The Monkey Bar! (aka The Market Lane) is open for business!!!! (see review below) Check out some newly added photos and find out the mystery of where the monkey was for all you lasses out there Here

WORLD CUP 2010 FIXTURES AND SCHEDULE CLICK HERE
 
Also there are new photos of our regulars here 

Opening Night Review! By Phil Wilson of Tynefm.com

When I walked into the bar I thought I had walked into a continental railway carriage with big leather style seats! there were the usual friendly faces behind the bar, Lynn, Tom, Carol, Dot and Dave, the Sherrif did arrive but I didn't see his Gold Sherriff star which was requested, I think he will have to buy a box of Quality Street and take the wrapper off a penny toffee and stick it on his shirt!

The conversation last night was about the price of the beer which has shot up to ?2.50 a pint, how the front bar was canary yellow, the nice pictures on the wall, the monkey still being in the bog and the Burberry wall paper.

The regulars I seen seemed to be happy but in my opinion it's gonna take a bit of time for it to grow on many people! 

The decor is very warm and is themed in each area of the bar, there is a wide variety of Beers and Wines in the fridge which is quite a change, the bar was very hot due to the spotlights or maybe it's because it was a full house, there are pictures of the construction of the Tyne Bridge although one of the girders pictured says Middlesborough!!!

I am hoping the designer of this bar who ruined the Baccus hasn't ruined the monkey, I seen him and he looked a bit miffed that people were dissing his efforts, I'll give you a better impression next week!


What is the Monkey Bar?

The Market Lane (Monkey Bar) Newcastle Upon Tyne, is the perfect place to enjoy the best music and conversation about everything under the sun! or should I say out of the sun! just be forewarned that there may be a long line outside on it's closing day so it's best to 'book your seats' early. It should be a lively place again this year, where one can really feel (and smell) the spirit of the occasion. 

The main room is divided into two areas for private conversations. Several people can be seen playing board games, such as backgammon and dominoes, which are available for free Sundays through Wednesdays. Seating is among different-sized tables, including a low one, a tall one and some inbetween ones with a few bench seats for the larger groups. Cosy snug areas are a part of the private seating, adding to the traditional authentic feel.

The waiteresses are most accommodating and well-informed about the interior, pointing out that two other rooms -- "the front room" and the "back room" - feature hand-hewn beams and original stone foundation from around 1845. The "front room" is decorated in a traditional coaching house style with dart board, the back room is the former billiard room and now tastefully converted to house the famous table football. A quick walk around is recommended to appreciate the welcoming interior, just be careful to not tread on some of the dodgy floorboards as you may find yourself in the cellar!

Visitors are invited to sample beers and ales such as Newcastle Brown Ale. Regardless if you prefer a lager, a Guinness / Guiness Cold, a bottle or a stout on a cold Christmas night, you will certainly welcome something warm inside you. The beer list offers a fine selection of imported draft beers.
Add to all of this the fact that The Monkey Bar has a great jukebox and friendly clientele and we'd have to say that this is by far one of the best pubs you could ever experience!

Just read some of reviews we've had so far..

Submitted by Michael on Tuesday, August 24, 2004:
The Monkey Bar is great. A real pub, with real people really enjoying themselves. Locals may be revolting, but that?s Newcastle for you - salt of the earth.

Submitted by Lynn on Monday, August 29, 2004:
Very lively they had an exellent band once. My boyfriend got chatted up by a fella!

Submitted by Andy on Thursday, September 11, 2004:
An underrated gem! Thankfully this pub has escaped the sad trend of the style-bar and is one of Newcastle?s few remaining traditional pubs with a good jukebox, table football and a friendly atmosphere.