newcastle
Voted the UK’s third best brewery this year, Exhibition Park’s Wylam Brewery is a Geordie icon in their own right. Though they play host to spectacular events all year round, including their legendary food battles, New Year's Eve Hogmanay and guest DJ sets, they’re widely recognised for their exclusive brews and blends that can only be found within the cosy confines of their tap room and kitchen.
10. Anarchy Brew Co. - Newcastle
Known for their lively line-up of tribute acts and brewery tours, Anarchy Brew are a vibrant, forward-thinking craft brewery, tap room and venue based just outside Newcastle's city centre. They pride themselves on up-and-coming brews while staying true to their crowd-pleasers and their bespoke Shearer's Foundation Brew, a 4.2% Pale with notes of citrus and cucumber. And if you fancied elevating your experience of a perfect Anarchy pour, you can sample some of their highlights in a craft beer tasting with an edge at Four Quarters in the heart of the city centre.
11. The Split Chimp – Spanish City, Whitley Bay – North Tyneside
The Split Chimp is a microbrewery residing in the coastal town of Whitley Bay. Set within the iconic Spanish City, this historical seafront venue which has been lovingly restored to its Edwardian glory offers stunning views of the North Sea. With Lenny’s Monthly Music Quiz, you're welcome to test your knowledge of tunes from 60s-90s over a cold one at the Split Chimp. The perfect tonic after a chilly wander along the coast this winter.
12. Full Circle Brew, Byker - Newcastle
Situated within Hoults Yard, Full Circle Brew is within easy reach of the city centre while still residing in the craft beer haven of Byker and Ouseburn. Their popular taproom overlooks their 30hL brewhouse in it's entirety, providing the ideal spot for guests to fully immerse themselves in their environment. Sit back and enjoy a craft beer and pizza in the glass-fronted taproom or extend your visit with a very special brewery tour for two.