Archbold Terrace,
Jesmond,
Newcastle Upon Tyne,
NE2 1DB
(0191) 2813 010
The ViewNewcastle Review
Formerly known as The Archer, Mr Lynch had a credible history of live music before being taken over by the company who own the restaurant, As You Like It across the street and Apartment near Central Station.
Aside from a refurbishment – including a new stage and sound system, the atmosphere hasn't changed, and it's still as popular as ever with music fans from all walks of life.
The Venue
The decor is sixties kitsch throughout. It's presumably taken its name from the artist, J H Lynch, who painted pictures of sultry looking women. These were popular in the sixties and they're certainly popular here as they're everywhere. They fit perfectly with the mismatched kitsch furniture like sixties egg-chairs and slouchy leather sofas. Little details show that a lot of work has gone into styling this place - there are Roberts radios on the shelves, old-fashioned telephones, and the menus are inside old vinyl album sleeves.
The main portion of the pub, the music venue, is to the left after entering, with a long bar down one side. Opposite is a raised seating area next to large windows which offer the unspectacular views of the nearby office buildings, but they do let in plenty of light.
The stage is at the far end, with a large space for dancing and a few leather couches close to the bar. The other end of the building houses a small cocktail bar, further comfortable seating, and pool tables. Music is a prominent feature of this bar, with the jukebox on virtually all day. They also show live sports on weekends and on evenings when there's no music events. Like the gigs, they're all well-advertised around the bar.
The People
As it's so close to both of Newcastle's universities and the main student residential area of Jesmond, students make up a very sizable portion of Mr Lynch's clientele. The bar is also very popular with office workers, and clocking-off time sees the bar get as busy as the working lunches. Aside from the gigs and DJ sets over the weekend, which draw large crowds of music fans, there's also a popular pool competition every Sunday at 8pm.
The kind of acts it attracts varies from small name touring bands to acoustic chill-out on Sundays, from album launches of local acts with large followings to glorified buskers on the live nights.
All the gigs are well-advertised throughout the bar so it's easy to plan your gig attendance well in advance. The quality of acts on display can vary, but it's usually quite high, and the atmosphere has a great vibe you don't often find in student haunts. It's welcoming and relaxing, while not completely self-conscious.
The Food
Food is served all day and hot and cold sandwiches are available to take away. Their comfort food range covers jacket potatoes, pizza, nachos and chilli, made from locally sourced ingredients and they come in generous portions.
The menu takes pride in its uncomplicated form, however, a new menu is currently being advertised which looks very promising indeed, especially if it follows the standard set as its sister premises across the street, As You Like It.
The Drink
There's a slightly irregular line up on tap, including Caffreys, Amstel, Coors, Staropramen and Grolsch as well as Guinness cold, which can be a little inconsistent in quality here. The bottled range is good, but the spirits and wines selection is far better.
The bar provides a cocktails menu with many of your favorites listed, and while Mr Lynch isn't the cheapest bar, it's certainly not the most expensive, and during happy hour there's the opportunity of a free or half price round by flipping a coin or playing paper, scissors, stone with the staff.
The Last Word
With the exception of the Carling Academy, Mr Lynch is one of the best music venues inside the immediate city centre. Located so close to the Haymarket and the universities, it's not too difficult to find and certainly worth visiting, for lunch, for a gig or just a quiet pint to while away the afternoon with friends.