Rosies Bar

You’ll find Rosie’s on Stowell Street, Newcastle’s famous Chinatown. Situated at the end of this long street of restaurants, it’s spitting distance from the Chinese arch and less than a minute’s walk from St James’s Park, home of course, to Newcastle United.

The Venue
This drinking-only pub, though rather small, has a classic corner bar feel to it. The corner entrance leads to a very small lounge area, while the bar dominates the centre of the room.

The rest of the seating is tall tables and bar stools and while it must have a small capacity, it’s certainly more than able to pack in a fairly large crowd without feeling cramped. Newcastle memorabilia, such as the classic photos and signed shirts, are dotted on the walls, but the most striking element on display is the large novelty clock, rocketing through the hours at a disquieting pace.

There’s also a collection of costumed mannequin heads above the bar, with placards such as ‘Cousin Albert’ or ‘Aunt Beatrice’ underneath. Keep an eye on them, as they turn occasionally from one side to another, seemingly at random. The toilets are tucked on either side of the bar and there’s a selection of games machines for good measure. The jukebox has a great selection and the management always keep the music playing throughout the day.

The People
Its convenient proximity to St James’s makes it a popular choice with the footie crowd before, after and during matches, which it shows on its two large plasma screens. It also shows other events (especially the rugby) and has a welcoming attitude to all kinds of sports fans. It’s also a regular starting point for those on a night out in China town, though it has very few Oriental people among its clientele. This is in a way surprising as it’s by far one of the friendliest bars you’ll come across in the city, and Chinese, English and all are greeted by a genuinely warn team of bar staff.

The Drink
There are some beers available in every bar in Newcastle. Fosters is definitely one of them, followed closely by Kronenbourg. Alongside these are Carling, Stella Artois, John Smiths and Guinness (this and Smiths also available extra cold). The two standard on-tap ciders, Strongbow and Woodpeckers, are present and correct, and the bottled selection is fairly good. Wines are plentiful too, with house bottles available for £8 in happy hour.

The Last Word
The beer is very reasonably priced, the atmosphere almost like that of a large family, and it has plenty of sport on offer, with good music in between. Definitely a bar you’ll want to return to again and again.

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