Greggs opens a pub in Newcastle: how do the pastries taste with beer.

According to The Sun: The Golden Flake Tavern has opened in Newcastle, and Greggs fans are thrilled.

Upon learning about the opening of the Greggs pub, I thought: 'A sausage roll from Greggs and beer in one place? I'm in!'

But what I didn't expect was a traditional, cozy pub with an impressive menu that can compete with the best establishments.

When I walked in, I felt like I had stepped back in time: the interior was decorated with local art, a jukebox, board games, and cozy lounges. Unusual details gave the pub authenticity—from branded coasters to a frame featuring legends of the Geordie Ant and Dec.

The Golden Flake Tavern feels more like an old favorite pub rather than a pop-up bar. Even the television was showing old Newcastle United matches, so you could relive classic moments from St James' Park with a pint in hand.

Newcastle is home to Greggs, so the opening of this pub in the city center makes perfect sense. There are already 20 shops, one of which is inside the huge Primark on Northumberland Street.

I decided to try the most popular dishes at the Golden Flake to see if Greggs could really deliver pub food.

Best Dishes

The Golden Flake Tavern menu is packed with Greggs favorites reimagined as pub dishes. Classic offerings include the Chicken Bake Parmo (£11.75)—a pie soaked in cheese sauce, with potato wedges and a side salad; and the Steak Bake Mixed Grill (£12.50), served with chunky chips, mushrooms, and tomatoes.

I chose the pub's main dish—sausage roll with mashed potatoes. The presentation was impressive: the sausage roll was neatly cut in half and placed on top of the mash, Michelin-style.

The sausage roll and mash simply impressed with their elegant presentation. The next dish was one of the sharing platters: A Taste of the Golden Flake, perfect for those who want to try a bit of everything—with wedges, chicken nuggets, macaroni cheese, and Chicken Bake Parmo. The platter also includes delicious hot honey, perfect for dipping nuggets, and the tastiest pesto I've ever tried.

This platter costs £15.50 and can easily be shared between two. On Sundays, the Golden Flake Tavern offers a Greggs-style carvery—you can choose between steak pie, chicken pie, or cheese and onion pie, all served with traditional sides for Sunday lunch. The carvery is served from 11 am to 5 pm, with last orders at 3:30 pm, costing £17.50 per person or £20 for a main course and dessert.

Best Drinks

The Golden Flake bar offers a wide range of popular soft drinks, spirits, wines, and draft beers. They have also crafted their own cocktails and beers in the style of Greggs. I tried the Gosforth 1939 Stottie Lager (£6.50)—a beer named after the Greggs story. It was made with real stotty cake and had a rich yet light flavor.

The cocktail menu includes drinks like The 96 Mule, Tyne Bramble, and Spiced Caramel Doughnut Old Fashioned. A real hit was the cocktail 'Pink Jammie Fizz', a sparkling drink served in a Prosecco glass dusted with powdered sugar. I expected a standard taste but was amazed by its flavor—from sweetness to jammy center. This drink became the perfect sweet accompaniment to my main course.

Room for Dessert?

At Golden Flake, there are two desserts on offer: Pink Jammie Trifle and Yum Yum Bread and Butter Pudding. I couldn't decide, so I ordered both. The Pink Jammie Trifle is a layered dessert with jammy doughnuts, jelly, jam, cream, and whipped cream. It turned out to be too sweet, especially after the cocktails. Instead, the Yum Yum Bread and Butter Pudding impressed: warm and nostalgic, with a glaze that gave it an edge.

Ending the meal with dessert and hot tea in a cozy pub brings true happiness. With a pleasant atmosphere, delicious food, and intriguing cocktails, I left the Golden Flake Tavern envious of those who have it in their neighborhood. For many in Newcastle, this pub becomes the first stop on a night out.

“Greggs is a part of our life here. Everyone goes to the 24-hour shop after a night out,” said 20-year-old student Keris.

“Me and my friends will definitely stop by here before a night out.”

The Golden Flake Tavern is open daily from 11 am to 7 pm at Fenwick Newcastle. The pub is open for visitors until February 2026.