Full Steam Ahead: The Transformation of Gateshead’s Railway Quarter

The hum of bright chatter fills the air, interrupted only by the clink of glasses and the rattle of an overhead train. The setting sun coats the cosy archways in a snug, golden blanket while passersby are drawn in by the buzzing atmosphere of the local bars. Cradled by the iron railway bridge and wrapped in the warmth of red brickwork, there is no doubt that I’ve found myself in the heart of Gateshead’s Railway Quarter.

The Railway Quarter has quietly grown into a thriving hub for independent businesses.

What is the Railway Quarter in Gateshead?

Tucked away in the North East of England, Gateshead’s Railway Quarter has quietly grown into a thriving hub for independent businesses and community-led spaces. The area is a colourful tapestry of redbrick archways, home to some of the region’s most charming micropubs, artisan shops, and eateries. Located at the mouth of the High-Level Bridge, and just moments away from both Gateshead’s town centre and the Quayside, the Railway Quarter is an endearing oasis not far from the buzz of the city, just waiting to be explored.

The Railway Quarter itself is nothing new. Its name derives from its history as the home of Gateshead East - one of the town’s lost railway stations that connected Newcastle with South Shields and Sunderland. Once echoing with the rattle of trams from 1880 to 1951, Wellington Street is now a creative hub, housing independent businesses within its archways.

These charismatic archways have now long been housing independent businesses - in fact, the renowned butcher and craft beer shop, Block & Bottle (now based in Heaton), first established its name beneath one of Gateshead’s arches.

Before & After: Wellington Street was home to a functioning railway station, Gateshead East, in the 20th century (left), which today houses a variety of creative businesses (right). (p.c. Chronicle Live).

There’s no doubt that the spaces that inhabit Wellington Street are absolute gold dust - both charming and perfectly located. The thing is, they just haven’t seen the kind of lasting permanency needed to build a truly established community. That is, until now.

Since the pandemic, the introduction of new businesses to the Railway Quarter has gradually transformed the area. An eclectic mix of natural wine bars, craft beer pubs, and creative hubs settled in, and what once was seen as a ‘quick stop’ became a destination in its own right, with customers now frequenting these spaces as part of their local routine. The community has continued to flourish and as a new energy has taken hold, it was only right that the area had a name to match its new lease of life - and so, the Railway Quarter was born, coined by the very residents who helped to shape it.

New bronze-lettered signs have recently been installed, officially marking the area as what it is - a shiny community that is here for the long-haul.

So, what treasures can you find nestled in the arches of the Railway Quarter?

New bronze-lettered signs have recently been installed to officially mark the area as the Railway Quarter.

The Residents of the Railway Quarter

The Central Bar, Ale House

This buzzing community is a wonderful mix of unique businesses, marrying the old with the new and blending heritage with modern creativity.

One of the older inhabitants of the Railway Quarter is the Central Bar, a popular pub housed in a beautiful Victorian building just to the side of Wellington Street. The Central Bar is loved by many, often hailed as one of the finest ale houses in Gateshead. Nicknamed the ‘Coffin Bar’ due to its distinct, tapering shape, this pub holds so much character, history, and a great selection of pints.

The Central Bar is a popular Gateshead pub housed in a beautiful Victorian building just to the side of Wellington Street.

Station East, Historic Micropub

Just adjacent to the Central Bar lies Station East, another long-standing member of the Railway Quarter. This unique micropub makes full use of its setting, incorporating two railway arches at the back of the Victorian building to host live music and regular events. The exposed stonework gives the pub an endearing façade, while its cosy interior offers a carefully curated selection of quality beers, ales, and spirits - popular with locals and visitors alike.

Station East is a unique micropub that serves a curated selection of craft beers, ales, and spirits.

Microbus, VW Camper Pub

Newer faces have joined Wellington Street’s creative strip - and they’ve already earned their place as firm favourites.

In 2022, Microbus parked up and transformed one of the archways into a VW camper themed pub with a generous selection of craft beers on tap. Inside, you can even find a live departure board that displays real-time updates for the bus stop just outside, so you know when your next bus might be coming. Most Fridays, you’ll catch live acoustic sets, and if you’re lucky, you’ll spot Harriet, the resident pub dog who runs the show. Beer. Campervans. Bus timetables. It’s a great vibe.

Microbus transformed one of the archways into a VW camper themed pub with a generous selection of craft beers on tap.

Victor Indigo November, Wine Bar & Shop

Head a few doors down, and you’ll find Victor Indigo November (VIN), a shop, bar, and tasting room born from a love of French wines. Since opening in 2023, this gem has become a go-to for wine tastings, indulgent French charcuterie, and an extensive selection of wines from France and beyond. With an ever-changing wine list, you can sample wine flights and enjoy perfectly paired French cheeses and charcuterie. You may also be greeted by their dog and Chief Greetings Officer, Rayna, who will give you a furry, warm welcome!

Victor Indigo November is a go-to for wine tastings, indulgent French charcuterie, and an extensive selection of wines.

Axis

And last but certainly not least, just steps from the High Level Bridge, you can find Axis - a cosy bar and bottleshop boasting a fantastic selection of craft beers and natural wines. Axis has become a favourite of mine, thanks to its great selection of wine (I can never resist the Chin Chin Vinho Verde), the homely atmosphere, and the incredibly warm reception from the owners, Alex and Alice.

Their story is a testament to their hospitality expertise - having met behind a bar in Sydney, the couple went on to manage a variety of bars, breweries, and cafes across the Southern Hemisphere. Upon returning to the UK, they brought with them a clear goal: to recreate the relaxed, easygoing atmosphere and carefully curated drinks menus that made these venues so special.

With nine beer taps and an ever-changing list of wines from small winemakers, Axis has something for everyone. Now, Alex and Alice have not only become integral members of the Railway Quarter community, but they have also cemented Axis as a beloved local bar and a go-to spot for pre-match traditions.

One thing for certain is that they’ve brought a wonderful slice of the Southern Hemisphere to the North East.

Axis is a cosy bar located by the High Level Bridge, offering an extensive choice of craft beers and natural wines.

Axis in Watercolour

I wanted to capture the charm of the view from Axis onto Wellington Street, which I recreated with ink and watercolour.

Whether you’re seeking a relaxed pint, some delicious food, or an evening filled with live music, the Railway Quarter offers a little bit of everything. It’s quickly rooting itself as a creative hub and cultural centre, regularly hosting local food vendors and community celebrations, with a main goal of bringing people together.

Most importantly, it’s breathing new life into the heart of Gateshead. It’s encouraging to see this area, rich in history and industrial heritage, embrace what matters most - a sense of belonging. With several local projects underway by the Gateshead Council, it’s clear that the town is steadily on the rise and embracing change while honouring its industrial heritage and roots. It’s the small changes that make a big difference to the community.

So, why not get a glimpse of this community for yourself?

Your next stop: Gateshead’s Railway Quarter.