Red House: Proper Pub Pies in a Historic Newcastle Setting

Red House sits on Newcastle’s Quayside in a Grade II listed building and leans fully into its identity as a traditional public house. Exposed wooden beams, low ceilings and open fires set the tone immediately. It feels historic because it is.

We visited on a weekday evening for dinner. The focus here is pie and mash, real ale and a setting that encourages you to settle in rather than move on quickly. It’s connected internally to its sister pub, Bob Trollops, so you can shift between the two without stepping outside. Useful on colder nights.

This isn’t a modern gastropub or a stripped-back dining room. It’s a pub first, with food that has become the main reason many people book a table.

What We Ordered

Pies are £13.45 each and include a choice of potato, peas and liquor.

Steak and Newcastle Brown Ale pie – £13.45

Served with chips instead of mash and meat gravy. The beef was tender, and the ale added depth without becoming heavy. The pastry, supplied by Pink Lane Bakery, was sturdy and well baked, holding the filling properly rather than collapsing. Swapping mash for chips was straightforward and accommodated without issue.

Chicken, leek and ham pie – £13.45

Served with red wine liquor and peas. The filling was well balanced, with the salt from the ham cutting through the creaminess of the sauce. The red wine liquor added richness without overwhelming the pie.

Cauliflower cheese – £4.50

A generous side portion with a thick cheese sauce. It worked well alongside the pies and didn’t feel like an afterthought.

Portions were substantial. This is filling food built around classic combinations rather than presentation.

Total food spend was £30.40. Drinks — a glass of wine and a pint — brought the overall bill to £41.30.

The Setting

The layout is typical of an old pub: several smaller rooms and tables set into different corners rather than one large open space. There are nooks and alcoves throughout, which make it easy to find a quieter spot.

It has the feel of an old-school local, but in a way that’s reassuring rather than dated. The fire was lit during our visit, which suited the cold evening and added to the atmosphere.

You order at the bar once you’ve chosen your food. We booked a table to guarantee seating. It wasn’t particularly busy midweek, but it does get much busier at weekends, especially if you’re going specifically to eat, so booking is sensible.

Service

Service was quick and informal. Staff were friendly and efficient, and food arrived promptly after ordering. The bar-service model keeps the experience relaxed rather than structured.

Price & Value

At £13.45 for a pie with sides, pricing is reasonable for the portion size and quality. Adding a side and a drink each brought our spend to just over £20 per person.

This is not a varied menu or a small-plate concept. It’s focused and consistent. If you want a substantial, traditional pub meal at a fair price in a central location, it delivers.

Who It’s For

Good for:

• Couples or friends wanting a relaxed pub dinner

• Visitors to the Quayside looking for traditional food

• Groups who want to eat and continue drinking afterwards

Less suited to:

• Anyone wanting table service throughout

• Diners looking for a broad or contemporary menu

The Practical Details

Located on Newcastle Quayside in a Grade II listed building.

Order at the bar.

Booking is recommended at weekends if eating.

Connected internally to Bob Trollops.

The Verdict

Red House does not try to modernise itself, and that works in its favour. The pies are well-made, filling and consistent, supported by a setting that feels genuinely historic rather than styled to look that way.

If you want a traditional pie and mash in a characterful pub environment, it’s a reliable choice. If you’re seeking variety or a more polished dining format, you may find it limited.