Platform 2

Platform 2, Tynemouth, North Shields NE30 4RE

Nestled within the charming Tynemouth Metro Station in North Shields, just a short ride from Newcastle, Platform 2 is a taproom that effortlessly blends heritage with modern hospitality. Once a humble station waiting room and later a coffee house, this bar has been tastefully reimagined into a buzzing craft beer haven – and it’s no surprise it’s a local favourite.

The vibe here is warm and welcoming, thanks to its clever mix of old and new. Think exposed red brick walls, rustic wooden floors, towering ceilings with industrial-style pendant lamps, and big windows that flood the space with natural light. It’s one rectangular room with a great flow — perimeter seating hugs the edges while a good number of wooden tables fill the centre. It’s stylish but unpretentious, the kind of place where you can just as easily enjoy a quiet pint or a lively catch-up with friend.

Platform 2 boasts an impressive selection behind the bar: four cask ales, nine keg taps, a still cider, and a wide variety of wines, spirits, and canned craft beers (available to drink in or take away). During our visit, we sampled standouts like Cloudwater’s Fifty Summers Pale Ale, Polly’s Brew Co’s Gruxle Pale Ale, and Vault City’s Screwball Sour. Every pour was fresh and full of flavour – the lineup clearly curated with care.

Adding to the appeal are some lovely extras: a free vintage-style jukebox playing eclectic tunes, a stack of board games for relaxed afternoons, and a spacious outdoor drinking area right on the station concourse. Live music nights and big-screen sport screenings keep the calendar busy, and there’s always a buzz about the place — it can get noisy, but in that infectious, community-pub kind of way.

The staff are a real asset too — friendly, knowledgeable, and always happy to chat through what’s on tap. And being directly on the Metro line means you’re never far from home, making it an ideal pre- or post-journey pit stop.

Open seven days a week from 3pm (noon on weekends), Platform 2 is everything you could want in a modern taproom with a historic twist. Great beer, great atmosphere, and a truly unique location. Highly recommended.