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• Steaming Ahead

Years ago as a young lad back in the 80s I remember seeing this dingy run down place travelling on the Sunderland to Newcastle rail line with my folks. This was when Gateshead was pretty much a no go area. However, after a £1m investment by The Head of Steam group in 2010 this Grade II listed building dating from 1856 has been beautifully, stunningly and lovingly restored. It's a proper traditional British boozer, probably my favourite in the Gateshead / Newcastle area. I absolutely love it. It reminds me of The Adelphi in Leeds and The Brass Monkey in Edinburgh. Both of which are unique places. Usually, we always pop in here for the best pint of Erdinger in North of England prior to going to gigs at The Sage which is literally just over the road. The vegetarian menu is quite extensive and they also have clearly labelled vegan options. We had a bowl of their finest chunky chips and veg chilli before going to see Howard Jones recently (coincidentally a veggie). Pretty delicious it was. The Central absolutely rocks. Updated from previous review on 2016-08-09