Colonel Porter's brings the spirit of adventure to Newcastle...

A unique, quirky bar which brings to life the glorious age of the Victorian explorers and adventurers has now opened its doors in Newcastle.

Colonel Porter’s Tavern, Botanical Garden and Rhum Bar – named after the creator of Newcastle Brown Ale, Colonel J Porter – will take drinkers and diners on a magical journey to the past.

The former Canteen and Cocktails bar, at Milburn House, Dean Street, has been transformed and is now packed with everything from a giant flowering tree which spreads out across the ceiling to stuffed animal heads and a roll of honour featuring numerous well-known North East names.

Settings in the bar range from a Victorian-style drawing room to a secret rum bar hidden behind a bookcase which leads to Archie’s lab which will be used for private functions and also to host rum tasting masterclasses.

The bar has been created by John Adamson, of Ramside Estates, which also owns Ramside Hall Hotel, Golf and Spa and Hardwick Hall Hotel near Durham.

Along with a range of cask ales, the bar will offer more than 100 rums and a full programme of unusual events including ‘tipsy teas’ and talks by politicians, explorers and entrepreneurs.

Around 25 jobs have been created, with an undisclosed sum invested in creating the transformed bar.
“I honestly don’t believe the North East will have seen anything like this before,” said Mr Adamson.

“Colonel Porter’s really is a one-off and we’ve pulled out all the stops to create a truly unique bar which will offer a memorable experience for everyone that visits.

“I’m convinced that anyone who walks through the door will be completely blown away by what they see and what we’ve created.”