http://www.entertainment-newcastle.com/ 1-24 http://www.entertainment-newcastle.com/central-station-area-bars-and-pubs/1-oneills.html Being as I am, a lover of live music in pubs, I tend to visit O'Neill's Bar at least one night a week, normally Friday or Saturday when they have live bands on. This weekend it was both, as well as pre and post gig (Noel Gallagher) drinks there on Thursday too, before the Arena. I'm not ashamed to say also, that living in the city centre and knowing most of the staff reasonably well, I do class it as my "local" and more often than not end up there at some point on a night out. Friday night was The DeeTees who were excellent as always and wouldn't have missed them anyway and Saturday was a band called The babel Fish, who I'd heard some good things about and had never seen before. The result, two nights in O'Neill's :). Being objective, I would say it can be hit and miss at any time. Some nights, especially at weekends it can start and finish absolutely rammed, especially if the music is good. other nights it can fluctuate hugely depending on the night, the weather, the time of month and at weekends, the quality of the music. Most new bands get "3 chances" to impress. If they're any good, they'll get bought/invites back regularly, if they're not considered "right for the venue" they won't. This weekend was excellent as far as the music and atmosphere goes. Both bands were great and the bar was very full both nights, leading to a great atmosphere all round. Prices are probably on average for the area, but if anything slightly high and the service is almost always with a smile and as prompt as the busyness of the bar allows. ]]> Tue, 28 Feb 2012 18:27:43 -0600 109-23 http://www.entertainment-newcastle.com/central-station-area-bars-and-pubs/109-mile-castle.html During my quiet drink along the street at The Union Rooms, I arranged to meet some friends that were out, so I walked along the 100 yards or so The Mile Castle. This is an equally large and equally well restored and maintained, historic building. There are three bars over three floors (though the top floor was shut this evening as it was pretty quiet). Typically of Lloyds No.1 bars (of which this is one) compared to Wetherspoons, there is music playing, so although equally as quiet, there was a bit more atmosphere. I stuck to the real ale and tried 3 different ones over the 90 minutes or so I was there. Big Lamp Special, a nice IPA and a couple of pints of Maximus to finish. All were priced under £2 a pint as they have the same Real Ale night as The union Rooms on a Sunday. Nice company, nice beer and a quiet and relaxed atmosphere. ]]> Tue, 28 Feb 2012 16:21:58 -0600 180-22 http://www.entertainment-newcastle.com/central-station-area-bars-and-pubs/180-union-rooms.html I was a bit bored on Sunday, so I ventured out to re-visit a couple of places I hadn't been in a while. First stop was The Union Rooms. It's a lovely old building and typical of most Wetherspoon / Lloyds bars, it's been well looked after and has a lot of the historical decor etc. intact. Sunday's, or at least this Sunday, it was very quiet, which suited me as I was out on my own here. Service was quick and the price, especially the real ales (which are featured and reduced in price on a Sunday evening) was exceptionally good. I chose the "Stiff Tackle" from the choice of 5 or 6 in the main front bar and at £1.85, who could complain!? ]]> Tue, 28 Feb 2012 16:06:08 -0600