- Play Hard
- 14th May 2025
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The North East’s wave of craft breweries you need to try
We all know the North East is blessed with stunning coastlines, iconic castles, and a famously warm welcome – but there’s another reason to raise a glass to our region: the bubbling boom of independent craft breweries putting the North East on the beer lover’s map.
Gone are the days when ordering a pint meant a choice between a generic lager or a slightly warm bitter. Today’s brewers are experimental, independent, and passionate about flavour – and they’re crafting some of the most exciting pints in the UK, right here in our backyard.
So, whether you’re into hazy IPAs, satisfying sours, or classic stouts with a twist, here are the North East’s wave of craft breweries you need to try.
Two by Two Brewing
Unit 8 Morley’s Yard, Byker NE6 1PQ
If you like your beer vibrant, hoppy, and brewed with attitude, Two by Two is calling your name. Located in Byker, this brewery has been quietly (and then not-so-quietly) building a cult following. Founded in 2014, Two by Two leans heavily into hop-forward styles – think juicy IPAs and zingy pale ales – but they’ve also dabbled in everything from peach sours to peanut butter porters.
Full Circle Brew Co.
Hoult’s Yard, Byker, Newcastle upon Tyne NE6 2HL
Full Circle is one of the North East’s rising stars and a must-visit for any craft beer lover. Set in Hoult’s Yard in Ouseburn (one of Newcastle’s coolest creative hubs), their brewery and taproom is a slick space where you can sip fresh beer brewed just metres away. They’re best known for their flagship Looper, a tropical IPA that’s as easy drinking as it is flavourful.
Bonus: the taproom is dog-friendly and often has food trucks parked outside.
St Dominic’s Brewery
Blackfriars Restaurant, Friars St, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4XN
History and hops? Yes please. Tucked inside the atmospheric Blackfriars complex, St Dominic’s Brewery is Newcastle’s newest microbrewery – and it’s brewing more than just great beer. Opened in 2024, this beautifully restored space is a nod to the city’s medieval brewing roots, but with a distinctly modern twist. Expect crisp lagers, smooth pale ales and seasonal specials served fresh in the Cloister Garden or at the elegant Parlour Bar.
Donzoko Brewing Company
Stepney Bank, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 2NP
Fresh on the Ouseburn scene, Donzoko Brewing Co. brings laid-back vibes and seriously good beer to its stylish Stepney Bank taproom. Known for their cult-favourite Northern Helles and dark, flavour-packed lagers, Donzoko blends German-inspired brewing with North East soul. With cosy interiors, rotating pours and a cool crowd, it’s the perfect pit stop for a weekend pint with personality.
Pro tip: On a Sunday afternoon, go next door, grab a slice of pizza from the award-winning restaurant Gingerino’s Kitchen, and take part in Donzoko’s stellar pub quiz.
Cullercoats Brewery
Unit 19 Maurice Rd Industrial Estate Westfield Court, Wallsend NE28 6BY
Beer with a conscience? Count us in. Cullercoats Brewery has been making award-winning cask ales since 2011, but it’s their mission-driven ethos that sets them apart. A portion of every pint goes to the RNLI, and they’ve raised over £75,000 for the local lifeboat station. Their brews lean more traditional: smooth bitters, hoppy pale ales, and rich, malty stouts, but they’re always made with care, and they’re proudly local.
Anarchy Brew Co.
Benfield Business Park, Unit A1, Benfield Rd, Newcastle upon Tyne NE6 4NQ
What started in Morpeth as a punky, rebellious little brewery is now one of the North East’s biggest craft beer success stories. Now based in Benfield, Anarchy Brew Co. has an epic taproom with regular gigs, street food nights, and tours that offer a peek behind the scenes. Their beer list runs deep – from core favourites like Blonde Star to hard-hitting DIPAs and dark, decadent stouts. Plus, they’ve just opened a great new pizza hatch, and if you love a social pint, their live music nights and brewery events are a must.
VAUX Brewery
Unit 2 Monk St, Monkwearmouth, Sunderland SR6 0DB
Once a legendary name in Sunderland’s brewing history, Vaux is back – and better than ever. With a sleek taproom and bold, modern beers brewed on site, this rebooted favourite blends local pride with craft innovation. Expect crisp lagers, juicy pales, and a buzzing vibe on matchdays or sunny afternoons by the Wear.
Steam Machine Brewing Company
26 Northfield Way, Newton Aycliffe DL5 6UF
Tucked away in Newton Aycliffe, Steam Machine Brewing Co. has been crafting eclectic beers since 2015. Their taproom, known as the Brewroom, offers a welcoming space with live music, street food, and a rotating selection of unique brews, including barrel-aged saisons and smoked porters. Open on weekends, it’s a community hub where beer enthusiasts can explore a diverse range of flavours in a relaxed setting.
Rigg & Furrow
Acklington Park, Acklington, Morpeth, NE65 9AA
Nestled on a Northumberland farm, Rigg & Furrow is all about rustic, small-batch brewing. Expect fresh, modern farmhouse beers that nod to tradition but pack plenty of flavour. Their cosy taproom and beer garden are worth the countryside detour — bring the dog and settle in for a session.
Wylam Brewery
Palace of Arts, Exhibition Park, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4PZ
Housed in Newcastle’s striking Palace of Arts, Wylam Brewery is as iconic as the beers it brews. From crowd-pleasers like the punchy Jakehead IPA to limited-edition collabs, Wylam is a must for craft lovers. The taproom and live music events make it the perfect spot for a pint with a side of culture.
Twice Brewed Brewing Co
Twice Brewed Inn, Military Road, Bardon Mill, Hexham, NE47 7AN
Set just a stone’s throw from Hadrian’s Wall, Twice Brewed Brewing Co is a gem for hikers and beer fans alike. Their small-batch brews are inspired by the surrounding landscape — think crisp pale ales and hearty stouts perfect for refuelling after a day exploring the Wall.
The best thing about the North East’s beer scene? It’s still growing. New taprooms are popping up, bottle shops are championing local labels, and festivals like Tynedale Beer and Cider are putting our region on the national radar.
So next time you’re reaching for a pint, why not swap your supermarket lager for something brewed just down the road?
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