A pre match pint is part of the Newcastle United experience. On home matchdays, the city centre gradually fills with black and white shirts as supporters meet friends, discuss the team and prepare for the walk to St James’ Park.
When comparing pubs near St James’ Park, distance is only one consideration. A useful matchday pub also needs a suitable atmosphere, enough screens, efficient service and a clear route towards the stadium.
The Geordie Star is located at 79 Westgate Road in Newcastle city centre. It combines live sport, Newcastle inspired décor, drinks and food options in a venue suited to football supporters.
What makes a good pre match pub?
The best pub depends on the type of matchday you want.
Some supporters prefer a traditional pub and a quiet pint. Others want football on multiple screens, music and a louder build up. Groups may prioritise a recognisable meeting point, while visiting fans could value somewhere that captures Newcastle’s local identity.
Before choosing, consider:
How long you realistically need to reach your turnstile
The expected crowd and queue at the bar
The pub’s opening time
Food availability on the day
The size of your group
Accessibility requirements
The atmosphere you want before kick off
Do not calculate your timings using walking distance alone. Busy streets, queues and finding the correct stadium entrance can add time.
Why visit The Geordie Star before the match?
The Geordie Star offers an experience designed around Newcastle culture and live sport. Its décor includes Geordie language and tributes to recognised local figures. This gives visiting supporters a sense of place and provides regular fans with surroundings closely connected to the city.
Multiple screens show televised football and other major events. This can be useful during the build up when an earlier Premier League game is being broadcast before Newcastle United kick off.
The bar also offers pints, cocktails, bottles, spirits and food on selected days. Checking the current menu in advance is recommended, particularly if eating is an important part of your plans.
Planning your pre match schedule
Newcastle United advises that stadium turnstiles normally open 90 minutes before kick off. Your match ticket will identify the relevant access point, and visiting supporters are normally directed to specific Leazes Stand turnstiles. Official St James’ Park visitor information
A sensible plan is to work backwards from the time you want to enter the stadium.
Allow time for the walk, crowds around the ground, locating your entrance and any ticket issues. Digital tickets should be prepared before reaching the turnstile. Screenshots of mobile passes may not work, so supporters should follow Newcastle United’s current digital ticket guidance.
Leaving the pub ten minutes before kick off is likely to create unnecessary stress. The final drink is rarely worth missing the opening minutes of the match.
Meeting as a group
Matchdays become more complicated when several people are travelling from different areas. Choose one venue and agree on an arrival deadline rather than using vague messages such as “somewhere near the ground”.
Provide everyone with:
The full venue name
The address
The booking name
The agreed arrival time
The planned departure time
The walking route towards the stadium
The Geordie Star’s address is 79 Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SQ. Groups should book ahead for busy fixtures and give the venue an accurate number of guests.
After the final whistle
A Newcastle matchday does not necessarily finish when the referee blows the whistle. Supporters often return to the city centre for post match drinks, discussion and other televised football.
Post match arrangements should still be confirmed in advance. Opening hours, capacity and private events can affect availability. The Geordie Star normally opens from midday until late, with earlier published opening on Friday and Saturday, but customers should check the official website for the latest times.
Plan your Newcastle matchday
For supporters searching for pubs near St James’ Park, The Geordie Star provides a Newcastle themed city centre option with live sport, multiple screens and drinks.
Book ahead for major fixtures, arrive early and leave enough time to reach the correct entrance. Good planning means the pub adds to the matchday instead of making the journey to kick off more difficult.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I get a pre match pint in Newcastle?
The Geordie Star at 79 Westgate Road offers drinks, live sport and a Newcastle inspired setting.
What time do St James’ Park turnstiles open?
Newcastle United states that turnstiles normally open 90 minutes before kick off.
Should I book a pub before a Newcastle home game?
Booking is recommended for popular fixtures and larger groups.
Can I watch the early football before going to the stadium?
The Geordie Star shows televised football, although the exact screen schedule should be confirmed.
Is food available?
Food availability varies by day and event. Check the current menu before visiting.