PUB OF THE MONTH

FEBRUARY 2011 - ALBERT, NEWCASTLE

Not to be confused with the NEW Albert in Albert Street, or the one on Tynemouth road in the other Newcastle, for those visiting virtually.

The Albert is a quiet pub, just outside Newcastle town centre, situated between the old and new Sainsbury's. Walk from the centre of Newcastle, past the Full Moon and the old Sainsbury's. Cross Rye Croft, using the underpass, and, emerging to street level, The Albert is around 100 metres ahead on the corner of Brindley Street and Liverpool Road. I rarely say "You can't miss it" but it's true, and you can't help but admire the magnificent tiled facade depicting three gentlemen. I don't know if any of them are named Albert, but they are all wearing one.

The sign above the door reads:
" Always a warm welcome THE ALBERT Always a warm welcome"

The same motto is written beside the door, and to quote Lewis Carroll in "The Hunting of the Snark", "What I tell you three times is true". I also like the other motto within, "Be nice or leave". It is a community pub, bustling with friendly, welcoming locals drinking the regular Pedigree, Bombardier and the current guest, Caledonian 80/-, which are always well kept. The emphasis is on pub games with darts leagues on two days and domino and crib nights and a quiz night. The licensees, Cherish O'Malley and Christopher Mychalkiw, spoke proudly of the generosity of their customers, who have raised £1,000 each for Dave Willcocks' Asbestos Victims' Support Group and North Staffs Heart Committee, and are now busy raising funds for the Kidney Patients Association. They were also keen to acknowledge foundations laid by the hard work of the previous licensees John Smith and Salima Premji, upon which they are now building.

The opening hours are: Mon – Thurs 17.00 – 23.00 Fri 12.00 – 23.00 Sat - Sun 12.00-16.00 & 19.00-23.00.

The Presentation will be at 9.15pm on Monday 31st January following the CAMRA meeting at the Freebird.
*If you are travelling by bus inbound to Newcastle, they stop outside, on outbound buses or on the 34/34a from Hanley alight at either Sainsbury's.

The above review was written by Dr Bob for the current edition of the Potters Bar. Pick up a copy in one of our local pubs now.

For earlier reviews, please visit the Archive Section