UNDERNEATH THE ARCHES

During the summer I mentioned that I may have found the perfect pub, The Endeavour in Whitby. ( Read about it here ) the most perfect pub in UK ?

Well I think I may have found another one. Once upon a time, I worked for over 10 years in the Royal Mail offices behind Newcastle Central Station. The nearest pub was The Telegraph, which was usually full of smoking posties and keg beer, so any Friday lunchtime sessions we had  meant a walk into the city centre. 

Now that I'm no longer there and all the staff have gone, in May earlier this year news came of a new micropub opening , under the railway arches, just along from the old office. Called the Split Chimp and named after the wedge that is put under a cask of ale to tip it ( although why that would be called a split chimp Ive no idea).  

Anyhow, I called in for the first time recently and was really impressed. The place is small but comfortable. There are padded stools next to the window, with benches in the middle of the floor either side of 3 wooden barrels that act as tables. There are a few seats outside.

The pub has three handpulls and a keg font on the short bar. In front and under the bar is an extensive bottled beer fridge. The actual casks are behind the bar cloaked in cooling jackets . All handpulls were local ales.  I ordered a Tyne Bank Cherry Stout, and the beer temperature was spot on. Mind you, and this isn't the pubs fault, I couldn't smell or taste the cheery, but as a stout it was fine. 

When I ordered my pint I was actually asked if I was a CAMRA member and offered 10% discount. This is the first time I have ever been asked directly as most pubs who do offer this have to be asked first.

One feature I particularly like is the large chalk board occupying the part of one wall. It is covered in details of all the beers, bottled beers and wine. Importantly, all prices are shown in clear view, not hidden way stuck on a wall in tiny print. The next beers to be on are also indicated. The board is actually the door of a cupboard, which is the stock room for bottled beers. Next to this store is the single unisex loo, with a wonderful sign for the men to read.

There is an upstairs area , which I didnt investigate and outside is a well lit sign showing opening times. (I would check their Facebook page for these.)
   

During this experience, there was the occasional rumble overhead of trains passing over, which must be louder upstairs . This reminded me of another pub, the Knott Bar, under Deansgate Station in Manchester.

There is no TV, loud music or evidence of the dreaded lager ;  its just a place for conversation, which is fine by me. Good beer, clear pricing, CAMRA discount, whats not to like ? This is Newcastle first micropub and a welcome addition to the city pub scene. As Arnie once said "I'll be back".