The Duke of Wellington, Newcastle Central, Newcastle Upon Tyne

Open plan L-shaped bar, though there’s some isolated character features including a nice carved dark wood bar and stained glass window uppers. Sky Sports News for company. Nine pumps with six ales, two ciders and two unclipped. My original choice of Tyne Bank Rhubarb and Custard was murky and utterly flat. Changed with passive aggressive attitude from the old fishwife at the bar (apparently "it's meant to be like that"…yeah right). The replacement of Wylam Centennial was better. Noted the original murk wasn’t taken off. Only one other punter in and perhaps easy to see why. Given the riches nearby I wouldn't bother with this one again unless there's an attitude overhaul.

A smallish L shaped room with a tiled floor. The pub has mostly conventional seating with banquettes and large chairs but there is also a drinking ledge with a row of stools. Most people were standing during our visit and it was difficult to move around in the small space but we did eventually get to sit down. Seven pumps, Copper Dragon Golden Pippin, Harviestown Bitter and Twisted, Tribute, Deuchers IPA, GK Olde Trip, one unclipped and Old Rosie cider. So as others have said, a decent range but lacking in anything unusual. It was never going to be a long stay here as in addition to the scrum around the bar, they had no white wine which didn't go down especially well with my wine drinking partner. Decor is a mix of light walls and modern dark patterned wallpaper, there are a few local scenes and a couple of TVs set high on the walls. Food is served, I didn't see the main menu but the Lite Bites menu on a chalkboard looked good value providing you like chips as everything on it came with them, they even do chip butties at £2.50 a go. Not a bad pub at all but being out of wine at 5:30 on a Friday is a bit odd.